Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle and connective tissue of the uterus.

Some women have fibroids without any symptoms and may only need monitoring. Others may experience symptoms significant enough to require treatment.

Women with symptomatic fibroids may experience:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Passing blood clots
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Abdominal fullness or bloating
• Frequent urination
• Pressure on the bladder
• Constipation or pressure on the bowel
• Lower back discomfort
• Pain during intercourse
• Fatigue related to heavy blood loss
• Anaemia in some patients

If heavy bleeding or pelvic pressure is affecting daily life, a specialist evaluation can help determine whether fibroids are responsible.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not completely understood, but several factors may influence their development and growth.

Common risk factors include:

• Hormonal influence: Estrogen and progesterone can contribute to fibroid growth.
• Family history: Women with a close relative who has fibroids may have a higher chance of developing them.
• Age: Fibroids are more common during the reproductive years.
• Obesity: Higher body weight may be associated with an increased risk of fibroids.
• Early onset of periods: Starting menstruation at a younger age may be linked with a higher risk.
• Lifestyle and metabolic factors: Diet, physical activity, and other health factors may also play a role.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that fibroids will develop.

Many uterine fibroids do not cause serious problems, but symptomatic fibroids can sometimes lead to complications.

Possible complications include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anaemia
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Bladder pressure and frequent urination
• Constipation or bowel pressure
• Abdominal enlargement
• Pain during intercourse
• Fertility or pregnancy-related concerns in selected cases

For Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), possible procedure-related risks may include:

• Pain or cramping after the procedure
• Nausea or temporary fever
• Bruising or bleeding at the catheter entry site
• Infection
• Temporary changes in menstrual cycles
• Reduced ovarian function in some patients, particularly depending on age
• Rare vascular or contrast-related complications
• Need for additional treatment if symptoms persist or recur

Your interventional radiologist should discuss the expected benefits and possible risks before treatment.

You should consider seeing a doctor if you experience:

• Heavy periods that affect daily life
• Menstrual bleeding lasting longer than usual
• Passing large blood clots
• Persistent pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Increasing abdominal fullness
• Unexplained tiredness or weakness due to anaemia
• Fibroids that appear to be increasing in size
• Symptoms that continue despite medication

Fibroids are common and are usually benign, but persistent symptoms should be properly evaluated so the right treatment option can be chosen.

The evaluation of uterine fibroids usually begins with a detailed medical history and clinical examination.

Your doctor may ask about:

• Menstrual bleeding pattern
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Urinary or bowel symptoms
• Previous treatments
• Pregnancy and fertility plans
• Medical and surgical history

Common investigations may include:

Pelvic Ultrasound

Ultrasound is often the first imaging test used to identify uterine fibroids and assess their size, number, and location.

MRI Pelvis

MRI may be recommended in selected patients, particularly when detailed mapping of the fibroids is needed before Uterine Artery Embolization.

It can help assess:

• Number of fibroids
• Size
• Location
• Blood supply
• Other uterine conditions

Blood Tests

Blood tests may be advised to check:

• Haemoglobin levels
• Anaemia
• Kidney function
• Other relevant health parameters

Gynaecological Evaluation

In some patients, additional evaluation may be needed to rule out other causes of abnormal bleeding or pelvic symptoms.

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, fibroid size and location, age, future pregnancy plans, and individual preference.

Possible treatment options include:

Observation

Small fibroids that are not causing symptoms may only need regular monitoring.

Medication

Medicines may help control symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain, but they may not eliminate the fibroids.

Uterine Artery Embolization

UAE is a minimally invasive treatment performed by an interventional radiologist.

It reduces the blood supply to the fibroids, allowing them to gradually shrink over time.

Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.

Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus and may be recommended in selected patients when other treatments are not suitable.

Other Minimally Invasive Options

Depending on the individual case, other image-guided or energy-based treatments may also be considered.

The best treatment should be selected after a complete evaluation.

Uterine Artery Embolization Procedure

UAE is performed using image guidance in an interventional radiology suite.

Step 1 — Preparation

The patient is evaluated before the procedure, including review of imaging, blood tests, symptoms, and medical history.

Step 2 — Small Catheter Access

A small puncture is made in an artery, usually through the groin or wrist depending on the clinical situation.

A thin catheter is then introduced into the blood vessel.

Step 3 — Image-Guided Navigation

Using real-time X-ray imaging, the interventional radiologist guides the catheter toward the uterine arteries.

Step 4 — Selective Embolization

The arteries supplying the fibroids are identified.

Tiny embolic particles are carefully delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the fibroid tissue.

Step 5 — Gradual Response

The fibroids do not shrink instantly.

Over the following weeks and months, the reduced blood supply can lead to gradual reduction in fibroid size and improvement in symptoms.

For appropriately selected patients, Uterine Artery Embolization may offer several potential benefits:

• Minimally invasive approach
• No large abdominal incision
• Uterus is preserved
• Catheter-based treatment
• Can treat multiple fibroids during the same procedure
• Shorter recovery compared with major surgery in many patients
• Reduced hospital stay in suitable cases
• Improvement in heavy bleeding
• Relief from pelvic pressure symptoms
• Faster return to routine activities compared with major open surgery in many cases

UAE is not suitable for every patient, so the expected benefits should always be discussed after specialist evaluation.

Recovery after UAE varies from person to person.

During the first few days, some patients may experience:

• Pelvic cramping
• Tiredness
• Mild nausea
• Temporary low-grade fever
• Discomfort at the catheter entry site

These symptoms are usually managed with medicines and supportive care.

After the procedure, patients are generally advised to:

• Take prescribed medicines as directed
• Drink adequate fluids
• Rest during the early recovery period
• Avoid strenuous activity until cleared by the treating doctor
• Keep the catheter access site clean
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Report persistent fever, severe pain, unusual bleeding, or worsening symptoms

Improvement in menstrual bleeding may begin relatively early in some patients, while reduction in fibroid size usually occurs gradually over the following months.

Advanced Image-Guided Care
UAE is performed using catheter-based interventional radiology techniques.

Minimally Invasive Approach
Treatment is performed through a small vascular access point without a large surgical incision.

Individualized Fibroid Assessment
Not every fibroid requires UAE. Treatment should be selected after reviewing symptoms and imaging.

Uterus-Preserving Treatment Option
For selected women who want to avoid hysterectomy, UAE may be considered as one of the available treatment options.

Interventional Radiology Expertise
Make the treating interventional radiologist highly visible on the page because current Hyderabad competitors prominently emphasize specialist expertise.

Cost depends on diagnosis complexity, condition severity, investigations, treatment type, hospital stay duration, medicines, and insurance coverage conditions.

For accurate planning, request a personalized estimate after specialist consultation and test review.

Insurance and cashless support may be available based on policy terms, hospital empanelment, and insurer approval.

• Policy and eligibility review support
• Pre-authorisation and documentation assistance
• Approval coordination with insurer or TPA
• Billing and discharge guidance for approved cashless cases

Epic International Hospitals in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad offers consultation, diagnosis, and treatment planning for treatment with specialist support.

Patients commonly reach the hospital from nearby areas including Jubilee Hills, Ameerpet, Punjagutta, Mehdipatnam, Somajiguda, and other parts of Hyderabad.