Medically reviewed by William Fox, M.D. · Updated October, 2026
Fibroids that cause no symptoms often need no treatment. Your doctor monitors them at regular visits, with imaging when needed to track changes. Many fibroids naturally shrink on their own after menopause.
Do I have fibroid symptoms? →
Hormonal birth control, IUDs, and other prescription medications can help reduce heavy bleeding and ease fibroid symptoms. However, they do not remove fibroids, and symptoms may return when treatment stops.
Can medication shrink fibroids?→
UFE blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. It treats all fibroids in one session while preserving the uterus. Most women go home the same day and resume normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
How UFE works →
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to shrink fibroids. MRI-guided focused ultrasound uses sound waves without incisions. Endometrial ablation reduces heavy bleeding but is not for women planning future pregnancy.
How Ablation works →
Surgery that removes fibroids and leaves the uterus in place. It is often recommended for women who plan to become pregnant. Recovery depends on the surgical approach and can take 4 to 6 weeks. New fibroids can grow later.
UFE vs. myomectomy →
Surgery that removes the uterus. It is the only treatment that guarantees fibroids cannot return, and it ends the ability to carry a pregnancy. It is major surgery, and recovery can take 6 to 8 weeks.
UFE vs. hysterectomy →
| Treatment | Type | Preserves Uterus | Typical Recovery | Future Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFE WHAT WE DO | Minimally invasive procedure | Yes | 1-2 weeks | Pregnancy Possible |
| Watchful waiting | Monitoring | Yes | None | Not affected |
| Medication | Pills, injections, or hormonal IUD | Yes | None | Varies by medication |
| Myomectomy | Surgery | Yes | 4-6 weeks | Yes |
| Hysterectomy | Major surgery | No | 6-8 weeks | No |
| Endometrial Ablation | Minimally invasive (typically for heavy bleeding) | Yes | 2-3 weeks | Not recommended |
Both treat fibroids. One removes the uterus and one keeps it. See how recovery, risks, and results compare.
Both keep the uterus. Compare surgery that removes fibroids with a procedure that shrinks the fibroids.
One treats the uterine lining. The other directly treats the fibroids. See which problem each treatment is designed to solve.
Same-day outpatient procedure
Most are back to normal activities within 1-2 weeks
No surgical incision, uterus preserved
Performed by interventional radiologists
About 90% improve after UFE
Cited in the Society of Interventional Radiology
Watchful waiting and medication involve no procedure at all. Among treatments that act on the fibroids themselves, uterine fibroid embolization, radiofrequency ablation, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound are the least invasive. None of them requires open surgery, and all of them keep the uterus.
Yes. Many women manage fibroids with monitoring, medication, or a minimally invasive procedure such as uterine fibroid embolization. Surgery is one option, not the only one.
Tell your doctor about your plans before you choose. Myomectomy is the treatment most often recommended for women who want a future pregnancy. Pregnancy is also possible after UFE, and your gynecologist and interventional radiologist can help you weigh the two. Hysterectomy ends the ability to carry a pregnancy, and endometrial ablation is not recommended if you want one.
It depends on the treatment. Hysterectomy is the only option that guarantees fibroids cannot return. New fibroids can grow after myomectomy. Fibroids are not likely to grow back after UFE, though some women need another treatment later. Medication controls symptoms only while you take it.
Most women start with a gynecologist, who diagnoses fibroids and can offer medication or surgery. An interventional radiologist performs uterine fibroid embolization. Seeing both gives you the full picture.
You can request a UFE consultation with Texas Endovascular online or by phone.
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