Uzm. Dr. Ertan Özen
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- 36+years exp.
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Gynaecological Procedures
Uterine artery embolization
What uterine artery embolization is, how tiny particles block the blood supply to fibroids, what the evidence says about symptom relief and fertility, who is and is not a candidate, approximate costs in Turkey against the UK, US and Germany, recovery after the procedure, how it compares with myomectomy and hysterectomy, risks and how to choose a unit.
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Prof. Dr. Zehra Neşe Kavak
GynaecologyVerified
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Uterine artery embolization in Turkey: what it is and how it works
Uterine artery embolization (UAE), also called uterine fibroid embolization, is a non-surgical treatment for fibroids in which an interventional radiologist blocks the arteries that feed them. A thin catheter is guided through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin into the uterine arteries under X-ray, and small particles are injected until the fibroid blood supply slows or stops. Fibroids that lose their blood flow shrink over the following months, while the normal womb muscle recovers through other vessels. Nothing is removed, and there is no cut in the abdomen.
Most women look it up because of heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bloating or frequent urination from fibroids and want to avoid a hysterectomy. This guide explains how the procedure works, what the evidence says about results and fertility, who it suits, what it costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, what recovery looks like and how to choose a unit. For related gynaecological options see our gynaecology treatments in Turkey.
How are the fibroids starved of blood?
The treatment is done in an angiography suite by an interventional radiologist, usually under local anaesthetic with sedation. The steps are straightforward.
- A small puncture is made, most often in the radial artery of the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin.
- A catheter is steered into each uterine artery while contrast dye shows the vessels on screen.
- Embolic particles, such as spheres of polyvinyl alcohol or a similar material about half a millimetre in size, are injected until the flow to the fibroids is reduced.
- The catheter is withdrawn and the puncture is closed with pressure or a small closure device.
The procedure takes about 45 to 90 minutes. Because the particles can reach both arteries through one puncture, a single entry point is often enough.
Does uterine artery embolization work? What the evidence says
For the right patient, yes. Trials and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK support embolization as a recognised option for symptomatic fibroids, and most women report a clear improvement in heavy bleeding and bulk symptoms within three months. Fibroids typically shrink by roughly a third to a half in volume over six to twelve months, although the range is wide. A proportion of women, usually described as around one in five over several years, need further treatment such as a myomectomy or hysterectomy because symptoms return or fibroids regrow.
What is less certain is fertility. Pregnancy after embolization has been reported and is possible, but there is more evidence for surgical myomectomy in women who want to conceive. Professional bodies, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, say embolization is usually not the first choice when fertility is a priority, and that the decision should be made with a gynaecologist who knows your plans. A good hospital will not promise a pregnancy or a particular amount of shrinkage.
Who is a good candidate, and who should consider another treatment?
Good candidates have symptomatic fibroids confirmed by MRI or ultrasound, do not plan more pregnancies and want to avoid major surgery. Embolization is also used for adenomyosis in some centres. It is less suitable if you have an active pelvic infection, suspected cancer of the womb, a very large fibroid on a stalk (pedunculated), a severe allergy to contrast dye or kidney disease that limits contrast use, or if you are pregnant. Some women have an artery supply that makes the procedure technically harder, which the radiologist assesses on MRI before treatment.
An MRI before the procedure is highly recommended, to map the fibroids and exclude other conditions. A transvaginal scan can also help; see our guide to intravaginal ultrasonography. Bring previous scans and a recent cervical screening result.
Uterine artery embolization cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The following ranges are approximate for one procedure, not hospital quotes. They depend on whether MRI and consultation are included, the number and size of fibroids, the embolic material, a one- or two-night stay and the radiology team. Each hospital confirms its price in a written quote.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,500 – €6,000 |
| United Kingdom | €5,000 – €11,000 |
| United States | €8,000 – €25,000 |
| Germany | €4,500 – €9,500 |
A package normally lists the pre-procedure MRI and blood tests, the embolization with sedation, the embolic particles, one or two nights in hospital, pain control, medication and a follow-up scan or review. Ask whether the three- to six-month follow-up MRI is included or must be done at home, because it is how the result is confirmed.
Embolization, myomectomy or hysterectomy: how do they compare?
Three procedures are commonly discussed for fibroids. Myomectomy removes the fibroids and keeps the womb, with hysteroscopic, laparoscopic or robotic routes; see hysteroscopic myomectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy. Hysterectomy removes the womb and ends fibroid symptoms for good, as described in hysterectomy. Embolization sits between them: no organ is removed and no abdominal cut is made.
| Option | Suits | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Uterine artery embolization | Women who finished childbearing and want to keep the womb without surgery | Possible repeat treatment; less evidence for pregnancy; shrinkage is gradual |
| Myomectomy | Women who want to keep fertility or remove specific fibroids | General anaesthetic; fibroids can recur; blood loss with large ones |
| Hysterectomy | Large or multiple fibroids, with symptoms that have not improved elsewhere | Permanent; no pregnancy; major surgery with longer recovery |
What does it feel like, and is uterine artery embolization painful?
The puncture is numbed and you are lightly sedated, so you feel little during the procedure. The main discomfort comes afterwards. As the fibroids lose their blood supply, cramping pain develops over the first few hours and can be strong for the first 24 to 48 hours; many women compare it with severe period pain. Hospitals give pain relief through a patient-controlled pump or injections and anti-sickness medicine, and keep you overnight. A low fever, nausea and fatigue are also common in the first week and are known as post-embolization syndrome.
Recovery after uterine artery embolization: days in Turkey and the first weeks
Most women stay one night and many plan three to five nights in Turkey so the team can review pain, temperature and bleeding before they fly. Walking is encouraged from the day after, and you lie flat for several hours if the groin was used. Light desk work is possible after about a week; most women feel recovered in one to two weeks, although tiredness can last longer. Vaginal discharge or light bleeding for some weeks is normal, and fibroid tissue is occasionally passed. Avoid heavy lifting for a week or two and avoid tampons and intercourse for the time the surgeon advises.
Seek urgent help for a high fever, severe pain that is worsening, heavy bleeding or a foul-smelling discharge, which can point to infection. Periods usually improve over the first two to three cycles. Short-haul flights are normally possible once the team has reviewed you and you are comfortable.
Risks and complications of uterine artery embolization
As with any procedure, there are risks. Common effects are pain, fever and nausea in the first days. Less common ones include groin bruising or a puncture-site bleed, a reaction to the contrast dye, vaginal discharge, infection of the womb or fibroid, and passing fibroid tissue. Embolization can also bring on early menopause in a small number of women, mostly those in their late forties, and rarely damages the womb so badly that a hysterectomy is needed. Fertility after the procedure can be affected and an ovarian reserve discussion belongs in the consultation. The NHS and NICE both describe embolization as safe and effective for suitable women while stating these risks clearly; ask the radiologist how many procedures they perform each year and what they do if an emergency occurs.
How to choose a unit, and questions to ask
Look for an interventional radiologist working with a gynaecologist, an angiography suite in a licensed hospital, and an MRI-based plan before the procedure. Red flags include a quote without any imaging, a promise that fibroids will disappear, no discussion of fertility and no plan for follow-up. Read how our process works and request a plan through our free quote page.
- Is embolization suitable for my fibroids, or should I consider myomectomy first?
- Which particles and which access route do you use, and what MRI do I need beforehand?
- How is pain managed and how long is the hospital stay?
- What are the effects on my chance of pregnancy and on my menopause timing?
- Is the follow-up MRI included, and who treats me if a complication occurs at home?
Hospitals with Gynaecology in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
It is a non-surgical treatment for fibroids in which tiny particles are injected through a catheter to block the arteries feeding the fibroids. Without blood, the fibroids shrink over several months. No organ is removed and there is no abdominal cut.
For suitable women it usually reduces heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms within about three months. Some women, often described as around one in five over several years, need further treatment because symptoms return.
Approximate ranges are about €2,500 to €6,000 in Turkey, against roughly €5,000 to €11,000 in the UK. The price depends on MRI, the number of fibroids, the embolic material and the hospital stay, and is confirmed in a written quote.
You are numbed and sedated during the procedure, so there is little pain then. Cramping can be strong for 24 to 48 hours afterwards, and the hospital manages it with pain relief and overnight monitoring.
Most women stay one night and return to light work after about a week. Full recovery commonly takes one to two weeks, with some tiredness and discharge for longer. Periods usually improve over two to three cycles.
Pregnancy has been reported but there is more evidence for myomectomy when fertility matters. Royal College guidance says embolization is generally not the first option for women who want children, so discuss this before treatment.
Embolization suits women who do not plan pregnancy and want to avoid surgery. Myomectomy removes fibroids and is preferred when fertility matters. MRI and your goals decide the choice.
Treated fibroids rarely regrow, but new fibroids can appear or untreated ones can grow, so some women need another procedure. A follow-up scan at three to six months confirms how well the first treatment worked.
It is recognised by NICE as a safe option for suitable women, but it has risks: pain, fever, infection, groin bleeding, early menopause and, rarely, hysterectomy. Choose an experienced radiologist in a licensed hospital.
Many women plan three to five nights, including one in hospital, so the team can review pain, fever and bleeding before travelling home. A follow-up MRI at home is arranged separately.
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