UFE Recovery: After Your Procedure
At National Vascular Physicians (NVP), our goal is to make your Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE recovery as smooth as possible. Before you leave our center, your nurse will review your personalized discharge instructions and provide prescriptions. The summary below will help you prepare for what to expect at home.
Expected Course of UFE Recovery
Pain
It is normal to experience crampy abdominal pain for several days after UFE, often similar to a strong menstrual period. Pain medication and the use of a heating pad can provide relief.
Bleeding and Discharge
Light bleeding or spotting may last for several weeks after the procedure. This is usually less than what you experienced before UFE if heavy bleeding was one of your symptoms. Some women may skip a menstrual cycle or two. Please call us if you notice foul-smelling discharge, as this could signal infection.
Mild Fever and Nausea
A low-grade fever and occasional nausea are common in the days following embolization. These symptoms should respond to the medications we prescribe. If your fever is above 101°F, contact us immediately.
Constipation
Many patients experience constipation following uterine fibroids. Constipation can lead to increased cramping abdominal pain which can be longer than the normal post-procedural pain. We advise patients to take miralax starting 2 days prior to the procedure and for 5 days following the procedure to have at least 1 bowel movement a day.
Pelvic Rest
Due to the concern for infection, you should refrain from sexual intercourse for two weeks after your UFE procedure. After that, you should use condoms for the following month. Additionally, tampons should not be used for the 2 months following your procedure.
Diet
Most patients can resume a normal diet after UFE. If you have dietary restrictions related to other conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease), please continue following them. Otherwise:
- Start with light meals and avoid heavy or greasy foods at first
- Stay well-hydrated
- If nausea occurs, take the prescribed anti-nausea medication as directed
Prescriptions
Your care team will provide you with medications tailored to your needs. These may include:
- Pain relief: Prescription medications such as Cyclobenzaprine or Oxycodone. Do not drive while taking these.
- Anti-inflammatory: Medications like Ketorolac help reduce cramping and inflammation. Take with food.
- Anti-nausea: If you experience nausea, take the prescribed Ondansetron medication as directed.
Activity
You may feel tired for the first week or two, and this is normal. Plan to rest and gradually return to your routine.
- Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for 48 hours
- Refrain from strenuous exercise or abdominal-heavy activities (including certain yoga poses) for one week
- Expect to take up to 1 week off work for recovery
- You may shower after 24 hours but avoid baths, swimming pools, or soaking in water for at least 5 days
UFE RecoveryFollow-Up
Most patients recover at home without needing an in-person follow-up visit. However, our team will check in with you by phone to monitor your progress. Please call us if you experience:
- Fever above 101°F
- Severe abdominal cramping not relieved by medication
- Chills, weakness, or flu-like symptoms that persist beyond the first week
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge or passage of large fibroid tissue
- Any new or concerning symptoms
It is common for menstrual cycles to change after UFE. Many women notice lighter periods, missed cycles, or the passage of clots or small fibroid tissue. If you experience unusual pain or symptoms, please contact us.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call us right away—or go to the nearest emergency department—if you have:
- A fever over 101°F
- Uncontrolled pain despite medication
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Severe nausea or vomiting preventing you from keeping down fluids
Contact Us to Learn More About UFE Recovery
National Vascular Physicians
For urgent or after-hours issues, call our office and ask to speak with the physician on call.
