You’ve Been Told You Have Fibroids, Now What?
Heavy periods. Constant pelvic pressure. Frequent trips to the bathroom. A stomach that seems to keep growing despite diet and exercise.
For millions of women, uterine fibroids can turn everyday life into a frustrating struggle. After finally receiving a diagnosis, many women are immediately faced with another difficult decision: Which treatment should I choose?
Two of the most common uterus-preserving treatments for fibroids are Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and myomectomy. Both aim to relieve symptoms while allowing women to keep their uterus, but they work in very different ways.
If you’ve been researching treatment options, you’ve probably encountered conflicting information online. Some sources recommend surgery, while others highlight minimally invasive procedures. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your health goals, lifestyle, and future plans.
At Precision Vascular Kentucky in Louisville, KY, women often ask whether UFE or myomectomy is the better choice. The answer depends on several factors, including your symptoms, fibroid size and location, recovery expectations, and fertility goals.
Let’s break down everything you need to know.
We have already explained Uterine Fibroids Embolization procedure in detail on our website. You can read that here. (Uterine Fibroids Embolization)
What Is a Myomectomy?
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.
Unlike UFE, which shrinks fibroids by blocking blood flow, myomectomy physically cuts the fibroids out of the uterus.
Depending on the size, number, and location of fibroids, a myomectomy may be performed using:
- Open abdominal surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Hysteroscopic techniques
Because fibroids are removed directly, many women view myomectomy as a more immediate solution. However, it is still a surgical procedure that involves anesthesia, recovery time, and surgical risks.
How Do UFE and Myomectomy Work Differently?
The biggest difference between these treatments lies in their approach. A myomectomy removes existing fibroids through surgery. UFE leaves the fibroids in place but causes them to shrink by depriving them of blood supply.
Think of it this way:
Myomectomy removes the branches from a tree.
UFE cuts off the water supply that allows the branches to keep growing.
Both approaches can be effective, but they create very different patient experiences before, during, and after treatment.
Recovery: One of the Biggest Differences
For many women, recovery time is a major consideration.
After a traditional abdominal myomectomy, recovery can take four to six weeks or longer. Patients often need time away from work and must limit physical activity during healing.
Minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures may shorten recovery, but surgical healing is still required.
UFE typically involves a much shorter recovery period. Most women return to normal activities within one to two weeks, with many resuming light activities even sooner.
For busy professionals, parents, and caregivers, this shorter downtime can be a significant advantage.
Which Procedure Is More Invasive?
Myomectomy is surgery.
Even with minimally invasive techniques, the procedure involves cutting into tissue to remove fibroids.
UFE is considered minimally invasive because it is performed through a tiny catheter inserted into an artery. There are no large incisions and no removal of uterine tissue.
This often means:
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of surgical complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster return to daily activities
For women hoping to avoid major surgery, UFE can be an attractive option.
What About Symptom Relief?
Both procedures have demonstrated excellent symptom improvement.
Studies comparing UFE and myomectomy have found that both treatments significantly improve quality of life and reduce fibroid symptoms.
The FEMME Trial, a major study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that women undergoing either treatment experienced substantial symptom improvement and enhanced quality of life.
While some quality-of-life measures slightly favored myomectomy at certain follow-up periods, both groups reported meaningful relief from fibroid symptoms.
In practical terms, many women experience lighter periods, reduced pelvic pressure, and improved daily functioning regardless of which treatment they choose.
Can Fibroids Come Back?
This is an important question.
After myomectomy, the fibroids that were removed do not return. However, new fibroids can develop over time.
Research suggests that fibroid recurrence rates after myomectomy may range from approximately 15% to 30% within several years, depending on patient age and the number of fibroids present.
UFE treats existing fibroids throughout the uterus simultaneously. Because multiple fibroids are often targeted during one procedure, some women may avoid future treatments for many years.
No treatment except hysterectomy can completely eliminate the possibility of future fibroids because the uterus remains in place.
If you’re interested in understanding how UFE compares to complete uterine removal, read our related article on UFE vs Hysterectomy to learn how these treatment options differ in terms of recovery, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes.
What About Fertility?
Fertility is often one of the most important factors influencing treatment decisions.
Historically, myomectomy has been considered the preferred treatment for women actively planning future pregnancies because the fibroids are removed while preserving the uterus.
However, fertility decisions are rarely straightforward.
Many women successfully become pregnant after UFE, but research on fertility outcomes continues to evolve. Because every patient’s reproductive goals are unique, women who wish to conceive should discuss treatment options thoroughly with both their gynecologist and fibroid specialist.
The right choice often depends on:
- Age
- Number of fibroids
- Fibroid location
- Overall reproductive health
- Pregnancy timeline
Which Treatment Is Better for Multiple Fibroids?
This is an area where UFE often offers a unique advantage.
When a woman has numerous fibroids scattered throughout the uterus, surgically removing every fibroid can become challenging and may prolong surgery.
UFE treats the blood supply to fibroids throughout the uterus simultaneously.
Rather than targeting fibroids one by one, UFE addresses all treated fibroids during a single procedure. This can be particularly beneficial for women with multiple fibroids causing symptoms.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Myomectomy?
Myomectomy may be appropriate for women who:
- Want fibroids physically removed
- Are actively pursuing pregnancy
- Have fibroids in locations suitable for surgical removal
- Are comfortable undergoing surgery
Every case is unique, and surgical candidacy depends on several medical factors.
Who Is a Good Candidate for UFE?
UFE may be an excellent option for women who:
- Want to avoid major surgery
- Have heavy menstrual bleeding
- Experience pelvic pressure or pain
- Have multiple fibroids
- Prefer a shorter recovery period
- Want to preserve their uterus
Many women are surprised to learn that even large fibroids can often be treated successfully with UFE.
Why Women in Louisville Are Choosing UFE
At Precision Vascular Kentucky, women have access to advanced, minimally invasive fibroid treatment close to home.
The experienced team specializes in Uterine Fibroid Embolization and takes time to educate patients about all available treatment options. Every treatment plan is personalized based on symptoms, imaging findings, medical history, and individual goals.
For many women throughout Louisville and surrounding communities, UFE offers a way to achieve meaningful symptom relief without the recovery and risks associated with major surgery.
UFE vs Myomectomy: The Bottom Line
There is no single “best” fibroid treatment for every woman.
Myomectomy removes fibroids surgically and may be preferred in certain fertility-focused situations. UFE offers a minimally invasive alternative that shrinks fibroids, preserves the uterus, and often allows for a much faster recovery.
Both treatments can effectively relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
The most important step is receiving a thorough evaluation from a fibroid specialist who can help you understand which option best aligns with your health needs and future goals.
If you’re suffering from fibroid symptoms and exploring treatment options, Precision Vascular Kentucky in Louisville, KY can help you determine whether Uterine Fibroid Embolization is right for you and guide you toward the treatment plan that fits your life.