Uterine Artery Embolization for Fibroids
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
You may have pain and vaginal discharge for up to 1 month. Take medicines as directed. Rest as needed. It will take a few months for the fibroid to break down. Your provider will tell you when you can return to your normal daily activities. This is usually in 1 to 3 weeks.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a fever along with pain and nausea lasting longer than 3 days.
- You have increasing abdominal pain or pressure.
- You have heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks 1 pad in 1 hour for 2 hours in a row.
- You cannot urinate, or you urinate very little.
- You have foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- You have a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
- You have signs of an infection at the incision area, such as redness or swelling.
Call your doctor or gynecologist if:
- You have pain or vaginal discharge that continues for longer than 1 month.
- You bleed more than usual during your monthly periods.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Nausea medicine may help calm your stomach and prevent vomiting.
- NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Watch for symptoms of postembolization syndrome:
This syndrome is common after an embolization procedure. It usually starts within 72 hours of the procedure and may last a few days. Common symptoms are fever, pain, and nausea. You should be able to manage your symptoms at home. Acetaminophen or an NSAID, such as ibuprofen, can decrease a fever and pain. Eat small meals with bland foods and take medicine as directed, to help decrease your nausea. Drink liquids as directed by your provider.
Family planning after the procedure:
It may take a few months for your monthly period to go back to normal. Ask your provider which birth control methods are best for you. You may be able to continue using an IUD. Ask your provider if it is safe to become pregnant, and how long to wait before you try.
Care for your incision area as directed:
Carefully wash around the area with soap and water. Gently dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. If you have strips of medical tape, let them fall off on their own. Look for signs of infection, such as redness or swelling.
Self-care:
- Rest as needed. Rest and sleep will help your body heal. You may be more tired than usual for 7 to 10 days. It will take a few months for the fibroid to break down.
- Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for activity. Your provider will tell you when you can return to your normal activities and start driving. This is usually in 1 to 3 weeks.
- Do not have sex, use tampons, douche, or take a bath until your provider says it is okay. Do not go in pools or hot tubs for as long as directed. These may cause an infection in your uterus. It is okay to shower after the procedure.
- Check your vaginal discharge for changes. Look for any change in the color, amount, or smell. Foul-smelling discharge may mean you have an infection or a fibroid has detached from your uterus. You will need immediate treatment if this happens.
Follow up with your doctor or gynecologist as directed:
You will need regular MRIs to check that your uterus and fibroid are getting smaller. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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