Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain and bleeding. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a procedure that shrinks or destroys uterine fibroids by blocking the artery that supplies blood to them.

During a UFE procedure, a doctor places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the upper thigh and guides it into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroid(s). A solution is then injected into the uterine artery through the catheter. It blocks blood flow to the fibroid and shrinks or destroys the fibroid.