You’ve done your research, weighed the pros and cons of surgery and chosen uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) as your path to relief. Now the questions loom: How bad will the recovery be? How long will it take before you feel like yourself again? Will your fibroids shrink quickly? It’s natural to be nervous—after years of heavy bleeding, bloating and constant bathroom trips, you deserve a smooth journey back to health. In this guide, you’ll find a detailed timeline of what to expect in the days, weeks and months after UFE, along with tips to support your body and spirit during recovery.
Why the Recovery Timeline Matters
UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Unlike hysterectomy or myomectomy, there are no large incisions, so recovery is shorter. Penn Medicine reports that most women recover within a week to 10 days and can return to normal activities . Cleveland Clinic adds that up to 90 % of patients resume normal activities within 10 days and that noticeable symptom relief often takes up to three months . Knowing what’s normal helps you plan your life, monitor your progress and avoid unnecessary anxiety.
The First 24 Hours: Immediate Recovery
After UFE, you’ll spend several hours in the recovery area so nurses can monitor your heart rate, puncture site and pain level. If the catheter was inserted through the groin, you’ll need to lie flat for about two hours, then sit up; if it was inserted through your wrist, you can sit up right away . You’ll likely be discharged the same day, but you’ll need someone to drive you home because of the sedatives and pain medicine.
Common Symptoms
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Cramping and pelvic pain: Expect cramp‑like pain similar to a heavy period. The NHS notes that pain is most severe during the first 12 hours and improves quickly over the next few days .
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Low‑grade fever and nausea: A mild fever or nausea is common and usually resolves with fluids and rest .
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Flu‑like symptoms: University of Utah Health describes feeling like you have the flu—low energy, intermittent nausea and possibly a fever—for the first two or three days . These symptoms are your body’s reaction to dying fibroid tissue.
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Vaginal discharge: Some women experience brown, bloody or yellow discharge as the fibroids break down; this may last about two weeks .
Self‑Care Tips
Stay hydrated, rest, and use prescribed pain medication. Walking is encouraged to improve circulation , but avoid baths, swimming or intercourse for two weeks .
Days 2–7: Week One
As you move into the first week, pain and flu‑like symptoms begin to subside. University of Utah Health notes that symptoms are most intense the first two to three days and start improving by day four or five . You may still experience intermittent cramping, light spotting and fatigue . Listen to your body—push fluids, eat light foods, and increase activity gradually.
Return to Work
Most women need about one week off work. Penn Medicine says many patients return to normal activities within 7–10 days , and Cleveland Clinic observes that 90 % resume normal routines within 10 days . If your job is physically demanding, plan for up to two weeks away from heavy lifting .
Watch for Post‑Embolization Syndrome
A small percentage of women experience post‑embolization syndrome: fever, pain and night sweats caused by the inflammatory response to dying fibroids. Dr. John Lipman notes that this syndrome typically appears in the first week and resolves by the end of that week . If you develop chills, a high fever or foul‑smelling discharge, contact your doctor .
Weeks 2–4: Building Strength
By the second week, most women feel well enough to return to work and resume light exercise . Energy levels continue to improve, though light discharge or spotting may persist . American Fibroid Centers emphasize that pain levels decline significantly, fatigue fades and many women return to work after one week, though some need longer .
Activity Guidelines
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Light exercise and walking: Gentle movement aids recovery but avoid high‑impact exercise until your doctor clears you .
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Travel: University of Utah advises delaying travel for two weeks; long‑distance trips and flights are usually safe after two to four weeks if you take breaks to move and stay hydrated .
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Driving and lifting: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicines . Avoid heavy lifting for at least two weeks to allow the puncture site to heal .
Fibroid Shrinkage Begins
Though the embolization causes fibroids to lose blood supply immediately, it takes weeks to see shrinkage. American Fibroid Centers explain that while fibroids start shrinking right away, they don’t shrink significantly until several weeks later . You may notice lighter periods, less pelvic pressure and improved bladder function as the fibroids shrink .
Weeks 5–8: Symptom Relief and Normalcy
By the five‑ to six‑week mark, most women feel fully recovered. American Fibroid Centers note that many patients resume normal activities, including exercise, around this time . Cleveland Clinic underscores that symptom relief continues for several months and that it may take up to three months to notice a marked change . You might still experience mild cramps or spotting, but they shouldn’t be disruptive .
Menstrual Changes and Fibroid Expulsion
Periods may become lighter or irregular for a few months . Some women may pass pieces of fibroid tissue—NHS guidance says fibroid expulsion can occur over several months . This can be alarming but is usually a normal part of healing. However, if you have heavy bleeding or a foul odor, call your doctor.
Months 3–6: Long‑Term Healing and Shrinkage
At about three months post‑procedure, many women experience noticeable improvement: lighter periods, reduced pelvic pressure, less frequent urination and increased energy . Penn Medicine notes that fibroids continue to shrink for six to nine months or longer , and University of Utah schedules an MRI at three months to assess shrinkage . Cleveland Clinic reports that 92 % of patients have no symptoms of uncontrolled vaginal bleeding 12 months after UFE .
Long‑Term Lifestyle Tips
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Continue follow‑up visits with your interventional radiologist and gynecologist.
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Maintain a healthy weight and eat a diet rich in green vegetables; research suggests this may reduce fibroid growth .
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Stay active and manage stress through yoga, meditation or walking.
When to Call Your Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience:
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Severe or persistent pain after the first week .
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Heavy bleeding beyond a few weeks .
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Fever over 101°F, chills or foul‑smelling discharge .
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Signs of infection at the puncture site (redness, swelling) .
Hope and Healing: Your Journey Starts Now
Recovering from UFE is a journey that blends patience, self‑care and professional guidance. While the first few days can be uncomfortable, within a week most women are back at work and feeling stronger . Over the next few months, fibroids shrink, heavy bleeding subsides and pelvic pressure lifts—opening up a new chapter of energy and possibility .
Our Fibroid Wellness Collection can support your recovery. Herbal teas with anti‑inflammatory herbs soothe cramping, nutrient‑dense supplements replenish depleted iron, and castor‑oil packs promote pelvic circulation. These products, developed by experts in women’s health, complement your doctor’s care and help you feel nurtured along the way.
Don’t wait until the next cycle to feel better. Read our UFE Candidate Checklist and UFE vs. Myomectomy vs. Hysterectomy articles to see how UFE fits into your treatment plan, or explore our Discharge Color Chart if you notice changes after the procedure. When you’re ready to take action, visit our shop for natural products that support healing and help you reclaim your life. The light at the end of the tunnel isn’t just a figure of speech—it’s your future without fibroid pain.
