Safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids: a prospective evaluation of volume reduction, menstrual pain, and sexual function

Abstract Objectives Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has emerged as a minimally invasive and uterus-preserving treatment option for symptomatic uterine fibroids. However, comprehensive short-term data integrating anatomical and functional outcomes remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of UAE on fibroid volume, menstrual pain, and female sexual function at 6-month follow-up. Methods Twenty-nine premenopausal women with symptomatic fibroids who underwent UAE and completed 6 months of follow-up were included. Fibroid volume (measured via pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), dysmenorrhea severity (via Visual Analog Scale, VAS), and sexual function (assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index, FSFI) were evaluated before the procedure and at the 6-month follow-up. Postembolization complications were also recorded. Results The mean fibroid volume significantly decreased from 162.4 ± 122.6 cm 3 to 82.7 ± 83.9 cm 3 , corresponding to a 49.1% reduction ( p < 0.001). VAS scores for menstrual pain decreased by 27.6% (from 5.86 to 4.24; p = 0.027), and FSFI scores improved by 37.9% (from 22.07 to 30.44; p < 0.001). No major complications were observed; minor side effects such as postembolization syndrome were managed conservatively. Conclusions UAE was associated with a significant reduction in fibroid volume and improvements in pain and sexual function at 6 months . Given the small sample size and short follow-up, these findings should be interpreted as short-term evidence from a pilot cohort, and larger, long-term prospective studies are needed to confirm durability and broader clinical effectiveness.