Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow on or in the uterus.
During the procedure, tiny polyvinyl particles are injected into the artery that supplies blood to the fibroid until the artery is embolized, or blocked off. Recovery from the procedure takes about one week, versus 4 to 6 weeks recovery from surgery. The procedure doesn't cause blood loss, and there is no risk of developing adhesions. Early figures from studies in the U.S. and Europe suggest that fibroids do not recur after embolization. While the long-term effects of the procedure on fertility and pregnancy are not known, there have been cases of patients successfully delivering healthy babies after embolization.