More than a dozen pregnancies have been reported, however, and patients who have had uterine arteries embolized for other reasons, such as bleeding after childbirth, have successfully become pregnant. Research is underway to study this issue. There have been a few women whose menstrual periods have stopped after the procedure, which would result in infertility. These symptoms can be controlled with appropriate medications. Most symptoms are substantially improved by the next morning, however, there may be some pain and cramping for several days or more.
Many women report returning to work within a week of having the procedure.
Complications occur in fewer than 3 percent of patients. Serious possible complications include injury to the uterus from decreased blood supply or infection. This is uncommon and hysterectomy to treat either of these complications occurs in less than 1 percent of patients. Injury to other pelvic organs is possible but has not yet been reported and the chance of other significant complications is less than 1 percent. Long-term complications are not expected, although questions about potential side effects remain.