111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375
Uterine Fibroid Embolization at Medex Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Queens lets you shrink troublesome fibroids without surgery: our board-certified interventional radiologists guide a tiny catheter through the wrist or groin to block the fibroid’s blood supply, easing heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure within weeks, while on-site imaging, labs, and insurance coordination mean you’re back home the same day and back to normal activities in about a week—all with your uterus preserved for future fertility.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), sometimes called uterine artery embolization (UAE), is a catheter-based, image-guided therapy performed by an interventional radiologist (IR). Through a 2-3 mm puncture (wrist or groin), the IR advances a micro-catheter into the uterine arteries and releases tiny, biocompatible microspheres. These particles occlude the arterioles that feed fibroids, starving the tumors of oxygen so they shrink and symptoms recede. Because the rest of the uterus has a rich collateral blood supply, normal tissue survives while the fibroids involute.
Uterine fibroids – benign tumors of smooth – muscle origin – are almost a rite of passage for people with a uterus: 20 % to 80 % of women will develop at least one fibroid by age 50 in the United States womenshealth.gov. Large cohort studies show the cumulative incidence climbs even higher—over 70 % in White women and more than 80 % in Black women nihcm.orghealth.ny.gov. In raw numbers, that translates to roughly 26 million U.S. women (ages 15-50) living with fibroids at any given moment swhr.org. Beyond personal suffering, fibroids cost society an estimated $35 billion annually in lost productivity and direct medical expenses evtoday.com.
Clinical data stretching back two decades confirm that 85 %-90 % of patients experience durable relief of heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and pain within three months. MRI studies demonstrate an average 50 %-60 % reduction in fibroid volume at one year, with parallel gains in energy and quality of life.
Historically, treatment choices were stark: live with symptoms, or undergo hysterectomy or myomectomy—both major surgeries with multi-week recovery. Surveys commissioned by the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) reveal that 17 % of U.S. women still believe hysterectomy is the only option and 49 % have never heard of UFE sirweb.org. By offering a uterus-preserving, same-day alternative, UFE fills the “middle ground” for patients whose medications and hormonal IUDs no longer suffice but who wish to avoid—or delay—open surgery.
Contra-indications include suspected uterine sarcoma, active pelvic infection, uncorrected bleeding disorders, or severe allergy to iodinated contrast.
Black women are diagnosed three times more often than White women, present at younger ages, and endure larger, faster-growing tumors self.com. They also face higher hysterectomy rates, partly because of structural barriers to minimally invasive care. Expanding UFE awareness is therefore an equity imperative.
| Specialist | Role in UFE Care Pathway |
|---|---|
| Interventional Radiologist (IR) | Performs angiography and embolization; manages peri-procedural care |
| Obstetrician-Gynecologist | Screens for fibroids, rules out malignancy, co-manages fertility and pregnancy issues |
| Anesthesiologist / CRNA | Provides moderate (conscious) sedation or monitored anesthesia |
| Nursing & Radiologic Technologists | Assist with catheterization, imaging, and post-procedure monitoring |
| Primary Care / Hematology | Optimizes anemia, hypertension, or other comorbidities before UFE |
| Reproductive Endocrinology (if fertility desired) | Counsels on timelines for conception and assists with IVF if needed |
| Clinical Endpoint | 3 Months | 12 Months | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symptom-control rate | 87 % | 90 % | 82 % |
| Mean fibroid volume reduction | 42 % | 55 % | 60 % |
| Patient satisfaction | — | 91 % | 88 % |
| Major complication rate | — | 2.9 % | 2.9 % |
No procedure-related deaths have been reported in modern series comprising more than 8,000 patients pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
| Treatment | Hospital Stay | Recovery | Uterus Preserved? | Typical Cost* | Long-Term Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UFE | 0 nights | 1-2 weeks | Yes | $8,500-$15,000 | Rare ovarian failure (< 1 %), post-embolization syndrome |
| Myomectomy (open) | 2-3 nights | 4-6 weeks | Yes | $11,000-$22,000 | Adhesions, recurrent fibroids (30 %) |
| Laparoscopic Myomectomy | 0-1 nights | 3-4 weeks | Yes | $10,000-$18,000 | Same as above |
| Abdominal Hysterectomy | 2-3 nights | 6-8 weeks | No | $9,600-$24,000 | Surgical menopause, longer downtime |
*Without insurance; regional variations apply. goodrx.comsciencedirect.com
Beyond the lower direct cost vs. surgery, UFE’s quick recovery slashes indirect costs: a 2024 cost-utility study found that returning to work after 11 days saved an average of $3,500 in lost wages compared with hysterectomy’s six-week downtime. Commercial insurers and most Medicaid programs now cover UFE as a first-line option for symptomatic fibroids, provided malignancy is excluded.
Two randomized-trial meta-analyses published in 2024 found no significant difference in live-birth rates or miscarriage rates between women who underwent UFE and those who had myomectomy link.springer.com. Pregnancy is usually deferred six months post-UFE to allow optimal uterine healing. Cesarean-delivery rates mirror the general obstetric population once age and parity are matched.
When compared head-to-head with surgery, UFE shows significantly lower 30-day morbidity and fewer transfusions, according to multiple health-economic analyses.
1. How long until my periods improve after UFE?
Most people see lighter periods by the second cycle; maximal benefit emerges at 3-6 months.
2. Can UFE treat very large fibroids (> 10 cm)?
Yes, size alone is not a barrier. Very large uteri may require staged embolization or hydrogel particles.
3. Will I experience early menopause?
The risk of permanent ovarian failure is < 1 % in women under 45; age is the main predictor, not the procedure itself.
4. Is UFE painful?
Expect moderate cramps for 24-48 hours, controllable with oral NSAIDs and limited opioids.
5. How soon can I try to conceive?
Most specialists advise waiting six months, but individualized counseling is essential.
6. Can the fibroids come back?
Treated fibroids rarely regrow, but new fibroids may appear; about 15 % of patients need retreatment within five years.
7. Does insurance cover UFE?
Yes—nearly all major U.S. plans and Medicare recognize UFE; prior authorization is routine.
8. What if I have adenomyosis too?
UFE can improve adenomyosis-related bleeding, but outcomes are less predictable than for pure fibroids.
9. Is radial (wrist) access safer?
Radial access lowers bleeding risk and allows immediate walking; many centers now offer it.
Medex is a multi-specialty clinic with 24-hour urgent care, primary care, and more than 30 board-certified specialists, including podiatry, cardiology, dermatology, pain management, gynecology, and physical therapy. Each department works under one roof for seamless referrals.
Yes. Every Medex doctor is board-certified in their specialty, undergoes peer review, and participates in ongoing CME (continuing medical education). Credentials are listed on our Meet the Doctors page.
Absolutely. Our Queens urgent care clinic is open for walk-in patients with minor injuries or sudden illnesses. You can also save time by reserving a same-day slot online.
Medex accepts all major commercial carriers plus Medicare, Medicaid, HIP, EmblemHealth, MetroPlus, Fidelis, and GHI. For specific coverage questions, call (718) 275-8900 or visit our Insurance page.
Use our secure online booking portal, call (718) 275-8900, or log in to the Patient Portal to reschedule.
Yes—most primary care and follow-up visits can be conducted via HIPAA-compliant video. Sign the Telemedicine Consent Form and choose “Virtual” when booking.
Yes. Our No-Fault Doctor Queens team handles car- accident injuries, and our Workers’ Comp Clinic manages job-related injuries and paperwork.
We’re at 111-29 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375—steps from the Forest Hills–71 Av subway station (E, F, M, R lines). A paid garage is next door and metered street parking surrounds the building.
We follow HIPAA privacy rules, store EHR data on encrypted servers, and require two-factor authentication for staff access. You may request records through our ChartRequest portal.
Adults in good health should schedule an annual physical. Patients managing chronic conditions may need follow-ups every 3–6 months; your doctor will advise a personalized schedule.
For safety, we require an active chart and a visit within the past 12 months (3 months for controlled substances). Ask your pharmacy to send an electronic refill request or message us through the Patient Portal.
Last reviewed: June 1, 2025.
Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center
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