Discharge Instructions for Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Your doctor performed a uterine fibroid embolization. Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors. Uterine artery embolization is a way to stop the blood supply to the tumor without doing surgery. A doctor injects small plastic particles into the blood vessel that supplies blood to the fibroid tumor. During the procedure, your doctor made an incision at your groin. A thin tube called a catheter was threaded through a blood vessel in your leg to your uterus. Here's what to do at home following this procedure.

Activity

• Limit your activity for 2 days after the procedure.

• Ask a friend or family member to stay with you as you rest in bed or on the couch.

• Gradually increase your activities during the week after the procedure.

• Don’t drive for 24 hours.

• Don’t climb stairs for 2 days after the procedure.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 1 week after the procedure.

• Don’t bend at the waist for 2 days.

• Ask your doctor when you can return to work.

Other Home Care

• Don’t be alarmed by vaginal discharge that is grayish or brown in color. This is from the breakdown of the fibroid tumor and is expected.

• Expect your next two or three periods to be heavier than usual.

• Take your medications as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Unless otherwise directed, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to prevent dehydration and to help flush your body of the dye that was used during the procedure.

• Take your temperature and check your incision site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or warmth) every day for a week.

• Avoid swimming or sitting in the bath until the doctor removes your sutures. You may shower the day after the procedure.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.