UAE vs. hysterectomy for adenomyosis

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) and hysterectomy are two treatment options for adenomyosis that differ in invasiveness, recovery, and long-term impact. UAE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed through a small catheter. Recovery is typically shorter, with most women returning to normal activities in about a week. UAE preserves the uterus and provides significant improvement in pain, heavy periods, and bloating. Most women report meaningful symptom relief, although overall satisfaction may be slightly lower than with hysterectomy. The procedure usually has a lower cost and is covered by most medical insurance carriers. Some women may require an additional procedure if symptoms persist, but UAE is approximately 80% effective. UAE is generally suitable for women who want a less invasive option or wish to preserve their uterus. Hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure that removes the uterus and usually requires a hospital stay. Recovery typically takes between 4 and 6 weeks. It often provides complete relief from adenomyosis-related pain and bleeding but permanently eliminates fertility. While many women report near-complete symptom relief, some experience long-term issues such as pelvic pain, sexual problems, or symptoms associated with early menopause, and may have an increased risk of other health complications. Hysterectomy is more costly but is typically covered by insurance and can only be performed once. It is generally chosen by women who prefer a definitive treatment or do not need to preserve the uterus.

Uterine Artery Embolization
in Atlanta, Ga

Q: Can uterine artery embolization be repeated if adenomyosis symptoms come back?

Yes, in some cases the UAE procedure can be repeated if your symptoms return or the adenomyosis tissue was not fully treated the first time. You can set up a consultation with your interventional radiologist and undergo a new MRI scan to help determine if undergoing another UAE would be the best solution.

Dr. Lipman performs UAE, a non-surgical treatment for adenomyosis, and provides expert care at one of the most advanced and trusted treatment centers in Atlanta.

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UAE at Atlanta Fibroid Center®

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure that can significantly reduce the painful symptoms caused by adenomyosis safely and effectively without surgery.

A 2015 study reported that around 1 in 125 women in the United States are known to have adenomyosis. This number is probably actually much higher because many women go undiagnosed or do not seek treatment. Adenomyosis occurs when the tissue that is usually located in the endometrium begins to grow into the muscular wall of the uterus and starts to cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, cramping, and abdominal pain.

Surgery Is Not the Only Option for Adenomyosis Treatment

Many women are only presented with surgical options such as hysterectomy by their OB/GYN, even though less invasive treatments are available. UAE works by stopping or significantly limiting the blood flow to the targeted areas, which helps relieve symptoms without removing the uterus.

Every patient is cared for in our welcoming environment where comfort and safety come first. The center is a state of the art UAE facility and is the only location in the Atlanta area with dedicated specialized angiographic equipment, which allows the procedure to be performed on site without the need for a hospital visit.

Benefits of UAE

Risks are lower

The UAE procedure is minimally invasive and offers fewer complications compared to surgery.

Does not compromise uterus

The uterus remains untouched and uncompromised.

Avoids general anesthesia

UAE is performed under light sedation, avoiding the risks of general anesthesia.

Short recovery time

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week.

Preserves fertility

The UAE procedure helps preserve fertility by avoiding surgical removal of the uterus.

Approved by most insurances

UAE is covered by most insurance providers, making it accessible and affordable.

Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist
Pioneer and Most Experienced Doctor in UAE
Founder of the Atlanta Fibroid Center®

Choose a UAE-Qualified
Interventional Radiologist

Uterine artery embolization is a procedure that is done by an interventional radiologist and is not performed by an OB/GYN. This procedure requires a specialist with extensive training, like Dr. John Lipman at the Atlanta Fibroid Center.

Dr. Lipman is one of the original pioneers of this procedure and was the first in the state to perform it. After over 25 years and more than 10,000 completed procedures, he is known as one of the world’s leading specialists in embolization treatments like UAE that can reduce or eliminate symptoms of adenomyosis. He has treated women from all around the world, including many celebrities.

He has been an ongoing advocate for women’s health and has dedicated his career to bringing more awareness to the option of UAE. and the conditions that it can safely and effectively treat. He continues to help educate the public and those involved in the legislature on conditions of the uterus and has been involved in getting laws passed that require insurance companies to cover this procedure.

He has also recently made a substantial donation to the SIR Foundation to fund research on fibroids and adenomyosis.

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Your UAE Procedure

After you undergo a pelvic MRI, you will begin your treatment for adenomyosis with a consultation with Dr. John Lipman. During your 45-minute appointment, Dr. Lipman will review your MRI images, discuss your symptoms, explain your treatment options, and explain the embolization procedure. Most women who are candidates for hysterectomy surgery are candidates for UAE.

Step-by-Step Overview

Sedation and Numbing

You are given a light sedation medication so you feel relaxed and a local numbing agent is applied to the area where the catheter (thin tube) will be inserted. This type of sedation is much gentler on the body and is not likely to cause the side effects associated with general anesthesia.

Real-Time Visualization

Advanced Angiographic imaging equipment with a monitor allows Dr. Lipman to visualize what he is doing so he can navigate the UAE procedure with precision.

Artery Access

A tiny skin nick is made near the top of the thigh to access the femoral artery.

Blood Vessel Mapping

A special contrast dye is injected to highlight and map out the intricate blood vessels around the uterus so the doctor can identify those that need to be closed off.

Inserting the Catheter

The interventional radiologist will insert a very thin catheter through the tiny incision in the groin and into the uterine artery with the help of an Angiographic.

Embolization

Minuscule, ball-shaped particles are injected through the catheter into the vessels that are feeding the adenomyosis tissue to block the blood flow, which causes this tissue to start to shrink and eventually die.

Completing UAE

Once all the identified areas have been treated, the embolization is complete, and the catheter is removed. Patients leave with only a simple band-aid applied over the small skin nick and no stitches are needed.

Recovery

Patients are observed for a few hours and then discharged the same day to recover at home. The first few days can be uncomfortable or include painful cramping as the treated adenomyosis tissue shrinks. Your doctor will provide you with pain medication. In a week your recovery should be almost complete.

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Freedom From Adenomyosis Without Surgery

Atlanta Fibroid Center® offers a safe and effective treatment for adenomyosis that does not involve surgery. Minimally invasive uterine artery embolization (UAE) is performed to shrink targeted areas of rogue tissue growth and eliminate the associated debilitating symptoms.

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The Cost of the UAE Procedure

In addition to being less invasive than surgery, UAE is much less expensive than surgery. The Atlanta Fibroid Center is proud to have our own state-of-the-art equipment, just like the hospital, so we do not need to “rent” their facility or equipment, nor do our patients need to spend the night in the hospital, which reduces the total cost of the procedure significantly for both insured and self-pay patients.

Keep in mind some of the cost-avoidance measures offered by non-surgical UAE vs. surgery, such as missed wages due to time off work, paying for services, or help at home because you are unable to carry out your normal routine, all of which can add to out-of-pocket expenses. For exact pricing details and personalized cost information, please contact our office directly.

Insurance Coverage

UAE is covered by most insurance plans. When performed by the Atlanta Fibroid Center, your portion of financial responsibility will be dependent on the coverage provided by your specific insurance plan. Please contact our office to verify if your insurance plan covers UAE.

UAE Testimonials

I’ve dealt with horrible pains and unbearable symptoms from Adenomyosis, Endometriosis and ovarian cysts for many many years. I’ve had a Laparoscopy and Myomectomy that did not relieve me of the horrible pain and discomfort from these diseases.My Gyn had recommended a Hysterectomy so I started researching other medical options and discovered Dr. J. Lipman. Dr. Lipman performed my Adenomyosis UFE procedure in Jan ’23 and my healing process went well and now I’m back to having normal cycles with no pain and VOMITING. Dr. Lipman was a life saver for me but every Woman and their experience differs. Stay positive, keep researching health options and keep healing Ladies!!!

Dr Lipman diagnosed me as having adenomyosis. Originally my regular doctors thought I had fibroids. At the age of 49 I began having terrible periods disrupting my days. After a few years of terrible pain and finally a correct diagnosis, Dr. Lipman was able to preform (UAE) and finally I’m pain free and barely having a period. I’m thankful for Dr. Lipman and his wonderful staff. I would definitely recommend anyone consulting with Dr Lipman for less invasive options.

Dr. Lipman is amazing at what he does, and he has the most professional team.

I had my procedure back in December and it was a seamless process. My initial consult with Dr. Lipman was clear and thorough. In addition to fibroids, we also discovered adenomyosis on my MRI. Dr. Lipman treated both during the UAE. I felt well taken care of throughout the entire process from the initial consult to the follow up care. Dr. Lipman was always available on the phone if I needed to ask him a question post-procedure.

As a woman who experienced endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids all of my adult life, I thought my only option was to have a myomectomy or a hysterectomy. Hence, after two years of consistent bleeding, cramping, frequency urination, nausea, and backaches. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. My UFE was on Wednesday and as I write this on Friday, I’m feeling better. Dr. Lipman is passionate and truly care about women’s health. He took time to explain the UFE procedure and how my life can greatly improve. I was extremely nervous to have UFE procedure. However, Dr. Lipman and his team are genuinely dedicated to improving the lives of women. I was depressed and hopeless and I thought this was going to be my life for the foreseeable future. I’m truly thankful for Dr. Lipman!!

It’s only been a little over a month since I had UAE and I’m literally still getting used to not being in pain everyday from my adenomyosis. And when I wasn’t in pain there was the anxiety of being in pain. Plus all the anti-inflammatory meds I would take put holes in my stomach lining, leaving me constantly bloated and burning.

All of that is gone since my UAE procedure and I didn’t have to lose my uterus in the process. I’m glad I explored other options outside of a hysterectomy that was recommended to me by my gynecologist. Dr. Lippmann and the Atlanta Fibroid Center staff were very nice, thorough and professional every step of the way. I received the best care and now I’m pain free!!

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FAQs about UAE and
Adenomyosis

Yes, uterine artery embolization can help adenomyosis because it works by reducing or stopping the blood flow to the areas of the uterus affected by adenomyosis. When its blood supply is limited, the abnormal tissue gradually becomes less active, which improves symptoms and leads to lighter periods, less pelvic pain, and fewer cramps. Many women also report noticeable improvements in bloating and pressure after undergoing UAE.

Yes, uterine artery embolization (UAE) and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are almost identical, and during the procedure, small particles are injected into the uterine artery to block blood flow to the areas that contain the affected tissue or uterine fibroids.

The very slight difference in these procedures is that when performed to treat adenomyosis, the size of the particles that are injected is much smaller compared to the larger particles used when treating fibroids.

Please, swipe to see the entire table

	UAE	Hysterectomy
Invasiveness	Minimally invasive and performed through a small catheter during an outpatient procedure.	Major surgery usually requires a hospital stay.
Recovery Time	Shorter recovery, with most women resuming their normal activities in about a week.	Requires a longer recovery of between 4 and 6 weeks.
Symptom Relief	Significant improvement in pain, heavy periods, and bloating.	Often provides complete relief of pain and bleeding but poses other health risks and removes fertility option
Uterus Preservation	Yes, the uterus is preserved.	No, the uterus is removed.
Quality of Life Improvement	Most women report significant improvement in symptoms, but satisfaction is slightly lower than with a hysterectomy	Many women report near-complete adenomyosis symptom relief. Some women experience new symptoms associated with early menopause and are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, etc.
Cost	Lower procedure cost and covered by most medical insurance carriers	Higher procedure cost but covered by most insurance carriers.
Reintervention Risk	Some women may need an additional procedure if symptoms persist, but UAE is about 80% effective.	A hysterectomy can only be performed once. As many as 20 to30% of women report long-term issues like pelvic pain, sexual problems, and other complications after a hysterectomy.
Suitability	Women who want a less invasive option or want to keep their uterus	Women who prefer definitive treatment or do not need to preserve the uterus

UAE will gradually relieve the symptoms of adenomyosis but some women feel increased cramping or pelvic pain for about a week after uterine artery embolization. This discomfort is only temporary and a normal part of the healing process and happens because the treated tissue is shrinking. These symptoms can usually be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor.

Most women notice marked improvements in pain and bleeding by around three months after their UAE procedure. Symptoms can keep improving over the next several months as the adenomyosis tissue continues to shrink.

Yes, In some cases the UAE procedure can be repeated if your symptoms return or the adenomyosis tissue was not fully treated the first time. You can set up a consultation with your interventional radiologist and undergo a new MRI scan to help determine if undergoing another UAE would be the best solution.

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