Vascular and Interventional Radiology Treatments for Women's Health

We offer treatment for many female health problems, such as fibroids, fallopian tube obstruction and pelvic congestion syndrome.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) for uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths occurring in the muscle of the uterus. They may cause symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, pain, bloating and constipation.

Our interventional radiologists offer uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a treatment for uterine fibroids (also known as uterine fibroid embolization or UFE). Using an image-guided endovascular procedure, specialists enter an artery at the wrist or groin. Then, they guide wires and catheters (thin tubes) to the uterine arteries and deliver embolization (blocking) materials. These materials decrease blood flow to the uterine fibroid, and symptoms may subside within days to months.

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Ovarian vein embolization for pelvic pain

Pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) occurs when blood does not properly leave the pelvic area due to clogged or congested veins. This blood buildup may result in pain after sex (postcoital), pelvic pain, pelvic aching, a feeling of heaviness (especially at night) and varicose veins in the inner thigh, labia or buttocks.

Interventional radiologists help diagnose and treat PCS. Using an image-guided endovascular procedure, specialists enter a vein at the neck or groin and using wires and catheters, evaluate the pelvic veins. Then, depending upon the problem, treatment may include embolization (blocking) materials, and/or placement of stents (tube).

Resources for patients and referring providers

Make an appointment

We require a provider referral to vascular and interventional radiology before scheduling an appointment. Please contact your provider for a referral or visit our website to find a radiologist.

Refer a patient

Referring patients to UW Medicine’s vascular and interventional radiology department is simple.

Common radiology terminology

Common terminology used by our vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) team.