For women facing uterine fibroids, many of whom are of child-bearing age, preserving or improving fertility is a crucial consideration when deciding on treatment. Fertility following UFE is a topic of expertise of Dr. Mohan. He has conducted extensive research and published the first systematic review on this topic, which is considered the highest level of scientific evidence. This was published in the premier journal of Interventional Radiology – Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology as a featured article. (Click here to read the paper).
Patient experiences over the years later confirmed this. As more women chose to have UFE, many of these women went on to have successful pregnancies. Many who had trouble getting pregnant because of fibroids were able to conceive following UFE. This prompted further research on this topic which are summarized below.
Dr. Mohan is a pioneer on this topic and published the first systematic review on fertility following UFE in 2013, which is considered the highest level of research evidence. This study systematically reviewed all the prior research on this topic (21 studies) and showed that the rate of pregnancy for women undergoing UFE was the same as that of the general population, provided that the pregnancy rate was adjusted for the patient’s age. The average pregnancy rate following UFE was similar to the age adjusted pregnancy rates in the general population. (Click here to read the paper).
In another study from the US, researchers examined the impact of UFE on the ovarian reserves. They followed and tested 89 women, aged 23 to 40, for four years after their UFE treatments. The results showed that UFE did not reduce the number of good quality eggs they had. In fact, 32 of the 89 women actually experienced an increase in their ovarian reserve after the procedure. (Click here to read the paper). The randomized controlled FEMME trial also did not find any significant difference in biomarkers of ovarian reserve between UFE and myomectomy (Click to read paper).
In 2017, the journal Radiology published the results of a six-year study in which 359 women with fibroids who could not get pregnant before the procedure participated. During the 6 years after having UFE, 149 women (41.5%) became pregnant at least once, and 131 women gave birth to a total of 150 children. This was the first pregnancy for more than 85% of these women. Dr. Pisco who conducted this study also described a slightly different technique of UFE for increasing the chances of fertility preservation. At Florida Interventional Institute, we use these techniques in patients who want to preserve fertility (Click here to read the paper).
The most recent metaanalysis from 2025 which analyzed 4,287 women had an overall pregnancy rate of 52.1% (95% CI: 46.8-57.4%) following UFE, with mean time to conception of 14.7 months. The study also showed that age significantly impacts outcomes, with pregnancy rates of 67.8% in women under 30 years compared to only 31.5% in those over 40 years (Click to read the paper).
All these studies confirm that it is possible to become pregnant and have children after UFE. However, some studies have noted increased incidence of abortions, preterm delivery, and placental abnormalities in pregnancies following UFE. The rates of such occurrences in the published literature vary, and this is an area which needs further research. However, it should also be noted that myomectomy, which is the surgical alternative treatment for women who wish to become pregnant, is also associated with risks. Since myomectomy leaves a scar in the uterus, there is a small risk of uterine rupture with pregnancy and patients will need C-section for delivery. Myomectomy is also associated with slightly increased premature birth and placental abnormalities.
In summary, it is possible to become pregnant and have children following UFE. Since the research in this space is still evolving, it is very important that you have a detailed discussion regarding the risks and benefits of the procedure with regards to fertility prior to choosing the treatment with your provider.
Dr Mohan has a great bedside manner and quiet confidence about him that puts you at ease. I first met him when he performed microwave ablation on my husband’s liver as part of his cancer treatment. One year later Dr Mohan did ablation laser therapy on my varicose veins.
Dr. Mohan makes the most complicated and complex surgeries easy and fun for the patient. He is very caring and has impeccable “Bedside Manners” which is most comforting for an afraid patient. Can’t wait to visit him again. Thanks.
Dr. Mohamed Saved my life! The care leading up till I got accepted for my liver transplant was nothing but the best and most professional and at times difficult. Being the cancer had to be controlled and not spread through out it was just that… he controlled it, got rid of it, explained every procedure thoroughly.
