Key facts
- Vaginal discharge and passage of degenerating fibroid material can occur after UFE, especially with submucosal fibroids1,2.
- Period changes (heavier, lighter, or absent) may occur in the first months after UFE3.
- Foul odor, fever, or worsening pain should trigger same-day contact with your care team2.
- Talk with your doctor before you decide. This information does not replace personal medical advice.
Discharge after UFE
Vaginal discharge can occur after uterine artery embolization (UAE, also called UFE). One study followed persistent vaginal discharge after UAE1, and a series on complications after UAE also reports discharge2. How long discharge lasts varies from person to person. Ask your care team what they expect for you. For how discharge fits into the first weeks and months, see the UFE recovery timeline.
Why this matters: Discharge on its own is a reported part of recovery for some people. The warning signs in the section below are what change it into a same-day call.
Questions to ask
- What discharge do you expect after my procedure, and how long can it last?
- Does the location of my fibroids change what discharge I might notice?
- What should I write down or report at my follow-up visit?
Passing fibroid tissue
Passage of degenerating fibroid material can occur after UFE, especially with submucosal fibroids1,2. Submucosal fibroids sit just under the lining of the uterus. Ask your care team whether any of your fibroids are in that position, and what passing tissue can look like in your case.
Questions to ask
- Are any of my fibroids submucosal, and does that make passing tissue more likely?
- If I pass tissue, what should I do and who should I tell?
- When would passing tissue need to be checked in person?
Period changes in the first months
Period changes (heavier, lighter, or absent) may occur in the first months after UFE3. There is no one date for when a period returns, and bleeding can last for different lengths of time. Ask your care team what pattern they expect for you, and which changes they want you to report.
Questions to ask
- What period changes do you expect in my first months after UFE?
- How many missed or changed cycles should pass before I check in?
- Which bleeding changes should I report the same day?
When to contact your care team the same day
Foul odor, fever, or worsening pain should trigger same-day contact with your care team2. If you notice a foul odor with discharge, a fever, or pain that is getting worse instead of better, contact your care team that day. If you are unsure, call.
Questions to ask
- Who do I contact the same day if discharge develops a foul odor?
- What fever reading should make me call right away?
- How will I know whether worsening pain needs urgent care instead of a call?
Common questions
Is discharge normal after UFE?
Vaginal discharge and passage of degenerating fibroid material can occur after uterine artery embolization (UAE, also called UFE), especially with submucosal fibroids1,2. Foul odor, fever, or worsening pain should trigger same-day contact with your care team2. Talk with your doctor before you decide.
Can you pass fibroid tissue after UFE?
Passage of degenerating fibroid material can occur after UFE, especially with submucosal fibroids1,2. Ask your care team what to expect and what to report. Foul odor, fever, or worsening pain should trigger same-day contact with your care team2. Talk with your doctor before you decide.
When will my period return after UFE?
There is no one date when a period returns after UFE. Period changes (heavier, lighter, or absent) may occur in the first months3. Ask your care team what pattern they expect for you. Talk with your doctor before you decide.
How long does bleeding last after UFE?
How long bleeding lasts after UFE varies. Period changes (heavier, lighter, or absent) may occur in the first months3. Foul odor, fever, or worsening pain should trigger same-day contact with your care team2. Talk with your doctor before you decide.
When should I call about discharge after UFE?
Foul odor, fever, or worsening pain should trigger same-day contact with your care team2. Vaginal discharge and passage of degenerating fibroid material can occur after UFE, especially with submucosal fibroids1,2. If you are unsure, call. Talk with your doctor before you decide.
Talk with your doctor before you decide. This information does not replace personal medical advice. Read the medical disclaimer.