Fertility
Are UAE or HIFU good options if I want to get pregnant?
The short answer
UAE and HIFU are often approached cautiously if you want to get pregnant, since we lack strong, consistent data showing they reliably preserve fertility. Some evidence suggests higher pregnancy risks after UAE, and both may affect implantation and pregnancy.
Uterine artery embolization, or UAE, and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can reduce heavy bleeding and pelvic pain for some patients, especially when major surgery carries a higher risk or fertility is not a priority. If you’re hoping to conceive, the main limitation is that we don’t have strong, consistent data showing that these options reliably preserve fertility or optimize pregnancy outcomes.
Some evidence suggests higher obstetric risks after UAE, and both UAE and HIFU may affect the uterus in ways that matter for implantation and pregnancy. For that reason, they’re often approached with caution when future pregnancy is a goal and are typically considered only after individualized counseling about risks, alternatives, and your specific anatomy and symptoms. If conception is part of your plan, our team can help you weigh whether a fertility-sparing surgical approach or another strategy is a better fit and discuss next steps in a consultation.
Where to go from here
Understand it, compare it with what you're feeling, then talk it through with us.
Step 1 · Understand
Understand the condition
Step 2 · Compare
Symptoms it can relate to
Step 3 · Speak with Us
Planning Pregnancy? Know Your Options
If you're hoping to conceive, UAE and HIFU may not be the best choices due to uncertain fertility outcomes. Our specialists can guide you toward safer, effective treatments that support your pregnancy goals.
Questions people ask next
All fertility questionsSurgery for adenomyosis before trying to conceive?
Sometimes, surgery is worth considering before pregnancy if focal adenomyosis clearly contributes to heavy bleeding, significant pain, or uterine cavity distortion. Removing a focal lesion may support fertility goals, but healing and uterine strength in pregnancy need consideration.
What uterine-sparing options treat adenomyosis?
Uterine-sparing options may include adenomyomectomy in select cases, uterine artery embolization, high-intensity focused ultrasound, or a progestin-releasing IUD. These may reduce bleeding and pain, but results can vary and symptoms can return over time.
Uterus-sparing surgery vs hysterectomy for adenomyosis: how chosen?
The choice depends on symptom severity, future fertility goals, and the pattern of adenomyosis on imaging. Localized disease may suit uterus-sparing surgery, while hysterectomy may offer the most definitive relief of symptoms from the uterus when symptoms are severe and disease is extensive.
What treatments help pelvic pain when trying to conceive?
Pelvic floor physical therapy and other non-hormonal pain strategies can help manage pelvic pain while trying to conceive, with medications tailored to your cycle and symptoms. If endometriosis is causing pain, excision surgery can be an option in selected cases.
Further reading
Fertility-Sparing Treatment for Adenomyosis: Pregnancy Chances, Symptom Relief, and Pregnancy Risks
Weigh pregnancy chances, symptom relief, and risks after fertility-sparing adenomyosis treatment. Compare adenomyomectomy vs HIFU, RFA, UAE—when to add hormones
Want Pregnancy With Adenomyosis Without a Hysterectomy?
Explore fertility-sparing options for adenomyosis. Find hope in your journey to pregnancy without a hysterectomy. Understand your choices today!
UAE or Hysterectomy for Adenomyosis Which Feels Better?
Discover which treatment option, UAE or hysterectomy, may provide better relief for adenomyosis symptoms. Understand your choices today!
