What to Expect During Your UFE Consultation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published On: March 19, 2026

Considering uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)? Read on to learn what happens during a UFE
consultation so you can make an informed, confident decision about your fibroid treatment.

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are considering uterine fibroid embolization
(UFE), your first step is a consultation.

Take a moment as Dr. Nordine Gaugau and the team at The Fibroid Center at Image Guided
Surgery Center in Clinton, Maryland, break down what to expect during your UFE consultation.

Step 1: We talk about your symptoms

After you complete your paperwork, including a consent form for the consultation, we discuss
your symptoms and their severity. Common fibroid symptoms include heavy or prolonged
menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, urinary frequency or leakage, and fatigue related to anemia.
Fibroids can also cause fertility issues, depending on their location. That opens the door to a
conversation about your family planning goals. Unlike a hysterectomy, UFE preserves fertility.
You and Dr. Gaugau also review your medical history, prior treatments, medications, and any
previous surgeries. Your consultation should help you understand how fibroids affect your daily
life and what you want your treatment to accomplish.

Step 2: We review imaging and diagnosis

Next, Dr. Gaugau carefully reviews your imaging studies, which may include MRI or ultrasound
images that show:

● The size of your fibroids
● How many are present
● Their exact location within your uterus

Fibroids can occur in different areas, and their location and size affect whether UFE is the best
option. If additional imaging is needed, Dr. Gaugau explains why and arranges it.

Step 3: We talk about how UFE works

Dr. Gaugau wants you to feel informed about fibroids and your treatment options. During your
consultation, you receive a clear explanation of how uterine fibroid embolization works.

There’s no large incision and no open surgery. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure performed
through a tiny skin puncture, usually near your hip.

Our team guides a small catheter (tube) into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the
fibroids. Dr. Gaugau then injects tiny FDA-approved medical particles to block that blood flow.

Without a blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink; within three months, they can reduce by
more than 40%. As your fibroids continue to shrink, your symptoms decrease. Most women
(84.5%) don’t require further fibroid treatment after UFE.

Dr. Gaugau also discusses:
● What the procedure day looks like
● What recovery typically involves
● How long results take to develop
● Expected success rates

The consultation is your opportunity to ask questions and make sure you feel fully informed.

Step 4: We discuss your candidacy, risks, and benefits

Not all women with fibroids are ideal candidates for UFE. During your consultation, Dr. Gaugau
evaluates:

● Whether your fibroids are appropriate for embolization
● Whether additional blood vessels may contribute
● Any anatomical considerations
● Your overall physical health

You review the benefits, potential risks, and alternative treatment options so you can feel
confident in your decision.

Step 5: We plan your next steps

If UFE is the right choice and you decide to move forward, Dr. Gaugau helps you schedule the
procedure. You receive detailed pre-procedure instructions.

If UFE isn’t the best fit, Dr. Gaugau discusses other appropriate treatment options.

Why your consultation matters

If uterine fibroids are disrupting your life, your consultation is the first step toward getting
relief. Schedule your visit with Dr. Gaugau online today or call us at 484-FIBROID to learn more
about UFE.

References:
● Disparities in Utilization of Uterine Fibroid Embolization | Public Health | JAMA Network
Open | JAMA Network
● Is uterine artery embolisation a safe and effective modality to treat submucosal fibroids? –
PMC

Elizabeth Bryant

08:28 28 Mar 26

I have only had my first consultation and it was great. He took his time with me even though he fell behind in his appointments due to a procedure. He explained my MRI clearly to me and answered my questions. I gave four stars until after I have my procedure. Then I will update my review.

Lexi Lex

23:17 24 Mar 26

Thank you to the awesome staff at the Fibroids Center. My embolization procedure went well. The front desk staff, nurse Bonny and Dr. G is amazing. Made me feel comfortable and provided me with overwhelming information about my fibroids. I recently had my procedure and I am confident that it was a success. Thank you to all the staff!!! Literally the best customer service I ever received from a doctor’s office. Even the front desk staff is informative and amazing. Also they answer calls or call back soon. So glad I found them listening to the radio. This was my second opinion and the best!

Fashion Dawes

15:21 23 Mar 26

I had a UFE procedure done with Dr. Gaugau one week ago and I can honestly say it was a great experience from start to finish.Dr. Gaugau was very pleasant to work with. He took the time to explain everything clearly, listened to all of my concerns, and was very understanding of how terrified I was going into the procedure. He reassured me every step of the way, which really helped calm my nerves.On the day of the procedure, I have to give a special shoutout to his nurse, Ms. Bonnie. She was absolutely amazing. She kept me calm, walked me through everything step by step, and answered all of my questions even when I asked the same ones multiple times (and kept asking about the pain meds lol). She never once made me feel like I was bothering her. You can truly tell she loves what she does and genuinely cares about her patients. And the cookies and juice afterward were right on time!I also want to thank the front desk staff. You all were so kind, patient, and supportive. Just talking to you helped ease my anxiety more than you know.Overall, it’s clear why Dr. Gaugau has been in practice for over 30 years. The level of care and professionalism is top-tier. I highly recommend him to anyone considering this procedure.

Aviancia Applewhite

15:29 20 Mar 26

I had fibroids approximately 6 years ago and was referred to Dr. Gau Gau. The procedure went perfectly and improved my quality of life exponentially. Recently I went to a gynecologist for a routine check up and was told that my fibroids, eventhough I was experiencing no symptoms. I was told to get a hysterectomy eventhough I insisted that I had a fibroid embolization procedure already performed, this gynecologist insisted that i need a hysterectomy. I decided to go back to Dr. Gau Gau who went through everything i should be experiencing with my fibroids, in which I was experiencing none. Dr. Gau Gau examined me and said not only do I not need a hysterectomy, I also do not need another fibroid embolization. Dr. Gau Gau proceeded to educate me on what the previous gynecologist saw. Turns out the previous gynecologist saw an empty shell of my previous fibroids. I am so glad I went with my instincts and went to Dr. Gau Gau, he saved my life twice!

Gloria Robinson

19:02 19 Mar 26

Very satisfied with my experience

Jamaica Pen Publishers

16:47 19 Mar 26

The Fibroid Center is all that they say and more. From you enter that aquamarine office, it's like stepping into a different world of hope that puts you at ease. Each person has been professional, responsive and caring. Dr. Gaugau puts your mind at ease and explains everything thoroughly. They are like the last line of defense against this wave and push by other practioners for hysterectomy. But for me, they gave me hope, and worked quickly with my other treatment team to stop the hemorrhaging from a previous surgery.Update: I just had surgery and everything that was explained that I would go through, feel, or experience has been the case. So, I have stuck to their guidance and have not been disappointed yet. Thank you team, nurse Boonie, and front desk ladies. You have been a pleasure to encounter.

Natasha Wright

14:51 13 Mar 26

Dr. Gaugau took the time listen to me and tried to understand my medical issues. He provided me with options to treat my Fibroids. The staff are very friendly and professional. They really attended to my medical needs.

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What to Expect During Your UFE Consultation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: We talk about your symptoms

Step 2: We review imaging and diagnosis

Step 3: We talk about how UFE works

Step 4: We discuss your candidacy, risks, and benefits

Step 5: We plan your next steps

Why your consultation matters

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