Why UFE Is a Better Long-Term Choice Than Lupron for Uterine Fibroids

Published On: July 14, 2026

Struggling with heavy periods and pelvic pain, and researching fibroid treatments like Lupron®? Discover why Lupron is only a temporary fix with heavy side effects, and how Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a superior, permanent, and non-surgical solution.

If uterine fibroids are causing miserable symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and constant discomfort, you are likely looking for a real solution.

When researching options, many women come across Lupron® (leuprolide acetate), an injectable medication used to manage fibroid symptoms. However, Lupron is not a permanent cure, and it carries significant side effects.

At The Fibroid Center at Image Guided Surgery, Dr. Gaugau and the team in Clinton, Maryland specialize exclusively in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE treats the root cause of your fibroids permanently, without the need for surgery or ongoing hormone injections.

If you are weighing your options, here is what you need to know about Lupron, and why UFE is the superior choice for long-term relief.

What Is Lupron (And Why Is It a Temporary Fix?)

Lupron belongs to a class of medications called GnRH agonists. It works by shutting down your ovaries’ production of estrogen. Because fibroids depend on these hormones to grow, starving them of estrogen causes them to shrink temporarily.

While Lupron can reduce heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure, it is not a cure.

Because it induces a temporary menopause-like state, Lupron cannot be taken safely for long periods. Once a patient stops taking Lupron, the fibroids almost always grow back to their original size, and the painful symptoms return.

The Downside: Menopausal Side Effects

Because Lupron drastically lowers your estrogen levels, it causes intense hormonal changes. Women taking Lupron often suffer from severe, menopausal-like side effects, including:

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood changes
  • Headaches
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sleep disturbances

Prolonged use of Lupron can also cause bone density loss, increasing your risk for osteoporosis. For these reasons, Lupron is typically restricted to short-term use, often as a bridge to another treatment or procedure rather than a permanent solution. For example, Lupron and iron supplementation can treat anemia preoperatively.

Why Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Is the Better Solution

While Lupron can temporarily shrink fibroids and improve symptoms, it does not treat them permanently. In many cases, fibroids regrow after the medication is discontinued.

Dr. Gaugau focuses on Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that fixes the problem for good.

Why UFE is a superior alternative to Lupron:

● Permanent Results: Instead of temporarily lowering your hormones, Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) works differently. UFE cuts off the blood supply that allows fibroids to grow, causing them to shrink away over time while preserving the uterus. Because of that, many women choose UFE as a minimally invasive alternative to major surgery.

● No Hormonal Side Effects: UFE does not alter your body’s natural hormone levels. You will not experience hot flashes, mood swings, or bone loss. Your ovaries continue to function normally.

● No Daily Meds or Ongoing Injections: UFE is a one-time procedure. Once it is done, you do not need to schedule repetitive doctor visits for injections or manage prescription side effects.

● Preserves Your Uterus: Like Lupron, UFE avoids major surgery like a hysterectomy. But unlike Lupron, UFE actually solves the issue while keeping your uterus intact.

What to Expect with UFE

UFE is performed as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Gaugau makes a tiny incision near the groin to access the blood vessels. Using advanced imaging, tiny particles are guided to the fibroid’s blood supply to block the flow. After the procedure, you get to recover in the comfort of your own home. Most women return to their normal daily activities within a week.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If fibroids are causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure, or they interfere with your quality of life, don’t just live with the symptoms. Dr. Gaugau can walk you through your options.

Schedule a consultation today or call 484-FIBROID to get started.