---
title: "Jennifer’s Uterine Fibroids Journey: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)"
date: 2026-05-17T11:01:00-04:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/jennifer-fibroids"
section: "Stories & Conversations"
---
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[Stories & Conversations](/stories-conversations)# Jennifer’s Uterine Fibroids Journey: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

At age forty-five, Jennifer found herself at a turning point in dealing with her uterine fibroids. In this story, she discusses her process for seeking treatment.

Jennifer is one of the millions of women who suffer from uterine fibroids. She experienced menstrual cycles that lasted ten days. Her pain was so severe that she was often homebound a few days every cycle. She had a grapefruit-sized fibroid sitting on her uterus that contributed to leg and back pain and frequent urination. While the most common recommended treatment for fibroids is a hysterectomy, Jennifer refused to accept that as her only option.

She requested an alternative, and her doctor mentioned uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is a minimally invasive and non-surgical procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply. Jennifer learned more about UFE and spoke with an interventional radiologist about the procedure.

Through self-advocacy, she was able to have the UFE procedure. Her recovery was much quicker than that of a hysterectomy, and the heavy bleeding and pain was gone. Her experience inspired her to raise awareness of UFE as a treatment option with both medical providers and patients.

> Conversations with my doctor showed the need for better education about UFE, leading me to advocate for increased awareness among both patients and physicians. My mom had had a hysterectomy, along with my grandma and nearly every woman in my family. But I broke that cycle. By sharing my story, I’ve been able to help other women.

[Read the full article ](https://swhr.org/jennifers-uterine-fibroids-journey/)

SOURCE: Society for Women's Health Research • AUTHOR: Jennifer • LAST UPDATED: June 12, 2024

![Collection of grapefruit whole with half and slice. Marker illustration in watercolor style. Eco-friendly orange fruit. Hand drawn isolated art. Healthy food design for food packaging, juice.](data:image/png;base64,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) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ menstrual cycle](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menstrual-cycle)
- [ understanding menstrual health conditions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-menstrual-health-conditions)
- [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations)
- [pelvic pain](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pelvic-pain)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## The Problem of Low Menstrual Health Literacy

Textbooks still don't accurately describe why we menstruate, focusing only on hormonal shifts while ignoring period pain and blood loss.

![A girl reads a book on the floor of a library](data:image/png;base64,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)

Textbooks still don't accurately describe why we menstruate, focusing only on hormonal shifts while ignoring period pain and blood loss.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-problem-of-low-menstrual-health-literacy)

[ResourcesRead

## We Need to Talk About IUD Insertion and Pain

This Cosmopolitan article describes the landscape of pain management for IUD insertion and should be helpful if you’re considering getting an IUD.

![reproductive-health-supplies-coalition-Is-oKcKl7d0-1024x769](data:image/png;base64,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)

This Cosmopolitan article describes the landscape of pain management for IUD insertion and should be helpful if you’re considering getting an IUD.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pain-management-iud-insertion)

[ResourcesRead

## Black Women, Reproductive Justice, and Environmental Justice

We have the right to form and raise families in safe, healthy environments that are free of toxic chemicals. This fact sheet from “In Our Own Voice” shows how reproductive justice and environmental justice intersect.

![A protest on a beach with a woman standing in the middle with megaphone](data:image/png;base64,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)

We have the right to form and raise families in safe, healthy environments that are free of toxic chemicals. This fact sheet from “In Our Own Voice” shows how reproductive justice and environmental justice intersect.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-women-reproductive-justice-and-environmental-justice)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.

![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## It Was Like Somebody Turned on a Faucet

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.

![Period Blood](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB discusses the process of finding a treatment for her painful periods and heavy bleeding, until discovering that they were caused by fibroids and cysts.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/living-with-irregular-menstrual-cycles)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Contraception Side Effects

MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried.

![My Story- Dealing With Contraception Side Effects](data:image/png;base64,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)

MT shares her experience using birth control to treat heavy, painful periods. She addresses problems with the first birth control pill that she tried.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-contraception-side-effects)