Hysterectomy or Uterine fibroid embolisation

[Simplyuglyineveryway]

Hi,
Looking for opinions experiences please as I really don't know what to do.
I have a 9cm fibroid that has been causing me issues for a couple of years (heavy bleeding and pain, have needed blood transfusions).
Had an MRI recently and just received the results and had a call from the consultant. He is advising that I have UFE, the hospital's policy is to offer this as my next option (not suitable for ablation or resection).
I'm not keen on UFE as from what I've heard from others it isn't a permanent solution and results vary.
The other option would be a hysterectomy, which would definitely resolve my issues permanently (although I know I would likely go into menopause). I'm happy to go for this however I don't know if I'm being a bit drastic when UFE could possibly help.
What puts me off trying UFE is that the waiting list is around 5 months and recovery around 2 weeks. If it didn't work I then have to go back to the start (ish) and wait on another scan probably, follow up etc to then join the waiting list for hysterectomy.
I know only I can make this decision but just looking for other people's thought in this please.
Thanks 🙂

I have a 12 cm fibroid and had UFE in September 2021. Recovery was fine, I was back at work about a week afterwards - they say 2 weeks, but everyone is different! At the follow-up scan, it was discovered that unfortunately, my fibroid didn't shrink- however, the symptoms I had been suffering with, had disappeared!
However, I've recently wondered if they had started coming back... which I am keeping an eye on.
I was offered a hysterectomy, but decided to go for the UFE - with a hysterectomy, recovery would be so much longer! If they leave you're ovaries in, you won't go into menopause.

Thanks @cloudjumper , that's really useful.
I'm glad UFE helped you and hopefully your symptoms don't return.

I had the same, large fibroid ended up in hospital needing transfusions.
I was told UFE probably not resolve and had a hysterectomy opting to keep ovaries and cervix.
No regrets at all, recovery was not too bad, bit of pain for a few days but back walking kids to school in a week.
Felt like being handed my life back, amazing to never have to plan my existence around flooding.

@Simplyuglyineveryway what did you decide in the end?