Uterine fibroids treatment. Cutaway artwork showing uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a treatment for uterine fibroids (leiomyomas, beige growths). These benign tumours arise from the smooth muscle of the uterus wall. They do not usually require treatment, but some can cause bleeding, pain and other disorders. Here, the catheter is used to inject particles to block the blood supply to the fibroids, reducing the bleeding and causing them to shrink. This method is an alternative to surgery. The other parts of the female reproductive system shown here are the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, and the vagina.