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High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive, organ-sparing thermal ablation procedure for uterine fibroids.

The HIFU system focuses high-intensity ultrasound beams from outside the body onto the targeted tissue. This energy heats and ablates the abnormal tissue without an incision and is designed to avoid damage to nearby healthy tissue. After treatment, the body's immune system gradually absorbs the ablated tissue.

HIFU is a highly effective, non-invasive fibroid treatment. Studies show meaningful symptom relief and fibroid shrinkage for many eligible patients.

• Fibroid shrinkage: Many fibroids shrink by approximately 30–80% within 3–10 months after treatment.
• Symptom relief: More than 85% of patients experience long-term improvement in symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure.
• Uterus preservation: Unlike surgery, HIFU preserves the uterus and may be suitable for women planning future pregnancies.
• Quick recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours with minimal side effects.
• No surgical scar: HIFU requires no incision or stitches.

Individual outcomes vary according to fibroid size, number, location and personal health. A specialist assessment is required.

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows within the muscular wall of the uterus. It may cause severe menstrual cramps, heavy or prolonged bleeding, chronic pelvic pain and an enlarged or tender uterus.

For eligible patients, HIFU can target adenomyotic tissue without an incision while preserving the uterus. Published reviews report potential improvement in pain, bleeding and quality of life, although results vary and recurrence remains possible.

A specialist must review your symptoms and imaging to determine whether HIFU is appropriate for your type and extent of adenomyosis.

Fibroids are distinct benign growths, while adenomyosis is spread within the uterine muscle and may be focal or diffuse. This difference affects treatment planning, the area targeted and the follow-up required.

HIFU is a uterus-preserving option for selected patients with either condition, but suitability and expected outcomes depend on lesion location, imaging access, symptoms, previous treatment and future reproductive plans.

HIFU is generally safe and has fewer side effects than many surgical options. Some patients may experience:

• Mild pain or discomfort: Temporary warmth or cramping during or after treatment.
• Skin redness or swelling: This is uncommon and usually resolves within a few days.
• Temporary urinary or bowel changes: Mild symptoms generally return to normal quickly.

Most side effects are mild and short-lived, and many patients resume normal activities within a day.

A HIFU session for fibroids typically lasts 1–4 hours, depending on the size, number and location of the fibroids. Allow approximately one additional hour for preparation before the procedure.

After treatment, patients usually rest in a recovery room for 2–3 hours before getting up and moving around. Most patients can go home the same day.

HIFU has been used in clinical practice for more than two decades. As of December 2024, more than 318,572 patients had been treated, with HIFU centres operating in 33 countries.

• Large-scale research: A 20-centre study involving 2,411 patients found HIFU to be as effective as surgery, with fewer risks, faster recovery and lower costs.
• Established safety evidence: A retrospective analysis of 27,053 cases reported low complication rates and strong outcomes for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.
• International recognition: Focused ultrasound is addressed in guidance or clinical literature from organisations including NICE, ACOG, SOGC, KSOG and COGA.

Treatment is performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, enabling doctors to monitor and adjust treatment throughout the procedure. Patients remain conscious and can communicate with the team.

The Ultrasound Focus Gynecologic Therapeutic System (CZF) directs focused ultrasound energy to selected cervical and lower genital tract tissue without a surgical incision.

Following appropriate screening and diagnostic confirmation, CZF may be considered for selected patients with persistent HPV infection, chronic cervicitis or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grades 1-2 (CIN 1-2).

CZF does not replace routine cervical screening, colposcopy or biopsy when clinically indicated. A specialist assessment is required before treatment.