The evaluation should initially include a thorough medical history and physical examination. This examination should include a Pap smear, unless one has been done recently. A complete blood count may also be clinically indicated.
An endometrial biopsy (biopsy of the inner lining of the uterus) should be performed on patients with a history of abnormal uterus bleeding. The endometrial biopsy helps to determine that an underlying malignancy (cancer) is not being overlooked.
An MRI, which is the best method currently available for diagnosing fibroids, is usually recommended in most hospitals, before UAE is performed. The MRI is done even if a pelvic ultrasound was previously performed, as the MRI gives more detailed information.