Which of the following is an absolute contraindication for Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)?

Pregnancy is considered an absolute contraindication for Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) due to the potential risks it poses for both the mother and the developing fetus. UAE involves blocking the blood supply to the uterus, which can lead to complications such as fetal ischemia or loss if performed during pregnancy. The physiological changes and vascular requirements during pregnancy necessitate a preserved blood flow to the uterus to support the developing pregnancy. Therefore, performing UAE while a patient is pregnant could compromise maternal and fetal health and is unequivocally contraindicated in this scenario.

In contrast, the other conditions listed—urinary incontinence, chronic pain syndrome, and endometriosis—do not inherently prohibit the performance of UAE. While these conditions may influence treatment considerations or be associated with specific diagnoses that could be managed with UAE, they do not present the same level of immediate risk that pregnancy does for this procedure.