When the fibroids grow larger, they may become very painful or uncomfortable. They can result in frequent urination and even incontinence. Heavy menstrual bleeding is another common symptom. Because they are hormonally sensitive, the symptoms can be cyclical just like with your period.
Many women with fibroids must take steps to prevent “accidents.” This means careful planning during their periods, keeping extra products on hand, carefully choosing clothes to wear and even avoiding certain activities. Normal life has disappeared, replaced with a rigorous regimen of preparation and precaution.
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Many mistakenly believe that hysterectomy is their only option when fibroids become intolerable. As a result, hysterectomy remains the most common treatment for fibroids. Of the half million hysterectomies performed in the United States every year, 75% are now considered unnecessary.
Removing the uterus may have more negative health consequences than previously believed. This is why there is a growing movement to reduce the number of unnecessary hysterectomies performed each year. In fact, an article in AARP The Magazine called hysterectomy one of “4 surgeries to avoid.”
Myomectomy is the surgical removal of fibroids from within the uterus. Unlike hysterectomy, the patient will retain her uterus. However, the fibroids may return within 24 months, requiring another surgery.
Fortunately, there is! Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive, FDA-approved and highly effective approach for treating fibroids. The procedure is performed by a specialized doctor called an interventional radiologist, who uses X-ray imaging to guide a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin to the uterine artery. When the catheter has reached the location of the fibroids, the radiologist embolizes or “blocks” the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, depriving it of oxygenated blood. The fibroid then shrinks, and the symptoms gradually disappear.
UFE is performed on an outpatient basis at PrecisionIR. It takes less than an hour, and you may return home within 24 hours after the procedure. Our doctors are among the region’s most experienced professionals at performing UFE and have undergone additional 1-2 years of subspecialty training to perform this procedure.
Women who undergo UFE have experienced a high level of satisfaction and a significant improvement to their quality of life, even over the long term.1,2 In a recent study of four randomized clinical trials comparing UFE to surgical interventions, UFE was associated with less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to work.3
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You may be a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization if you:
It is not known the long-term effects that UFE has on a woman’s ability to become pregnant. If you decide on UFE, becoming pregnant in the future can be extremely difficult, although some women have had successful pregnancies after UFE. As with all medical procedures, talk to your doctor if you have questions, and to help determine if UFE is right for you.