In a recent segment on Way Up with Angela Yee, host Angela Yee interviewed Dr. Yan Katsnelson, Founder and CEO of USA Fibroid Centers, about the widespread impact of uterine fibroids and need for greater awareness around minimally invasive treatment options.
Fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, with Black women experiencing higher incidence rates, earlier onset, and more severe symptoms. Despite being non-cancerous, Dr. Katsnelson emphasized that fibroids cause severe health issues, including heavy bleeding leading to anemia, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and reproductive complications like miscarriages.
Diagnosis is straightforward, requiring a 10-to-15-minute ultrasound. However, a major focus of the interview was the healthcare system’s over-reliance on major procedures like hysterectomies. Dr. Katsnelson noted that patients are rarely informed about uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), an FDA-approved alternative covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid.
“It’s unbelievable how a hundred-year-old procedure like a hysterectomy still dominates treatment. You do not need to undergo major, life-altering surgery when an outpatient procedure through a pinhole can shrink the tumors and give you your life back.”
— Dr. Yan Katsnelson
UFE is an outpatient procedure performed through a tiny wrist incision. By blocking the blood supply feeding the fibroids, the tumors shrink while leaving the uterus intact. The treatment takes roughly 40 minutes under light sedation, allowing patients to recover at home the same day.
Yee shared that past conversations with Dr. Katsnelson prompted her to get an ultrasound, revealing two small fibroids that explained her heavy cycles. Both urged women suffering from heavy periods or pelvic pain to get screened and explore non-surgical options.
Watch the Full Interview
Watch Dr. Katsnelson’s full interview with Angela Yee on ‘ Way up with Angela Yee’ to learn more about fibroid symptoms, risks, diagnosis, and treatment options.