Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a safe and effective procedure that treats uterine fibroids, according to the National Institutes of Health and Penn State Medicine. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in the uterus. As they continue to grow, it can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and other painful symptoms that affect women physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Many women are unaware they have fibroids, but if they are left untreated, they can start to damage other organs in the body, cause health conditions such as anemia, and impact fertility. UFE can help mitigate those risks.
Embolic agents are key to the success of UFE, so let’s discuss these agents, how they work, and the additional benefits UFE has to offer. If fibroids are causing you painful symptoms, speak with a fibroid specialist to determine if UFE is right for you.
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What are Embolic Agents?
Embolic agents are tiny particles that are used in vascular procedures such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Embolic agents were first used in the 1970s to stop gastrointestinal bleeding. It has since expanded to treat other conditions, such as abnormal bleeding, aneurysms, and tumors such as fibroids.
Embolic agents are used to block blood flow to the tumor. Tumors like fibroids create their own blood vessels, but these blood vessels are abnormal. Blood can flow in different directions instead of one and have an inconsistent composition of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
As fibroids receive blood from the heart, they can grow and can cause symptoms such as cramping, heavy bleeding or pain during sex. In some cases, fibroids may kill a developing fetus for blood supply, resulting in a miscarriage.
Embolic agents can vary based on the materials they’re composed of. More popular embolization procedures use polyvinyl alcohol or a gelatin material. These can look like tiny beads, which are about the same size as a grain of sand. The gelatin microbeads USA Fibroid Centers use in UFE procedures are mixed with a saline solution.
How Do Embolic Agents Work?
When you undergo uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a fibroid specialist will insert a catheter in your wrist or groin. Using ultrasound guidance, they’ll guide the catheter to the artery that’s supplying the fibroid.
Once the catheter reaches the fibroid, the fibroid specialist starts injecting the embolic agents into the fibroid’s artery. As explained above in the YouTube clip, the tiny particles are larger than the blood cells. This is to ensure the agents clog the artery.
As you recover from UFE, the embolic agents continue blocking blood supply to the fibroid. This shrinks the fibroids, which is what causes the reduction in symptoms.
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The Benefits of UFE
Uterine fibroid embolization can benefit women who suffer from fibroids. In addition to the procedure being minimally invasive, patients report their periods being shorter and with less cramping. It can also enhance a patient’s chances of conceiving in the future.
Fibroids can increase a woman’s risk of developing other health conditions such as endometriosis, anemia, pregnancy complications, and kidney damage. UFE can lower those risks. For women who became anemic due to their fibroids, they’ll also notice a reduction in their symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, rapid heart rate, pale skin, and cravings for ice.
UFE can also lower your risk of developing breast cancer. The Journal of Gynecological Oncology reported that women with fibroids have a higher risk of breast cancer than women without fibroids by over 30 percent.
This treatment can be an alternative to surgical procedures such as a myomectomy or hysterectomy. If you are unsure which fibroid treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with a fibroid specialist for a personalized recommendation.
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UFE at USA Fibroid Centers
If you are suffering from symptoms of fibroids, USA Fibroid Centers can help with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). The embolic agents used in the procedure have been proven to be safe and effective in reducing fibroid symptoms.
Some patients who suffered from fibroids were relieved they chose UFE with USA Fibroid Centers. Monica C. of Southampton, PA dealt with heavy menstrual cycles and anemia for decades before doctors told her there was nothing else to do. She went to USA Fibroid Centers for another opinion.
“He ordered the right tests, told me how UFE can help, and it did,” she said. “My anemia is going away, I have light cycles, and the tests show that everything worked exactly as promised.”
If you suffer from symptoms of fibroids, schedule a consultation with USA Fibroid Centers. They operate in 60 locations nationwide and are here to help you start your journey to becoming fibroid-free.
