Understanding Uterine Fibroid Treatment
Are you suffering from heavy and painful symptoms due to uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop inside or on the uterus. Although not generally considered dangerous, they can nonetheless cause harm to surrounding organs, including the bladder and bowels. Fibroids can also impact fertility and cause a range of painful and uncomfortable symptoms.
Although many don’t realize they are at risk, up to 80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50. While fibroid symptoms can range, they often include severe cramps and excessive menstrual bleeding — sometimes to the point of causing anemia. Other common symptoms include frequent urination, painful sex, back pain, and low energy levels.
A variety of fibroid treatments are available, but women with fibroids often are not informed of all their options. As a result, the majority think that hysterectomy is their only option.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
At USA Fibroid Centers, we specialize in the effective, non-surgical fibroid treatment option called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE is an alternative to fibroid surgeries like a hysterectomy or myomectomy. It also referred to as Uterine Artery Embolization and is effective for treating fibroids of all sizes as well as a treatment for adenomyosis.
Benefits of UFE as a fibroid treatment option include:
- Eliminating pain symptoms, including heavy bleeding, cramping, pelvic pain, and bloating.
- Protects fertility by leaving the uterus intact.
- Outpatient, same-day fibroid treatment allows you to recover at home.
- No scarring from incisions.
Why Uterine Fibroid Treatment?
Uterine fibroid symptoms can range of symptoms, from heavy bleeding to painful cramps to infertility and constant discomfort. For some, life becomes a delicate balance managing painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient symptoms that can lead to sick days, missed social engagements, infertility and miscarriage.
Because uterine fibroids can affect your career, relationships, sex life, exercise, self-esteem, and normal daily activities, we want you to understand that there’s effective treatment available. If symptoms are interfering with how you want to live your life, let’s explore the possibilities. Your journey to feeling your best starts here.
SCHEDULE AN INITIAL CONSULTATION
UFE at USA Fibroid Centers
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an effective, minimally-invasive, outpatient fibroid treatment that is performed by specialized interventional radiologists. UFE requires no surgery, and leaves the uterus and ovaries intact allowing you retain your fertility. UFE is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is is a gentle procedure with a quick recovery time of one to two weeks.
The First Step: Fibroid Consultation
A fibroid consultation is the first step towards taking control. Think of it as a friendly chat with a fibroid health expert, where you can openly discuss your symptoms and concerns.
During the consultation you will be able to:
- Share your story: Tell the doctor about your symptoms, how they’re affecting your life, and any questions you have.
- Review your medical history: This helps the doctor understand your overall health and potential risk factors.
- Get a physical exam: A gentle pelvic exam can help assess the size and location of your fibroids.
- Get or discuss imaging results: The doctor will review ultrasounds or MRIs to get a clearer picture of the size and location of your fibroids.
- Explore treatment options: Based on your individual situation, the doctor will discuss all available options.
- Get a second opinion: Fibroids can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis. A second opinion can help confirm the diagnosis and ensure that you are receiving the appropriate treatment.
The purpose of a fibroid consultation is to empower you with information and a personalized plan. You’ll leave feeling heard, understood, and confident about the next steps towards managing your fibroids and reclaiming your well-being. Our fibroid experts will recommend the best procedure based on your personal preferences, health and size and location of your fibroids.
The Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE Procedure)
In less than an hour, UFE uses light sedation to help you relax and feel comfortable throughout. General anesthesia is not required. Before the UFE procedure, your fibroids are located using an advanced ultrasound in a process called fibroid mapping. Here’s what you can expect:
- After your thigh or wrist is numbed, a small tiny nick is made in your groin or wrist.
- Using a thin, flexible tube (a catheter) is gently guided into the artery responsible for supplying blood flow to the fibroid.
- Small particles are released through the catheter to block up the artery.
- Once blood flow is cut off, the fibroids begin to shrink and eventually die.
- Any remaining fibroid tissue is naturally reabsorbed by the body.
- Because the injected particles remain at the site, it is unlikely that fibroids will return in the future.
- You go home with just a small bandage.
Recovering from UFE
After Uterine Fibroid Embolization, you can return home the same day to begin your recovery. Most women are able to return to normal, daily activities in a short amount of time. During recovery, you may experience mild cramps, nausea, fever, vaginal discharge or spotting. Most women are able to resume their normal activities within two weeks of the procedure.
Some individuals, particularly those with large fibroids, may notice weight loss after UFE. You may skip your first period after UFE, or even a couple periods. Or, you may menstruate sooner than usual.
Complications are a rare occurrence following a UFE procedure. We encourage you to check in with any questions you may have about your recovery.
Surgical Fibroid Removal
While USA Fibroid Centers and our team of interventional radiologists perform UFE at our outpatient fibroid centers across the country, we discuss all fibroid treatment options to ensure we our patients explore and fully understand fibroid treatment.
Below, we explain the differences in other procedures offered to help patients understand and gain knowledge on their options for fibroid treatment.
HYSTERECTOMY
Hysterectomy , the surgical removal of the uterus, is often presented as a solution for uterine fibroids. However, this major surgery carries significant lifelong consequences that deserve careful consideration before making any decisions. Discussing your full range of options with a fibroid specialist is important before making any decisions when comparing your uterine fibroid treatment options, especially surgical vs non-surgical.
There are two main types of hysterectomies: total, which removes the entire uterus and cervix, and subtotal, which leaves the cervix in place. For women who still desire pregnancy, losing the uterus can be challenging.
A hysterectomy usually lasts about one to two hours and a hospital stay is usually required for close monitoring. As with any major surgery, some risks exist, such as infection, bleeding, or reactions to anesthesia. However, most patients recover well under proper care.
By carefully considering all options and discussing them with a trusted healthcare professional, you can make an informed decision about the best treatment path for your individual situation.
RECOVERY AND SIDE EFFECTS OF HYSTERECTOMY
Recovery: Compared to fibroid treatments like UFE, a hysterectomy recovery typically requires six to eight weeks. During recovery, you may experience physical restrictions and and be unable to drive while taking prescription pain medications.
Menopause for pre-menopausal women: Hysterectomy removes the ovaries, triggering immediate menopause and its associated symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings. The the average age of menopause in the U.S. is 51, but fibroids are commonly diagnosed most often during a woman’s reproductive years.
Other risks: Compared to minimally invasive options, hysterectomy carries a higher risk of infection, excessive bleeding, and blood clots.
Loss of future pregnancy: Hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of future pregnancies.
Difference Between Removing and Shrinking Fibroids
MYOMECTOMY
Some women may be candidates for myomectomy, another type of fibroid surgery which can remove fibroids from the uterus. Many of the surgical risks are the same as those that occur with a hysterectomy. These include excessive bleeding, infection, blood clots, and an adverse reaction to general anesthesia. Women often lose more blood during a myomectomy than a hysterectomy, which can be concerning since many women with fibroids are already experiencing low blood counts. After surgery, it is possible to develop issues from related uterine scar tissue.
Although the uterus is left in place with myomectomy surgery, you may be at increased risk of future pregnancy or childbirth complications. Most women require a C-section delivery after a myomectomy. Myomectomies may also impact the ability to conceive due to postoperative scaring and adhesions.
Best Treatment for Fibroids
At USA Fibroid Centers, you’ll discover that UFE is an effective, lower risk, less invasive fibroid treatment that saves the uterus and ovaries, while eliminating painful, uncomfortable, and inconvenient symptoms. The treatment also offers high efficacy rates. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a variety of benefits over hysterectomy and other fibroid surgeries including:
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure
- Lower risk than surgery
- Preserve the uterus, ovaries, and fertility
- Performed in outpatient setting by skilled interventional radiologists
UFE is a FDA-approved fibroid treatment.
Learn More About Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Contact USA Fibroid Centers
If you’re not sure which fibroid treatment is right for you, visit a fibroid specialist to learn more about your uterine fibroid treatment options. At USA Fibroid Centers, we believe that women should be informed of all available fibroid treatments. We also think that a minimally-invasive, non-surgical approach is often the best treatment for fibroids.
Most patients report an improvement in fibroid symptoms after Uterine Fibroid Embolization. They are also able to reclaim their previously affected career, social life, relationships, and sex life. We assure you that there is a better life after fibroids with proper treatment!
After UFE, you may experience:
- Lighter and shorter menstrual bleeding
- Pain relief
- Resolution of fibroid-related anemia
- An improved sex life
- A positive body image
- Higher self-esteem
- More energy
- Pregnancy and motherhood
If you are suffering from painful, unpleasant, or unwanted fibroid symptoms, we can help. As America’s #1 fibroid experts, we offer dozens of clinics across the country.
Schedule a consultation online today to meet with one of our top fibroid specialists and learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Most major insurances are accepted and we also offer affordable self-pay options.