Uterine Fibroid Removal – Surgery Isn’t Your Only Option
A fibroid diagnosis and subsequent treatment decisions can be a significant undertaking. Often, fibroid removal surgery, such as a hysterectomy, is presented as the main solution for managing symptoms. However, fibroid surgery is not your only option.
Non-surgical treatment like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) provides relief from fibroids without the risk and side effects of surgery.
Why You Might Benefit from Uterine Fibroid Removal
Uterine fibroids can lead to various health issues, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fertility problems. Along with these health issues, fibroids can cause other complications such as anemia, pelvic pressure, and difficulty with bladder or bowel function. Since fibroids can grow over time, they may lead to complications during pregnancy, including miscarriage, preterm birth, or postpartum hemorrhage. Fibroid treatment alleviates these inconvenient symptoms while reducing the risk of pregnancy complications.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like heavy bleeding or back pain, or if you’re planning to have children, consult with a fibroid specialist, like our experts from USA Fibroid Centers, to get the help you need. Our specialists can help monitor them, especially if you have a family history of these benign tumors.
Do Uterine Fibroids Have to Be Removed?
The decision to remove uterine fibroids depends on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and your desire to have children in the future.
While most fibroids are benign, they can still cause significant problems if left untreated, such as fertility issues or uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, untreated fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, leading to anemia and fatigue.
Non-surgical treatments like UFE are often recommended to alleviate symptoms without surgery. Schedule a consultation with one of our fibroid specialists at USA Fibroid Centers to learn more about fibroid removal treatment.
How Are Fibroids Removed
At USA Fibroid Centers, we prioritize minimally invasive approaches to treat fibroids, like UFE. UFE is a non-surgical procedure that targets the fibroids directly, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
When surgically removing fibroids, doctors may perform a hysterectomy, which involves removing the entire uterus, or a myomectomy, which removes only the fibroids.
However, these fibroid removal procedures can have severe side effects, including loss of fertility and potential damage to other vital organs. Surgery has significant risks, like blood loss and infection, and a lengthy recovery time of six to eight weeks.
Non-Surgical Fibroid Removal: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Many doctors regard UFE, or uterine artery embolization (UAE), the gold standard for non-surgical fibroid removal because of its effectiveness and non-invasive nature. This procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist under local anesthesia, typically resulting in a much shorter recovery time and relief from fibroid symptoms. UFE is an FDA-approved outpatient procedure for uterine fibroids. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recognizes it as safe and effective.
During UFE, a fibroid specialist or interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter into your numbed upper thigh or wrist and injects microscopic embolic agents into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. These tiny particles stop blood flow to your fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die.
Established in 2015, USA Fibroid Centers started with a passion to ensure women had options for uterine fibroids outside of invasive surgeries like a hysterectomy. Hearing the stories of women suffering provided the fuel to launch an innovative outpatient center with multiple locations whose focus would solely be on UFE.,
One of our patients, Jaqueline E, received UFE treatment from our Bronx clinic, stating,
“[I had] A five-star experience at USA Fibroid Centers. The doctor’s genuine concern for my health and the clinic’s commitment to excellence makes it a standout choice.”
View more USA Vein Clinic patient testimonials here
Schedule an appointment today to speak with a fibroid specialist at a fibroid treatment center near you.
Fibroid Removal Procedure: Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is often recommended as the only treatment option for a woman with fibroids. This surgery has significant side effects and is not the only treatment for fibroids.
There are two types of hysterectomies. The first is a partial hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed. The second type is a total hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus and other reproductive organs.
Both kinds of fibroid removal procedures result in the permanent inability to become pregnant. Hysterectomy can also cause the early onset of menopause, which can increase your risk of health issues such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, negatively impact your mental health, and even lead to more severe menopause symptoms.
Fibroid Removal Procedure: Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a surgical procedure for fibroid removal that leaves the uterus intact. When comparing myomectomy and UFE, the most significant difference is that fibroids rarely, if ever, return after UFE, whereas fibroid regrowth after myomectomy can be as high as 60 percent. Additionally, UFE is less invasive and does not involve surgical incisions, stitches, or scarring.
If you’re concerned about the side effects and long recovery of a hysterectomy or myomectomy, experience the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a proven alternative to surgical fibroid removal. This non-surgical treatment can shrink your fibroids, eliminate painful symptoms, and help you regain control of your health.
What Are the Benefits of UFE?
UFE involves less pain and fewer risks than surgery for fibroid removal and has a higher patient satisfaction rate than other options.
UFE is a less invasive way to get rid of fibroids and doesn’t involve the risks that come with surgery. An interventional radiologist can also treat multiple fibroids simultaneously with UFE because it works by starving all existing fibroids of oxygenated blood.
Some other benefits of choosing outpatient uterine fibroid removal at USA Fibroid Centers include:
- Not needing to remove your uterus or cut away any uterine tissue.
- A successful pregnancy is possible since the uterus is left intact.
- You can go home on the same day as your procedure.
- Faster recovery (returning to daily activities within one to two weeks).
Many women are unaware that they may be good candidates for UFE treatment. Discuss your options with a fibroid specialist to help you make the right decision based on your situation.
Contact USA Fibroid Centers for Minimally Invasive Uterine Fibroid Removal
If you have fibroids, you don’t have to live without hope. With uterine fibroid removal, you can experience freedom from fibroid pain and discomfort.
At USA Fibroid Centers, we offer UFE, an outpatient fibroid treatment that can relieve symptoms with a shorter recovery period than surgery.
To learn more about UFE and how the procedure can help you, schedule a consultation online or call us at 855.615.2555.
FAQs about Fibroid Removal Without Surgery
Can Fibroids Come Back After Non-Surgical Treatments?
Fibroids can return after most treatments, except for a hysterectomy, since the uterus is removed. Fibroid recurrence is uncommon with UFE.
Which Fibroid Removal Treatment is Best for Preserving Fertility?
When considering fibroid treatment and your fertility plans, UFE is an effective option. Unlike a hysterectomy, UFE blocks blood flow to the fibroids, shrinking them while preserving the uterus.
Although fertility can depend on various factors unique to each individual, research shows that women are capable of conceiving after undergoing this procedure.
What’s the Recovery Like After UFE vs. Surgery?
Since UFE is less invasive than surgical options, recovery time is significantly shorter. A. UFE is an outpatient procedure, which means patients typically return home the same day and have a recovery time of one to two weeks. A hysterectomy and myomectomy often require six to eight weeks of recovery, including restrictions on physical activities.
Does Fibroid Removal Affect Hormones?
Fibroid removal procedures impact estrogen hormones differently depending on the method. UFE does not usually affect hormones since it doesn’t involve the ovaries, although you may notice changes to your first menstrual cycle right after treatment.
A laparoscopic myomectomy typically has little effect on hormones. A hysterectomy, which removes the uterus, can lead to hormonal changes that may contribute to mood swings, hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms. Some women may experience feelings of sadness or depression during this transition.
What Size Uterine Fibroid Should be Removed?
Removing uterine fibroids depends on size, symptoms, and the patient’s reproductive goals. Fibroids larger than 5 centimeters often require treatment, while treatment for fibroids over 10 centimeters is highly recommended due to the risk of growth and increased symptoms.
Whether you experience substantial symptoms or not, if you think you may have fibroids, it is best to consult a fibroid specialist to get a proper diagnosis.
Does Insurance Cover Fibroid Removal?
Here at USA Fibroid Centers, we accept most insurance plans for UFE and support patients in navigating insurance coverage and paperwork. Our specialists work with patients to maximize insurance benefits and ensure affordable treatment. We offer an online scheduling tool to verify insurance coverage before booking an appointment.