Uterine Fibroid Embolization: A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Fibroids
If uterine fibroids are causing heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, pain, or other symptoms that interfere with your daily life, surgery may not be your only treatment option.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids without surgically removing the uterus. For appropriate patients, UFE can provide significant symptom relief with a smaller incision and typically less recovery time than traditional surgery.
At Elite Vascular Care, we believe women should understand all of their treatment options before deciding what is right for them.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can vary considerably in size, number, and location. Some women have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms, while others may develop symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life.
Common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids can include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or fullness
- Abdominal bloating or enlargement
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Lower back discomfort
- Pain during intercourse
The severity of symptoms does not always correspond to the size of a fibroid. Even smaller fibroids may cause significant problems depending on their location.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization, also known as UFE or uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.
Instead of surgically removing the fibroids, UFE treats them by targeting their blood supply.
During the procedure, a physician uses advanced imaging to guide a very small catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. Tiny particles are then delivered through the catheter to reduce blood flow to the fibroids.
Without their usual blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink. As they shrink, symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and discomfort may improve.
UFE vs. Hysterectomy: What's the Difference?
A hysterectomy treats uterine fibroids by surgically removing the uterus. While hysterectomy remains an appropriate treatment for some women, not every patient with symptomatic fibroids requires removal of the uterus.
UFE takes a different approach.
Rather than removing the uterus, UFE targets the blood vessels feeding the fibroids. The uterus remains in place, and there is no large surgical incision.
Depending on the individual patient, potential advantages of UFE may include:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No surgical removal of the uterus
- Small catheter entry site rather than a large incision
- Shorter recovery compared with many surgical procedures
- Treatment of multiple fibroids during the same procedure
- Relief from heavy bleeding and other fibroid-related symptoms
Every treatment has potential benefits and risks, and UFE is not appropriate for every patient. A consultation and review of your medical history and imaging are important in determining which treatment options may be appropriate.
Who May Be a Candidate for UFE?
You may want to ask about Uterine Fibroid Embolization if you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are experiencing symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, bloating, or urinary symptoms.
UFE may also be worth discussing if you have been told you need treatment for your fibroids but would like to explore a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
Your individual goals are important as well. Age, medical history, fibroid size and location, symptoms, and future pregnancy plans should all be discussed when considering treatment.
What Is Recovery Like After UFE?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Cramping, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, nausea, or other temporary symptoms can occur following embolization, particularly during the first few days.
Your medical team will provide instructions for managing symptoms and gradually returning to normal activity.
The fibroids do not disappear immediately after UFE. Instead, they typically shrink gradually over the following weeks and months as their blood supply is reduced. Symptom improvement may also occur progressively during this time.
Do Fibroids Have to Be Large to Be Treated?
Not necessarily.
The decision to treat uterine fibroids is not based solely on their size. The location and number of fibroids, the symptoms they are causing, and their effect on your quality of life can all be important considerations.
If fibroid symptoms are affecting your work, sleep, activities, relationships, or everyday comfort, it may be worthwhile to have them evaluated.
Can UFE Treat Multiple Fibroids?
One advantage of Uterine Fibroid Embolization is that the procedure targets the arteries supplying the fibroids rather than surgically removing each individual fibroid.
This means multiple fibroids may potentially be treated during the same procedure.
Imaging and a thorough evaluation are necessary to determine whether UFE is appropriate for your particular fibroid pattern.
What About Future Pregnancy?
This is an especially important conversation for women who hope to become pregnant in the future.
Pregnancy after UFE can occur, but the effects of UFE on fertility and pregnancy require individualized discussion. Women who wish to preserve future fertility should talk with both their gynecologist and the physician performing UFE so they can understand the potential benefits, risks, uncertainties, and alternative treatments.
Your treatment decision should reflect both your current symptoms and your future goals.
You Have Options for Fibroid Treatment
Living with uterine fibroids can mean planning your life around heavy periods, worrying about bleeding through clothing, dealing with persistent pelvic pressure, or simply becoming accustomed to discomfort that has gradually become your “normal.”
You do not have to assume that surgery is your only option.
At Elite Vascular Care, we provide minimally invasive treatment options designed around each patient’s individual needs. Our team can evaluate your symptoms, review your medical history and imaging, and help determine whether Uterine Fibroid Embolization may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or are experiencing symptoms that may be related to fibroids, schedule a consultation with Elite Vascular Care to learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization.