Learn about uterine fibroid embolization, an effective, non-surgical way to get rid of your fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in or around the uterus, and are typically confirmed with an ultrasound. These growths are quite common, and between 20 and 70 percent of all women will develop them at some point during their reproductive years. While these growths are almost always non-cancerous, they can result in several negative health complications. It’s important to understand the four different types of uterine fibroids, and to watch carefully for the associated symptoms.
Uterine fibroid embolization is an alternative to traditional treatments that include the surgical removal of the fibroids (myomectomy) or removal of the entire uterus (hysterectomy). UFE is a minimally invasive image guided procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink significantly.
UFE may be appropriate for patients who meet the following criteria:
While UFE is an effective option for some women, it may not be for all patients, including those who have:
There are several advantages offered by the UFE procedure:
UFE may also allow maintenance of fertility. Several studies have shown that women have become pregnant and given birth to healthy babies after undergoing UFE.
There are a few risks associated with UFE, including:
Most insurance companies cover UFE.
The vast majority of UFE patients experience an improvement in bleeding symptoms.
Within three to six months, you should notice a 50 percent reduction in the size of your fibroids. Overall, you should experience a 90 percent improvement of your fibroid related symptoms.
Take our quiz and learn if you are a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization today.