How Are Uterine Fibroids Treated

Uterine fibroids are found during a routine pelvic exam, during an annual visit to your gynecologist, or during a consultation with an endovascular expert. Women diagnosed with uterine fibroids may have been told that invasive procedures, like a hysterectomy, are the only solution. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an innovative and highly successful procedure that can bring you relief without going under the knife.

If you experience common signs of uterine fibroids, call the professionals at American Fibroid Centers. Our board-certified affiliated physicians are trained in uterine fibroid treatment and perform non-surgical UFE in safe, compassionate, and Joint Commission accredited outpatient centers in New York and New Jersey.

Signs of uterine fibroids

Fibroids are essentially noncancerous growths in your uterus. They come in various sizes, growling slowly over many years or may grow in a short period of time. Patients seek medical attention when the signs of uterine fibroids interfere with their everyday lives. If you or your doctor suspect you have fibroids, American Fibroid Centers can order an MRI so you can have an official diagnosis. Some common symptoms to look out for include:

• Longer or heavier periods
• Bleeding in between periods
• Painful cramps
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pressure
• Swelling in your uterus
• Constipation

Uterine fibroid embolization explained

Uterine fibroid embolization treatment is a minimally invasive procedure which does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization. An interventional radiologist begins UFE by administering a light sedative to keep you comfortable. They then locate your fibroids using advanced ultrasound technology and assess the fibroids for treatment.

During the procedure itself, our staff will numb your upper thigh or wrist area in order to insert a tiny catheter into the area. A real-time X-ray helps us guide the catheter into the artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. An injection of an embolic agent blocks the blood flow to the fibroids, ultimately shrinking them. Your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding tissues remain intact and unaffected.

After the catheter is taken out, our staff will place a small bandage over the area. The entire procedure can take 30 – 45 minutes based on the number of fibroids that need to be addressed in our office.

Benefits of uterine fibroid embolization

UFE is one of the safest alternatives to invasive fibroid treatments and procedures. Benefits include:

• Your uterus stays intact: While a hysterectomy involves taking out the uterus, UFE leaves all your internal structures untouched.
• No invasive incisions or scarring: As we mentioned, patients don’t need to go under the knife. Only a small incision is made to insert the catheter.
• Fast recovery time: Most people are back to work and regular activities resume within 7-10 days after getting treatment. The American Fibroid Centers physician will consult each patient on the expected recovery time and expectations to resume work and activities.
• Signs of uterine fibroids improve: Every patient is different, however symptoms such as pelvic pressure and heavy periods may begin to subside within weeks to months after the fibroids have been treated.

Find relief from uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids may ultimately impact your quality of life. The experienced professionals at American Fibroid Centers believe in the effectiveness and success of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This procedure has helped countless patients find relief and return to their everyday activities with ease. If you have questions about uterine fibroid treatment and would like to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians in New York and New Jersey, contact us today. We are happy to schedule a thorough consultation and discuss all of your treatment options available.