UFE vs. Ablation: Choosing the Right Treatment for Fibroid Relief
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and ablation are two effective treatment options for women suffering from uterine fibroids. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink, while ablation techniques, such as endometrial ablation, involve the removal or destruction of the uterine lining to reduce fibroid symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids, it’s important to find the right treatment to get relief from your symptoms. Understanding the difference between UFE and ablation can help you make an informed decision on which fibroid treatment is right for you.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE is a minimally invasive procedure specifically designed to treat uterine fibroids. UFE works by blocking the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. It’s an innovative, non-surgical procedure that offers an alternative to traditional surgery for women seeking treatment for uterine fibroids.
- Less invasive than surgery
- Same day procedure
- Quick recovery time
- No scarring
- Shrinks fibroids
- Leaves the uterus intact
- 85% – 92% effective in alleviating fibroid symptoms
- Significantly reduces menstrual pain and heavy bleeding
- Pregnancy still possible after UFE
Ablation
Ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by destroying the lining of the uterus using various methods, such as radiofrequency, microwave, or heated fluids. It’s used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. While it offers a less invasive alternative to surgery like a hysterectomy, it may also decrease the likelihood of pregnancy and lead to high-risk pregnancies and miscarriages.
- Less invasive than surgery
- Same day procedure
- Quick recovery time
- Shrinks fibroids
- Leaves the uterus intact
- Alleviates heavy menstrual bleeding
- Destroys the lining of the uterus
- Reduces the chance of pregnancy
- Increases the chance of miscarriage
Schedule an appointment at your nearest affiliated American Fibroid Center.
UFE Procedure vs. Ablation
Depending on the type of ablation, a device is inserted either through the cervix or a small incision in the abdomen. The energy source is then applied to the fibroids, causing the fibroid tissue to be destroyed. There are several different methods for performing uterine ablation, each using a different form of energy to destroy the endometrial tissue. The most common types include:
- Hydrothermal ablation: This procedure uses heated fluid circulated within the uterus to destroy the lining.
- Balloon ablation: A small balloon catheter is inserted into the uterus and inflated with hot liquid to destroy the endometrium.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Radiofrequency energy is delivered through a mesh electrode placed inside the uterus to ablate the lining.
- Microwave ablation: Microwave energy is transmitted through a probe inserted into the uterus to destroy the tissue.
During the UFE procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in your groin. Using X-ray guidance, an interventional radiologist navigates the catheter to the uterine arteries that feed the fibroids. Small particles are injected through the catheter to block the blood flow to the fibroids. This cuts off their nutrient supply, causing them to shrink and die over time. Once embolization is complete, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the insertion site to stop any bleeding.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs. Ablation Recovery Time
Both UFE and ablation offer a faster recovery compared to major surgeries like hysterectomy. Most patients go home the same day and many women return to their normal activities within a week. However, the ablation recovery time may take a little longer than UFE. After an ablation, patients may experience cramping, bleeding, and watery discharge similar to a menstrual period for a few days, with the heaviest discharge in the first few days and gradually tapering off. Some women might experience discharge for up to 3 weeks, which does not occur after the UFE procedure.
Which Fibroid Treatment is Right For You?
Choosing between uterine fibroid embolization and an ablation depends on the size, number, and location of your fibroids and the severity of your symptoms. UFE and an ablation both offer significant relief from fibroid symptoms, but an ablation may not be for you if you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant in the future as it permanently destroys the uterine lining. Ablations may also cause scarring in the uterus and there’s a chance you might experience an incomplete ablation where the procedure might not remove all the endometrial tissue, potentially requiring another treatment. Results for ablation may not also appear for several months, whereas UFE symptom relief may be noticeable as early as days or weeks after the procedure.
At American Fibroid Centers, we recommend uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) as a non-surgical treatment option for women with fibroids. This minimally invasive procedure allows for the preservation of the uterus and avoids scarring, with a quick recovery period. UFE boasts an impressive success rate of around 85% – 90%, providing most women with noticeable improvement in their fibroid-related symptoms. This safe and effective treatment offers women an alternative to traditional surgical methods for managing fibroids.
Why Choose American Fibroid Centers for UFE?
American Fibroid Centers is a leading provider for the treatment of uterine fibroids. Our affiliated team of interventional radiologists specializes in fibroid treatment and is dedicated to offering minimally invasive solutions, such as UFE, to relieve menstrual pain and address heavy and irregular bleeding without the need for surgery. By choosing American Fibroid Centers for UFE, you are choosing a team of experienced and compassionate professionals dedicated to providing personalized care and support throughout your treatment journey.
Our Fibroid Specialists
At American Fibroid Centers, our dedicated team of fibroid specialists is committed to identifying the underlying factors of your fibroids to provide you with tailored treatment options. They will work with you to determine if you have any potential risk factors for fibroids and find the best way to relieve your symptoms
What Our Patients Are Saying
Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.
From the Experts
Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.