Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Fibroids are benign growths (non-cancerous tumors) of the uterus. They are very common, affecting approximately 80% of women in their lifetime; although not all women develop symptoms. 

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a nonsurgical, minimally-invasive, outpatient treatment for fibroids that preserves the uterus. Drs. Benjamin Wilson and John Yoo are experts in uterine fibroid embolization procedures, having helped many women achieve symptom relief.  

Call Vascular & Interventional Specialists in Fort Worth, Texas, today or book your UFE consultation online.

What are uterine fibroid symptoms?

Fibroids can range in size from microscopic to the size of a softball, sometimes even larger. Thankfully, most fibroids are small and do not cause symptoms. Unfortunately, some people with fibroids experience significant symptoms, including very heavy or prolonged menstrual periods and/or pelvic pain and pressure. For some, these symptoms significantly interfere with daily life.

Fibroid size, number, and location contribute to the presence or absence of symptoms. 

The most common symptoms include: 

Increased menstrual bleeding 

Fibroids can increase the amount and/or the number of days of menstrual bleeding. People with excessive menstrual bleeding are at risk of developing anemia (low blood count) 

Pelvic pain and pressure

Large fibroids can cause a sense of pelvic fullness/pressure. Sometimes, this can lead to frequent urination - if the fibroid is pushing on the bladder or constipation if the fibroid is pushing on the colon.

Rarely, the presence of large and/or numerous fibroids can make a person look pregnant when they are not.

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

For women with symptomatic fibroids, many treatment options are available, including medical and surgical options. In those women whose medical treatments are ineffective, uterine fibroid embolization may offer symptomatic relief. 

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive, outpatient treatment for uterine fibroids. UFE is a procedure where a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist places a long, slender catheter (tube) into the arteries supplying the uterine fibroids with blood. Through the small catheter, very small beads are injected. These very small particles travel to the fibroids, plugging up the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. Without adequate blood flow, the fibroid shrinks significantly.

Who can get uterine fibroid embolization?

The Vascular & Interventional Specialists team might consider you a candidate for UFE if you have fibroids that cause symptoms that affect your quality of life or health. They’ll recommend the procedure if your fibroids cause:

• Anemia
• Pelvic pain
• Increased abdominal girth
• Pain during sex
• Constipation
• Bladder problems
• Back pain 

What happens during uterine fibroid embolization?

UFE at Vascular & Interventional Specialists is an outpatient procedure. Your physician will administer a sedative to help you relax and a local anesthetic to eliminate pain.

They insert a catheter into a blood vessel in the groin or wrist and advance it to the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. They use image guidance to find the arteries. The interventional radiologists then insert tiny beads called microspheres into the arteries, which reduce or cut off blood flow to the fibroids. 

They remove the catheter and close the tiny incision.

How long does it take to recover from uterine fibroid embolization?

Recovery following uterine fibroid embolization varies, but you are likely to feel some pain for up to a week. Many times, women will experience severe pelvic cramping for the first 2 or 3 days. You will be provided with medication to help manage pain following the procedure. We encourage you to slowly increase activity as tolerated. Most people are back to their routine within a week. You should notice improvements in your fibroid symptoms as the fibroids shrink, which can take several weeks.

Call Vascular & Interventional Specialists today or click the online booking button to schedule our uterine fibroid embolization consultation.