Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Advanced Solutions for Symptomatic Fibroids
Do you have symptomatic uterine fibroids?
Georgia Fibroids can give you the compassionate, effective treatment you need to live a full, fibroid-free life.
Uterine fibroids are largely benign growths on the uterus's interior or exterior. An estimated 80% of all women will experience symptomatic or asymptomatic fibroids, with a significant population having multiple fibroids. Women of African descent are at highest risk of developing symptomatic fibroids.
While some women with fibroids never develop symptoms, large or numerous fibroids will likely cause physical discomfort.
Our team is ready to assist you with a safe, effective, and minimally invasive uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) treatment in Atlanta—whether you're enduring excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent or urgent urination, pelvic pain, or fertility challenges caused by fibroids.
Fortunately, most uterine fibroids can be addressed successfully through minimally invasive treatments requiring little downtime. While hysterectomy has been a go-to solution for fibroid treatment for generations, it's no longer the only game in town.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical approach that dramatically reduces fibroid symptoms. It's among the most effective strategies for fibroid remediation available.
We'll take a deeper look at uterine fibroid embolization.
How Does Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) Work?
Embolization is a medical procedure used to treat various conditions by blocking or restricting blood flow to a specific part of the anatomy. It is a non-surgical approach that involves the introduction of embolic agents into blood vessels.
Embolization effectively starves abnormal blood tissues, causing them to shrink and ultimately die. When used as a treatment for uterine fibroids, embolization can achieve excellent outcomes, significantly reducing symptoms and enhancing the patient's quality of life.
As part of UFE treatment, a radiologist inserts a small catheter into an artery, either the radial artery on the wrist (trans-radial approach) or the femoral artery in the groin area. Using real-time imaging, the catheter is guided to the uterine vessels that carry blood to the fibroids. Tiny embolic particles are injected through the catheter, blocking the blood vessels and cutting off the fibroids' blood supply.
While some patients might require overnight monitoring, most people experience UFE as an outpatient procedure – no hospital stay is required. UFE has an astonishing success rate of roughly 85%.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Benefits
UFE is a highly popular fibroid treatment strategy because it preserves the structure and health of the uterus and doesn't require surgical intervention.
Many other advantageous factors include the following
- Covered by most health insurance plans
- Rapid reduction of symptoms
- Reduction of heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Minimal blood loss
Our UFE treatment in Atlanta is an outpatient procedure. Most patients can return to normal activities far more quickly than after a hysterectomy, which typically requires several months of recovery.
UFE offers a faster recovery, a quicker return to work, and a lower risk of complications compared to a hysterectomy.
Complications Associated With Uterine Fibroid Embolization
While UFE is considered a safe and effective treatment, as with any medical intervention, there can be complications. Patients should be apprised of possible risks before undergoing the procedure.
- Pain and discomfort. Pain is generally mild to moderate and is typically managed with pain medication prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Infection. In rare cases, patients may develop a fever after UFE, which could indicate an infection.
- Allergic reaction. UFE involves using contrast dye and embolic agents, which may cause allergic reactions in some patients.
- Vaginal bleeding. Following UFE, some patients may experience vaginal bleeding, which can be heavier than an average menstrual period. This is a common side effect that typically resolves within a few weeks.
- Damage to surrounding tissues. Although rare, there is a small risk of damage to surrounding tissues during the UFE procedure. This can include injury to the uterus, ovaries, or blood vessels.
- Non-target embolization. Non-target embolization is a complication that can occur during UFE. It involves unintentional blood vessel blockage outside the intended target area.
Some less common risks include menstrual irregularities, vaginal discharge, and premature menopause.
Patients should know that UFE's effects on fertility and successful pregnancies have not been definitively established.
During your evaluation, please speak with your practitioner to identify the optimal treatment program for your reproductive goals.
Georgia Fibroids: Advanced Uterine Fibroid Treatment
The caring team at Georgia Fibroids understands the debilitating effects of symptomatic fibroids. Contact our helpful representatives today to learn more about our UFE procedure in Atlanta or to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
