Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Uterine Fibroid Treatment without Surgery
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that affect up to 80% of women by age 50. For many women, they cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and back pain that interferes with daily life. Depending on location and patient preference, fibroids can be treated several different ways, including hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus), myomectomy (laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgical resection of the fibroids), or uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
Uterine fibroid embolization is a nonsurgical procedure performed through a small pinhole incision in the wrist or groin where an interventional radiologist guides a microscopic catheter into the small arteries supplying the fibroids using live X-ray guidance. Once there, the interventional radiologist injects microscopic particles into the uterine vessels to slow blood flow to the fibroids. The uterus is spared and over several months, the fibroids both shrink in size and bleed significantly less.
What are the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization?
The UFE procedure offers a nonsurgical option to patients who may want to preserve their uterus or who may not be a candidate for surgery. Unlike surgery, the benefits of the UFE surgery include a faster recovery and no general anesthesia. Many patients return to work in one to two weeks with no limitations. The embolization procedure can impact future fertility, so it is important to discuss your desire for pregnancy with your provider before you elect for the procedure. The procedure is effective in 90% of patients and takes two to six months to see the full effects. In the small minority of patients where this procedure may not be effective, we coordinate with our gynecology colleagues to ensure you get the care you need.
Who is a candidate for a uterine fibroid embolization?
UFE is appropriate for most women with symptomatic uterine fibroids or adenomyosis who want to avoid surgery or preserve their uterus. You may be a good candidate if you have:
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (soaking pads within an hour, bleeding that lasts more than seven days, or transfusions).
• Pelvic pressure or a feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen.
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder completely.
• Lower back pain or pain during intercourse.
• An enlarged abdomen that feels like a pregnancy.
• Iron-deficiency anemia from heavy bleeding.
You may not be a candidate for UFE if you:
• Have a known or suspected pregnancy.
• Have an active pelvic infection.
• Have a diagnosed or suspected gynecologic malignancy.
• Have a serious contrast allergy.
• Have postmenopausal bleeding (must get endometrial biopsy first).
Surgery may be a better option if you have:
• Intracavitary fibroids (UFE if hysteroscopy fails).
• Large subserosal fibroids (myomectomy).
• Broad ligament fibroids.
• Cervical fibroids.
The best way to know if UFE is right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists. They will review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and walk you through all of your options.