If you are a woman of childbearing age, there is a good chance you have heard of fibroids. Fibroids are benign, non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They affect an estimated 20-70% of women during their lifetime.
Though fibroids often do not cause noticeable symptoms or require treatment, some women experience debilitating issues. Those with symptomatic fibroids frequently endure heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, frequent urination, and fertility challenges.
Historically, treatments were largely surgical, including surgical removal of the fibroid (myomectomy) or the complete removal of the uterus (hysterectomy). However, invasive surgery may not be the best choice for women who want to remain fertile, are considered poor surgical candidates, or simply prefer avoiding major surgery. For these patients, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) provides a highly effective, alternative pathway to relief.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
UFE is a modern, minimally invasive procedure that treats symptomatic fibroids by intentionally shrinking them. By blocking the blood flow that feeds these non-cancerous tumors, UFE successfully relieves related symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.
During the procedure, an interventional radiologist makes a tiny incision to insert a small, flexible catheter. This catheter is typically guided into the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery at the groin. Using real-time X-ray imaging, the doctor carefully threads the catheter through your blood vessels until it reaches the uterus.
Once the catheter is in place, microscopic particles are injected into the specific vessels supplying blood to the fibroids. This deliberate blockage cuts off the tumors’ nutrient supply, causing them to shrink. The entire outpatient procedure takes only about 45 minutes, and most patients are safely discharged to recover at home within a couple of hours.
Key Advantages of Choosing UFE
Comparing UFE to traditional surgeries reveals several unique benefits that make this minimally invasive approach highly appealing.
Uterus Preservation
Unlike a full hysterectomy, UFE leaves your uterus intact, providing peace of mind for women prioritizing reproductive organ preservation.
Faster Recovery
Since there are no large incisions, patients bypass extended hospital stays and the lengthy downtime associated with invasive open surgeries.
Understanding the Risks of UFE
As with any medical procedure, there are some manageable risks associated with UFE. Common minor issues include mild bruising or bleeding at the catheter injection site, short-term pelvic cramping, or mild risks related to the conscious sedation used to keep you comfortable.
More severe complications are incredibly rare. There is a very small risk (less than 1%) of unintended damage to nearby blood vessels or pelvic organs. Despite these slight possibilities, the medical community recognizes UFE as an exceptionally safe, low-risk procedure that delivers consistent, notable results.
Results & Recovery Journey
Recovery from UFE is typically quick and manageable. Most women feel well enough to transition back to normal daily activities within one week after the procedure.
You should anticipate experiencing moderate pelvic cramping and light spotting for a week or two following UFE. This is a completely normal reaction as your body actively adjusts to the sudden loss of blood supply to the fibroids.
In regards to the expected results, individual relief timelines can vary. Some women find that heavy bleeding and pain improve almost immediately after UFE. Others may take three to six months to notice the maximum difference as the fibroids gradually shrink. For a closer look at what recovery involves on a day-to-day basis, review UFE Recovery: A Week-by-Week Guide on the Kansas City Fibroid Center website.
Should You Get UFE?
If you are suffering from symptomatic fibroids, UFE is an excellent treatment option worth considering today. As a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, it can quickly provide life-changing results with very low risk.
Talk directly with one of our friendly experts at MIVA Medical’s UFE page to see if this is the right option for you,