You’ve been experiencing heavy periods, frequent urination, and persistent pelvic pain. Over time, the symptoms grow worse, disrupting your daily life and leaving you frustrated. In this case, you may wonder, “How can you get rid of fibroids?” What if there was a way to address fibroids without the risks or downtime of surgery? At Vein Treatment Clinic, we specialize in cutting-edge treatments like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)—a minimally invasive solution that offers effective relief without the need for surgery.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus that can cause significant discomfort. Traditionally, fibroid removal options often involved invasive surgeries, but UFE represents a new treatment for fibroids without surgery that delivers remarkable outcomes. At Vein Treatment Clinic, our board-certified doctors are dedicated to helping you eliminate fibroids safely and effectively. This article explores how the UFE procedure transforms the landscape of uterine fibroid treatments, offering you a faster, safer way to reclaim your quality of life.
What Are Uterine Fibroids and Why Do They Occur?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can range in size from small, undetectable growths to larger masses that distort the uterus. Women with fibroids may experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, and reproductive issues. The severity of symptoms often depends on the size, location, and number of fibroids present.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical treatment that shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. During the UFE procedure, a physician inserts a catheter into the femoral or radial artery and guides it to the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids. Tiny, biocompatible particles are injected to block these arteries, starving the fibroids of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the fibroids shrink over time, relieving symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding.
Unlike traditional surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, UFE allows for fibroid removal without surgery and preserves the uterus. This is ideal for women seeking uterine fibroid pain relief while avoiding extensive recovery times and risks associated with surgery.
The Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE is a leading medical treatment of fibroid because of its numerous advantages:
- UFE is performed through a small incision, minimizing scarring and the risk of complications.
- Most patients can return to their daily activities within one to two weeks.
- UFE is a fertility-preserving option for women who want to avoid hysterectomy.
- Studies show that over 90% of women experience significant symptom relief after UFE.
- Most uterine fibroid treatments, including UFE, are covered by insurance.
What to Expect During the UFE Treatment
The Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) allows you to return to your daily life with minimal disruption. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect before, during, and after the treatment:
Preparation for the UFE
Before undergoing UFE, you’ll have a consultation with one of our specialists at Vein Treatment Clinic. During this visit, your doctor will:
- Perform a detailed medical evaluation to assess your symptoms and medical history.
- Conduct an ultrasound or MRI to confirm the size, location, and number of fibroids.
- Review your eligibility for UFE and explain the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes..
During the UFE
The UFE procedure is typically performed in a specialized outpatient facility, allowing you to return home the same day. Here’s what happens step by step:
- Anesthesia and Sedation: You’ll receive local anesthesia at the catheter insertion site (usually in the groin or wrist) and mild sedation to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed. Unlike general anesthesia, you’ll remain awake but won’t feel pain.
- Catheter Insertion and Navigation: Using advanced imaging guidance, your doctor will make a tiny incision and insert a catheter into the femoral or radial artery. The catheter will then be carefully guided to the uterine arteries supplying blood to the fibroids.
- Injection of Embolic Agents: Once the catheter is in position, tiny embolic particles are injected into the arteries. These particles block the blood flow to the fibroids, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients. This causes the fibroids to shrink over time.
- Completion and Removal of the Catheter: After ensuring the embolization is complete, the doctor will remove the catheter and apply a small bandage or compression dressing to the incision site. No stitches are required, as the incision is minimal.
The entire treatment usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of fibroids treated.
Symptom Relief Timeline
Most patients notice a significant improvement in symptoms within a few weeks. Many women report lighter periods or the cessation of heavy menstrual bleeding within the first menstrual cycle after UFE. Pelvic pain and pressure often diminish as the fibroids shrink, typically within 2-3 weeks. The fibroids continue to shrink over several months, with optimal symptom relief occurring within 3-6 months.
Follow-Up Care
At Vein Treatment Clinic, your care doesn’t end after the treatment. Follow-up visits are scheduled to:
- Monitor your recovery and ensure that symptoms are improving as expected.
- Evaluate the shrinkage of fibroids through imaging studies, if necessary.
- Address any questions or concerns you may have during your recovery.
Efficacy of Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Clinical studies highlight the effectiveness of UFE as a new treatment for fibroids without surgery. According to research, approximately 85-90% of women report substantial improvement in symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. Furthermore, UFE is also associated with lower complication rates than surgical alternatives.
Why Choose Vein Treatment Clinic for UFE?
At Vein Treatment Clinic, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your unique needs. Our board-certified physicians specialize in fibroid removal options like UFE, ensuring that you receive expert care in a compassionate setting.
From your initial consultation to post-procedure follow-ups, we focus on delivering the highest standard of care with minimal disruption to your life. If you’re ready to explore your options for fibroid removal without surgery, contact us to schedule a consultation today.
