Uterine Fibroids Non-Surgical Treatment FAQ’S
Uterine fibroids are painful, disruptive tumors that form in women’s reproductive systems. If you have been diagnosed with these tumors, then you will understand the discomfort they cause and the urgency to seek treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, uterine fibroids can lead to serious health issues involving your reproductive system. These common tumors affect millions of women each year and are the leading cause of hysterectomies. At the USA Vascular Centers, we provide uterine fibroids non-surgical treatment options to women on a daily basis. We understand, first hand, the need you have to resolve your symptoms as quickly as possible with the most effective treatment options available. In our vascular centers, our specialists perform a fibroids non-surgical
treatment option known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or UFE. This quick and simple procedure is effective in most women with little to no complications. However, before we begin discussing the details of UFE in detail, we want to first answer some of the most frequently asked questions concerning uterine fibroids. In this article, we hope to provide you with a better understand of your diagnosis, the treatment options available, and what your recovery will be like. First, what are uterine fibroids and how did you get them? Uterine fibroids are typically benign tumors that form along the wall of the uterus. Their growth is caused by abnormal cellular activity and is helped by the hormones progesterone and estrogen. These hormones occur naturally and can allow these tumors to grow, but at a slow pace. Nearly 75% of women will develop uterine fibroids, but most will be so small that they do not cause symptoms. After reaching menopause, your estrogen hormone levels will decrease and the tumors will disappear naturally. Because of this, most women who suffer from uterine fibroids are still able to menstruate. Next, what is UFE? UFE is a uterine fibroids non-surgical treatment option our specialists provide at each of our vascular centers. This is performed in our clinics, by vascular surgeons, as an outpatient procedure. How UFE works is by your surgeon inserting a small catheter into your uterus where the fibroids are located. Once at the fibroids, blocking agents are released from the catheter into the uterine artery supplying blood to the tumors. Blood supply is then restricted and the tumors begin to shrink until they disappear completely. The procedure is performed under a light sedative and is completed in under 90 minutes. Last, will it work for me? Like any procedure, UFE all depends on how your body reacts to it. For most women, UFE is the best option for avoiding a hysterectomy and is also the least invasive. However, you should only have UFE if you do not plan to become pregnant. Because blood is restricted to your uterus, you will no longer be able to conceive or safely carry a child through a full-term pregnancy. If you believe you might be suffering from uterine fibroids, contact one of our vascular centers today. Begin receiving your fibroids non-surgical treatment now and suffer no longer from the pain and discomfort caused by uterine tumors!