Fibroid Embolization Is It the Right Choice for You A Doctor’s Perspective

Uterine fibroids are a very common condition in women, especially those of the reproductive age. These non-cancerous growths in the uterus may lead to various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and issues related to fertility. For years, surgery, including a hysterectomy or myomectomy, was considered the primary treatment for fibroids. Radiology interventions are now providing with minimally invasive options such as UFE, which many women are opting for.

We offer non-surgical treatment for fibroids and the most best varicocele treatment at the IR Facilities by Dr. Sandeep Sharma. Patients look towards UFE as an alternative solution that is effective. Being the leader in interventional radiology, we want to provide the best minimally invasive options to women that will allow the preservation of their uterus and improve their quality of life. Today, in this blog post, we will discuss UFE from a doctor's point of view, hoping to guide you on whether or not you need this procedure.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign tumors in the muscular wall of the uterus. Though they do not pose a threat of being cancerous, they may cause many symptoms based on their size, number, and location in the uterus. Among the most common symptoms reported include:

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

Pelvic pain or pressure

Frequent urination

Difficulty with bowel movements

Pain during intercourse

Fertility challenges

The severity of these symptoms can range from mild to debilitating, often interfering with a woman’s daily life. While some fibroids do not require treatment, others may need intervention to improve a woman’s health and well-being.

The Traditional Approach: Surgery

Historically, women with symptomatic fibroids were often faced with the choice between two major surgeries:

Hysterectomy: The complete removal of the uterus, which is considered a definitive cure for fibroids. However, this surgery is a major procedure and eliminates the ability to conceive.

Myomectomy: The surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. While less invasive than hysterectomy, myomectomy still involves significant recovery time and carries the risk of fibroid recurrence.

For women who are not ready for major surgery, or who want to preserve their fertility, these surgical options can feel overwhelming. This is where Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers an attractive alternative.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that shrinks fibroids and alleviates symptoms by blocking their blood supply. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist using advanced imaging techniques to guide a catheter to the uterine arteries. Tiny particles are then injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, effectively “starving” the fibroids of the nutrients they need to grow. Over time, the fibroids shrink, and symptoms are reduced or eliminated.

How UFE is Performed at IR Facilities:

1. Initial Consultation: At IR Facilities, we begin with a thorough evaluation to determine if UFE is the right treatment option for you. This includes reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI to assess the size and location of your fibroids.

2. The Procedure: The procedure itself is minimally invasive and typically performed on an outpatient basis. A small incision is made in the groin or wrist, and a catheter is inserted into the artery. The entire procedure usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes, and patients are monitored briefly after the treatment before going home the same day.

3. Recovery: Recovery from UFE is much shorter than that of traditional surgery. Most women can resume normal activities within a week, compared to several weeks or even months after a hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Why Choose UFE? The Benefits

Uterine Fibroid Embolization offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for many women dealing with fibroids:

1. Preserves the Uterus: Unlike hysterectomy, UFE does not involve removing the uterus, which is important for women who wish to maintain their fertility or avoid major surgery.

2. Minimally Invasive: UFE is performed through a small incision, resulting in minimal scarring, less pain, and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgeries.

3. Effective Symptom Relief: UFE has a proven track record of effectively reducing symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. Studies show that up to 90% of women experience significant improvement in their symptoms following the procedure.

4. Outpatient Procedure: UFE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day, avoiding the need for a hospital stay.

5. Faster Recovery: Most women return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks, which is significantly shorter than the recovery time for surgery.

6. Low Risk of Complications: UFE is associated with a lower risk of complications compared to surgical options. There is no need for general anesthesia, and the risk of infection is minimal due to the small incision.

7. Durable Results: While UFE does not remove fibroids, it significantly reduces their size and alleviates symptoms. The long-term success rates are high, and the risk of fibroid recurrence is low.

Is Fibroid Embolization the Right Choice for You?

While UFE offers many advantages, it’s important to determine if it’s the right treatment option for your individual needs. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Severity of Symptoms: If you’re experiencing significant symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or difficulty with daily activities due to fibroids, UFE may be an ideal option for relief.

2. Fertility Considerations: For women who wish to maintain their ability to conceive in the future, UFE is a good alternative to hysterectomy. While UFE preserves the uterus, it’s important to have a detailed discussion with your interventional radiologist and gynecologist about how UFE might affect your future fertility.

3. Desire to Avoid Surgery: If you’re looking for a non-surgical option with a faster recovery time, UFE provides a minimally invasive solution that allows you to return to your regular routine much quicker than surgery.

4. Fibroid Size and Location: UFE is suitable for treating most types of fibroids, but the size and location of your fibroids will determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. At IR Facilities, we use advanced imaging techniques to carefully assess your fibroids and create a personalized treatment plan.

5. Previous Treatments: If you’ve already undergone surgery or other treatments for fibroids and are looking for an alternative to further invasive procedures, UFE may provide long-term relief without the need for additional surgeries.

Why Choose IR Facilities for UFE?

At IR Facilities, led by Dr. Sandeep Sharma, we are proud to offer UFE as part of our comprehensive approach to fibroid care. Here’s why patients trust us with their treatment:

Expertise: Our team of highly experienced interventional radiologists is dedicated to providing the highest level of care using the latest technology. Dr. Sandeep Sharma’s team is one of the largest and most skilled in the region, specializing in minimally invasive treatments for conditions like fibroids.

Personalized Care: We take a patient-centered approach, ensuring that every woman receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to her individual needs. From diagnosis to post-procedure care, our team is committed to guiding you through every step of your treatment journey.

State-of-the-Art Technology: At IR Facilities, we use advanced imaging techniques to ensure precision and safety during the UFE procedure, leading to excellent outcomes for our patients.

Proven Results: Our long track record of success in treating fibroids through UFE speaks for itself. We have helped countless women experience relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Fibroid Relief

If you’re struggling with fibroids and seeking a non-surgical option, Uterine Fibroid Embolization may be the right choice for you. At IR Facilities, Dr. Sandeep Sharma and his expert team are here to help you explore your treatment options and make an informed decision that’s best for your health.

To learn more about UFE and how it can help you regain control over your life, schedule a consultation with the team at IR Facilities today. Let us guide you through this minimally invasive procedure and provide you with the relief you deserve.