Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the walls of the uterus and are common in woman ages 35-50 years old. About 50% of African American women over 35 years of age have uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids can vary in sizes and symptoms. However, even the smallest uterine fibroid can cause a patient to present with symptoms. Some symptoms are pain, heavy bleeding, prolonged menstrual cycles, frequent urination and bowel movement. Large fibroids can cause infertility and complications with pregnancy.

Often, women are told that hysterectomies are the only treatment options for uterine fibroids. Hysterectomy is a major surgery to remove the uterus. With a hysterectomy, patients lose the ability to become pregnant. Hysterectomies are followed by two to three days of hospital stay and six to eight weeks of recovery time.

Interventional Radiologists now offer a new minimally-invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization to treat uterine fibroids.

Treatment: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

UFE is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure where a small incision in the patient's wrist or groin is made to guide catheters to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Then, tiny particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, cutting off circulation to the fibroids which causes them to shrink and die.

85-90% of women who undergo UFE experience significant or total relief from their symptoms. UFE's are done as outpatient procedures with no overnight stay in the hospital and has a one to two weeks recovery time. The American Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend UFE for women who do not want a hysterectomy.