Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow inside the uterus. They are usually noncancerous, which means they don’t spread to other parts of the body. Fibroids develop in about 25% of women of childbearing age, and about 10-15% of these women will have symptoms.
The most common symptom is heavy menstrual bleeding, which may be lightened after a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Other symptoms include: pain during intercourse or urination; pelvic pressure; and pain during menstruation.
When you’re faced with the prospect of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), it’s natural to be a little nervous. After all, a uterine fibroid is an abnormality that can cause many different symptoms, so the last thing you want to do is make things worse with another invasive treatment. Fortunately, uterine fibroid embolization has several advantages over other options for treating fibroids: it’s minimally invasive, effective at treating the condition and—most importantly—safe and effective. Here are some reasons why I recommend UFE as my first choice in treating uterine fibroids:
You can resume your normal activities after uterine fibroid embolization.
You can resume your normal activities after uterine fibroid embolization. Typical activities that you can resume within a few days of the procedure include:
- Walking
- Normal activity at home, such as household chores
- Driving
You may be able to return to work within 1 week, depending on your occupation. You should avoid strenuous exercise for 4–6 weeks after the procedure. If you have minor bleeding or spotting, you may need to rest until it stops completely. Most people will be able to resume sexual relations within 2–3 weeks after uterine fibroid embolization
Embolization is effective in treating uterine fibroids.
- Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can cause bleeding and pain.
- Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyomas, polyps or fibromyomas. They develop within the uterus and grow in size over time, becoming increasingly painful with age.
- Fibroids can prevent you from conceiving a baby through pregnancy due to their location near the fallopian tubes or ovaries. As the uterine fibroid grows larger, it can put pressure on these organs leading to infertility issues.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure.
Because you do not require general anaesthetic, you will be able to sleep through the entire treatment. There won’t be a big cut made in your skin. Your time spent recovering will be minimal, and it’s possible that you’ll be able to go back to work in as little as one or two days. Because the technique employs small tubes to deliver the embolization coils through a needle hole in your pelvic region, you will not have any visible scars as a result of the surgery (or groin). The average length of stay in the hospital is only two to three hours, and you should be able to go home within the hour following the conclusion of this outpatient surgery that is minimally invasive.
Uterine fibroid embolization can be completed in less than 2 hours.
If you’re used to being in the hospital for extended stays, uterine fibroid embolization might be a good option for you. It can be completed in less than two hours and doesn’t require general anesthesia, which means it’s easier on your body and your wallet.
