Uterine Fibroids Treatment
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Definition: A non-surgical procedure where a specialist uses X-ray guidance to close fibroid blood vessels, causing them to shrink and die.
Procedure steps: Consultation → imaging → day procedure (small catheter in wrist/groin) → targeted treatment → recovery suite → home the same day.
| UFE | Surgery |
|---|---|
| Outpatient, 1-2 hr | 2-5 day hospital |
| Mild to moderate pain | Longer, more severe pain |
| <1 week recovery | 4-8 weeks recovery |
| Preserves uterus | May remove uterus (hysterectomy) |
Do You Experience Symptoms of Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options
The majority of uterine fibroids are asymptomatic and do not necessitate medical intervention. However, in certain instances, they can cause discomfort and significantly impact daily life. If your fibroid symptoms are disrupting your everyday activities, it is crucial to pursue fibroids treatment. At the fibroid clinics, the physicians will assess your symptoms and devise a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your individual requirements.
Lifestyle Changes
Although it’s not possible to prevent fibroids, there are natural methods to reduce their size. Adopting a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for overall well-being. Implementing the following lifestyle changes can mitigate the risk of developing fibroids or contribute to the shrinkage of existing fibroids.
Get Routine Pelvic Exams
Fibroids are frequently discovered through routine pelvic examinations. If you haven’t been regularly visiting your OBGYN, it’s crucial to begin doing so. Early detection enables the treatment of fibroids before they enlarge and manifest symptoms.
Engage in Regular Exercise
Fat cells generate and retain estrogen, a hormone associated with excessive fibroid growth. If you are classified as obese, engaging in regular exercise can assist you in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.
Take Vitamin D Supplements
Research indicates that you can counteract the growth of fibroids by incorporating calcium, magnesium, and phosphate into your diet. If you already have fibroids, consider taking Vitamin D supplements, as they may decrease your risk by nearly 32 percent.
Eat a Healthy & Balanced Diet
Consuming an excess of refined carbohydrates and foods with added sugar might provoke or exacerbate fibroid symptoms. Consider incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet, while avoiding certain items like boxed cereals.
Limit Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
Caffeine and alcohol elevate the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body, promoting the growth of fibroids. Alcohol might also induce inflammation. If you have fibroids, it’s advisable to either avoid or restrict your intake of these substances.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Our bodies generate additional hormones in response to stress, encouraging the growth of fibroids. Stress can also accelerate the growth of fibroids that were previously asymptomatic. Discover methods to cope with stress, such as taking walks or listening to soothing music.
Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment
Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment
Numerous women assume that hysterectomy and myomectomy are the sole choices for eliminating fibroids. These surgical procedures are invasive, entail significant downtime, and come with a heightened risk of complications. Our physician provides Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive alternative for fibroid treatment that preserves the uterus.
| Pre/Post Procedure Info: | Step-by-Step “Patient Day” |
|---|---|
| Preparation: Fasting, arrange a driver, stop certain medications. Recovery: Expect cramping for 2-4 days, prescription pain meds, return to light work in less than 1 week. Long-term outlook: Fibroids shrink 40–60%, most symptoms disappear, normal menses return. FAQ: Pregnancy after UFE, insurance/process questions. |
8am: Arrive, check-in, meet care team. 9am: Mild sedation, small wrist puncture. 10am: UFE performed under imaging. 11am: Recovery suite, snack, go home. 5pm: Relax at home, monitor phone support. 3 days: Most back to daily activities. |
Medications
Medication is frequently the initial approach for alleviating mild to moderate symptoms associated with fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort. Some women may find it beneficial to explore medication options before considering surgical interventions. Your doctor might suggest the following medications to address pain and, in certain cases, reduce the size of fibroids.
Oral Contraceptives
Using contraceptive pills can assist in minimizing excessive bleeding and regulating the menstrual cycle for individuals with fibroids. This is a viable choice for women who do not have immediate plans for pregnancy.
GnRH Agonists
Using contraceptive pills can assist in minimizing excessive bleeding and regulating the menstrual cycle for individuals with fibroids. This is a viable choice for women who do not have immediate plans for pregnancy.
Pain Medication
Using contraceptive pills can assist in minimizing excessive bleeding and regulating the menstrual cycle for individuals with fibroids. This is a viable choice for women who do not have immediate plans for pregnancy.
Progestins
Progestins are synthetic forms of the hormone progesterone designed to thin the uterine lining and potentially alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding linked to fibroids. Numerous progestins are administered orally and also serve as contraceptives.
Iron Supplements
Progestins are synthetic forms of the hormone progesterone designed to thin the uterine lining and potentially alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding linked to fibroids. Numerous progestins are administered orally and also serve as contraceptives.
Intrauterine Devices (IUD)
While intrauterine devices are commonly employed for birth control, they offer additional advantages. An IUD releasing a minimal amount of hormone into the uterine cavity can reduce heavy or irregular bleeding associated with fibroids.
What Is The Best Treatment For Uterine Fibroids?
For the majority of women, the most effective treatment for uterine fibroids is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure is conducted by a skilled interventional radiologist. Women who prefer to avoid major surgery and wish to retain their uterus should seriously consider UFE treatment.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) entails a small incision, resulting in minimal to no scarring and lower risks of complications. Typically conducted as an outpatient procedure, it eliminates the need for a hospital stay. Patients undergoing UFE can often return to work and regular activities within a week, experiencing rapid relief from fibroid symptoms post-procedure.
What to Expect from Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- Less invasive than surgery
- Quicker recovery time
- No hospital stay required
- Preserves the uterus
Uterine Fibroid Embolization FAQ
For numerous women dealing with fibroids, the consideration of future pregnancy plays a crucial role in deciding on fibroid treatment. UFE stands out as a safe and effective option for women aiming to conceive post-procedure since it preserves the uterus. Opting for this more conservative approach allows patients to maintain their fertility without exposing themselves to the risks, side effects, and prolonged recovery associated with alternative procedures. It’s important to discuss UFE and its impact on fertility rates during your initial consultation with your doctor.