What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine fibroid symptoms can interfere with your physical wellbeing, your moods, and even your fertility. Take a moment to find out how uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can help.

Uterine fibroids are very common and often harmless. If the growths cause bothersome symptoms or complications, however, it’s time to seek treatment.

One of the most effective alternatives to hysterectomies is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). It provides a minimally invasive way to do away with significant fibroid issues.

With his expert team at our Midtown Manhattan, New York, practice, double board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist Dr. Yosef Golowa offers this fibroid treatment for good candidates.

Dr. Golowa put together the following information to help you understand fibroids, including how UFE can help.

Uterine fibroid basics

About 40-80% of women have fibroids, most often between ages 30 and 50. Typically noncancerous, these benign nodules can form alone or in clusters and range from the size of a grapeseed to the size of a watermelon.

The most common type of uterine fibroid, known as intramural fibroids, form in the muscular wall of your uterus. Fibroids may also form in the inner uterus lining or expand into your pelvis.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t known, but they may stem from genetic or hormonal factors.

Common uterine fibroid symptoms include:

Bloating or lower-belly fullness sensations
Chronic vaginal discharge
Constipation or rectal pressure
Difficulty urinating
Heavy, frequent, or especially painful periods
Pelvic pain or pressure
Painful sex, or pain after sex

If a fibroid distorts the shape or size of your uterus, reduces blood flow, or grows close to the uterine lining, it can fuel infertility.

How uterine fibroid embolization works

Unlike most hysterectomies, which involve a sizable incision, UFE requires only a tiny puncture from a needle – usually in your groin area or wrist. Thanks to local anesthesia, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.

During the procedure, Dr. Golowa inserts tiny gel particles through a catheter (tiny tube), guiding with X-ray imagery. These particles block blood flow to the bothersome growths, causing them to shrink and die off.

UFE takes about an hour to complete, and you can return home the same day.

Uterine fibroid embolization results

Within a few weeks of UFE, you should notice significant symptom improvements. Over 85% of people who have the procedure experience fibroid shrinkage and relieved symptoms within several months. On top of restored physical comfort, many recipients report having a better overall quality of life.

Only about 5-10% of people end up needing more than one round of UFE for optimal results. This may be due to needing additional blockage in the affected arteries or from new fibroids.

To learn more about uterine fibroid embolization or find out if you’re a strong candidate, call our office today at 212-991-9991. You can also book an appointment with Dr. Golowa through our website.