Fibroids are benign tumors that commonly grow in the uterus. Fibroids can grow and become large and symptomatic during the years when a woman can become pregnant.
When dealing with the symptoms of uterine fibroids - such as heavy menstrual bleeding, enlarging uterus, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and frequent urination - many women are advised to consider traditional treatments like hysterectomy or myomectomy. But these procedures are both very invasive, causing significant body trauma and a long road to recovery.
So before you consent to one of these invasive surgical procedures, it's important to consider all of your options. One effective alternative is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
Keep reading to learn why you should think twice before choosing a hysterectomy and explore the benefits of UFE instead.
A hysterectomy involves the complete removal of the uterus and is often recommended for large, numerous, or severely symptomatic fibroids. While it can be effective, it comes with significant drawbacks.
First, a hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. This means significant body trauma and a lengthy hospital stay. Recovery can take six weeks or more, accompanied by significant pain and discomfort.
Moreover, this procedure results in permanent infertility, which can be a difficult decision for women who wish to have children. Like any major surgery, it carries risks such as infection and bleeding, with the added risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia.
A myomectomy involves the surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. Although it allows women to retain their fertility, it also has several downsides.
The surgical risks are similar to those of a hysterectomy, including infection, bleeding, and complications from anesthesia. The recovery period is substantial, typically lasting four to six weeks. Furthermore, there is a strong possibility that new fibroids can develop, requiring additional surgeries in the future.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, offers a minimally invasive solution to fibroids with numerous benefits over traditional surgeries.
UFE is performed through a tiny incision in the groin or wrist. A catheter is guided to the uterine arteries, and tiny beads are injected to block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to die and shrink.
Unlike major surgeries, UFE allows for a rapid recovery: most women can return to their normal activities within a week or less. Recent studies show that 9 out of 10 women experience permanent relief from fibroid symptoms after undergoing UFE.
This procedure does not involve removing the uterus, thus preserving a woman's ability to have children, and is relatively painless. Post-procedure pain is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
The tiny incision required for UFE significantly reduces the risk of infection and scarring, and the procedure itself (along with all consultations, imaging and follow-ups) is covered by most major insurance providers, making it an accessible treatment option for many women.
If you are in Arizona and considering UFE, Vascular and Interventional Partners (VIP) should be your top choice. Our team consists of board-certified specialists, including Doctors Chen, Goettl, Hirsch, and Mendenhall, who are renowned for their expertise in UFE and have advanced training in minimally invasive procedures.
Here’s what sets VIP apart:
When it comes to treating uterine fibroids, it’s important to explore all of your options before committing to a major surgery like hysterectomy or myomectomy. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a minimally invasive, effective, and quick-recovery alternative that preserves fertility and provides lasting relief.
For women in Arizona, Vascular and Interventional Partners stands out as the premier choice for UFE, offering unparalleled expertise and patient care. Don’t rush into a hysterectomy - consider UFE first and experience the benefits of a less invasive solution to fibroid treatment.
Are you a good candidate for UFE? Take our FREE quiz online to find out - just click here!
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