Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive procedure that is used to treat fibroid tumors of the uterus. Also also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE), this procedure has shown to be effective in relieving the symptoms associated with fibroids.
What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. The cause of fibroids is unclear. Evidence points to hormones playing a role in the development of fibroids. Fibroids range in size and can occur as a single tumor or in groups. The symptoms of fibroids can vary widely from one person to another.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of fibroids include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Heavy menstruation
- Pelvic Pain & Cramping
- Constipation
- Anemia
- Incontinence or urinary frequency
- Pain in the legs or back
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Abdominal bloating
- Infertility
Symptoms depend on the size, number, and location of the tumors present. Our clinicians will discuss with you, your best treatment options. Treatments can range from monitoring symptoms to a minimally invasive procedure, such as UFE.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization involves placing a thin catheter into the blood vessel that feeds the uterus and fibroid tumor(s). Small particles are injected directly into these blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood to the fibroids, causing the fibroids to shrink. UFE procedures offer many women an alternative to a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Uterine firbroid embolizations typically take less than 1 hour to perform in an outpatient surgery center with a recovery time of approximately 2 hours.