Treatment Brief

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids.
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure to treat fibroids without surgery. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the uterus (womb).
During the procedure, the blood supply to the fibroids is cut off. This typically causes the fibroids to shrink.
The process typically lasts 1-2 hours and requires only a small incision into the femoral artery in the upper thigh or a tiny puncture in the left wrist to access the radial artery. The procedure is designed to block the blood supply to the uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink. As one of the alternatives to hysterectomy procedures, UFE is clinically proven to reduce the major symptoms of uterine fibroids.

Flow

Advantage

What are the advantages of uterine artery embolization (UAE)?

  • Can be performed under local anesthesia.
  • A short period of recovery.
  • Little blood loss or bleeding airwards.
  • Avoids the side effects of hormone therapies that are sometimes used to treat fibroids.
  • Needs only a 0ny incision, making it less invasive than other treatments such as myomectomy (surgical removal of uterine fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus).
  • Nearly 90 percent of women treated with UAE for fibroids experience partial or full relief of symptoms.

Patient Reviews

FAQ

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Uterine fibroids are incredibly common but often cause no symptoms, so women may not even know they have them. Fibroids can range in size from very small, like a walnut, to as large as a grapefruit, or even bigger.
If you have symptomatic fibroids, you may experience:
  • Pelvic pain and pressure
  • Heavy, excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Urinary incontinence and frequent urination

    • Symptomatic fibroids can make it difficult for you to perform tasks and can interfere with your quality of life. If you suspect you’re suffering from uterine fibroids or have been diagnosed, consult with the team at Fresno Fibroid Center to find out about solutions.
Not all fibroids require treatment. If you have small fibroids that aren’t bothersome, the doctors at Fresno Fibroid Center may recommend a watch-and-wait approach. They’ll regularly monitor the size of your fibroids and check-in with you to see if you’re experiencing any symptoms.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a treatment available for symptomatic fibroids. This minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to surgeries, such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, often recommended for fibroid removal.
Uterine fibroid embolization involves accessing the arteries that provide blood to the fibroids and blocking them off, so the fibroids shrink. During the procedure, your doctor uses an X-ray camera to guide the placement of a tube (or catheter) into the arteries that lead to your fibroids. Small particles called embolic material are injected through the tube to block the arteries. Blood flow to your uterus isn’t compromised.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgeries used to remove fibroids. You get faster relief from heavy menstrual bleeding, urinary dysfunction, and pelvic pain. You require less recovery than you might with other treatment methods. You go home about 4-6 hours after the procedure, which rarely requires an overnight hospital stay.
The procedure also preserves your uterus and results in little blood loss. You’re usually back to all your regular activities within two weeks.
Improve your confidence and comfort by reducing symptoms of uterine fibroids. Call Fresno Fibroid Center for a consultation or book online to get started on your fibroid treatment.