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If you've been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you have several treatment options. Fibroids are the most common female reproductive system tumors; they are benign (non-cancerous) more than 99 percent of the time.
Though most are harmless, they can range in size from a pea to a small grapefruit and can cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, urine frequency, and constipation.
Your doctor may advise you to undergo Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to treat uterine fibroids.
Four facts you should know about UFE
- It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive method.
- Your uterus stays intact.
- It has a lower complication rate due to reduced pain and blood loss.
- Reduced recovery time means most patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities within a week.
How UFE is performed
UFE works by cutting off the fibroids' blood supply, causing them to shrink.
This operation will require you to be sedated or anesthetized. You will also be given a local anesthetic before a small cut, usually in the groin, is made. A catheter is inserted via this cut and guided into the blood arteries that are related to the fibroids.
As part of a fluoroscopy technique, a contrast (dye) is then injected into the catheter.
Fluoroscopy is similar to an X-ray in that it displays to the doctor what is happening in real-time rather than a single image. What is visible on the screen will guide the doctor during the process.
The catheter is then used to deliver a plastic or gel composition. This is inserted into the blood vessels to prevent blood from reaching the fibroids.
The fibroids should shrink if there is no blood supply. It can take up to 6 months for fibroids to decrease, but symptoms usually improve sooner.
Long-term side effects
Many people have had positive outcomes with UFE. It is typical to experience some pain and cramps after the surgery. Most people return to their normal routines within a few weeks of having UFE.
Long-term negative effects are possible, like with any other operation. If you are concerned about any of these potential side effects, see your doctor.
Changes with fertility
It may be more difficult to get pregnant after UFE in some circumstances. There is a small chance of uterine or ovarian damage.
Despite the lack of existing information on pregnancy outcomes after this procedure, UFE is frequently not recommended for patients who want to get pregnant in the future.
If you intend to become pregnant someday, make sure your doctor is aware of your intentions. There may be other fibroid treatment methods available for you.
Effects on pregnancy
According to certain studies, there is a greater chance of miscarriage and pregnancy problems following UFE. Other research is inconclusive. Numerous factors can influence pregnancy rates and outcomes.
Changes to your menstrual cycle
It is conceivable that your periods will be thicker for several months following UFE. If the fibroids were causing excessive menstrual bleeding, many patients who get UFE discover that their periods become lighter.
Early menopause
The majority of fibroids appear before menopause. It's difficult to say how frequently UFE causes early menopause.
UFE can lead to changes in ovarian function and egg quality. This is most likely caused by alterations in blood supply to the ovaries, which results in a disease known as early ovarian insufficiency.
UAE may also be more likely to develop premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in women over the age of 45.
Early menopause might have an impact on heart and bone health. Some persons who suffer from it may require hormone replacement medication.
Recurrence of fibroids
Additional fibroids will probably form following UFE. It's best to consult your doctor if you find any of your symptoms returning or worsening.