Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
An advanced, less invasive approach to treating fibroids
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Did you know…?
- Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow on or within the lining of the uterus.
- They can range in size from as small as a grape to as large as a cantaloupe.
- Approximately 20-40% of women over age 35 have fibroids.
- African American women are three times more likely to develop them than women of other ethnicities.
The symptoms of uterine fibroids can be overwhelming
When the fibroids grow larger, they may become very painful or uncomfortable. They can result in frequent urination and even incontinence. Heavy menstrual bleeding is another common symptom. Because they are hormonally sensitive, the symptoms can be cyclical just like with your period.
Fibroids can affect your quality of life
Many women with fibroids must take steps to prevent “accidents.” This means careful planning during their periods, keeping extra products on hand, carefully choosing clothes to wear and even avoiding certain activities. Normal life has disappeared, replaced with a rigorous regime of preparation and precaution.
Hysterectomy is NOT your only option
Many women mistakenly believe that hysterectomy is their only option when fibroids become intolerable. As a result, hysterectomy remains the most common treatment for fibroids. Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the United States every year, 75% are now considered unnecessary.
Removing the uterus may have more negative health consequences than previously believed. This is why there is a growing movement to reduce the number of unnecessary hysterectomies performed each year. In fact, an article in AARP The Magazine called hysterectomy one of “4 surgeries to avoid.”
Is there another treatment option?
Fortunately, there is! Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a less invasive, FDA-approved and highly effective approach for treating fibroids. The procedure is performed by a specialized doctor called an interventional radiologist, who uses X-ray imaging to guide a catheter through the femoral artery in the groin to the uterine artery. When the catheter has reached the location of the fibroids, the radiologist embolizes or “blocks” the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, depriving it of oxygenated blood. The fibroid then shrinks, and the symptoms gradually disappear.
UFE is performed on an outpatient basis at our National Vascular Physicians centers. It takes less than an hour, and you may return home within 24 hours after the procedure. The doctors of National Vascular Physicians are among the region’s most experienced professionals at performing UFE and have undergone an additional 1-2 years of subspecialty training to perform this procedure.
Women who undergo UFE have experienced a high level of satisfaction and a significant improvement in their quality of life, even over the long term.1,2 In a recent study of four randomized clinical trials comparing UFE to surgical interventions, UFE was associated with less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to work.3
UFE IS COVERED BY MOST INSURANCE AND MEDICARE
Is UFE right for me?
You may be a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization if you:
- Are experiencing the symptoms of uterine fibroids
- Are not or no longer wish to become pregnant
- Are seeking an alternative to hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
- Wish to avoid surgery or are a poor candidate for surgery
It is not known the long-term effects that UFE has on a woman’s ability to become pregnant. If you decide on UFE, becoming pregnant in the future can be extremely difficult, although some women have had successful pregnancies after UFE. As with all medical procedures, talk to your doctor if you have questions, and to help determine if UFE is right for you.
- Smith WJ, Upton E, Shuster EJ, Klein AJ, Schwartz ML. Patient satisfaction and disease specific quality of life after uterine artery embolization. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004;190(6):1697–1703.
- Scheurig-Muenkler C, Koesters C, Powerski MJ, Grieser C, Froeling V, Kroencke TJ. Clinical long-term outcome after uterine artery embolization: sustained symptom control and improvement of quality of life. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2013;24(6):765–771
- Laughlin SK, Schroeder JC, Baird DD. New directions in the epidemiology of uterine fibroids. Semin Reprod Med. 2010;28(3):204–217
