Category: Fibroids

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Fibroids

UFE Consultation

Setting up a consultation to see if UFE can help you, is an excellent first step towards better health and wellness.

It’s a new year, and why not make it a year without the pain and discomfort that comes with having uterine fibroids by setting up a UFE consultation?

Sound good?

Great!

So let’s get started by scheduling your initial consultation here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional to determine the treatment method that would be best for you.

During this consultation, our expert staff will go over your full medical history.

One way to speed up this process is to arrive early to fill out your medical history form completely. In doing so, please be sure to write down all medications you are taking.

Once you’ve completed the paperwork, you will meet with our nurse practitioner or physician assistant who will complete your medical history and conduct a basic physical examination as well as check your vitals.

Following this, you will meet with our expert interventional radiologist to discuss the procedure and determine if you could be a good candidate for uterine fibroid embolization.

During the consultation with the doctor, he will take the time to learn more about your specific situation and symptoms in order to deliver the best care possible.

If it is decided that you could be a good candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization, the next step will be to order a pelvic MRI.

The pelvic MRI imaging process will assess in more detail the appearance, location, size, and vascularity of your fibroids- all of which can help determine if uterine fibroid embolization is right for you.

Once the MRI is reviewed the doctor will be able to determine if you could benefit from UFE.

If UFE is right for you, the next step will be to schedule the procedure, putting your well on your way to living a life free of the painful and life-interrupting symptoms of uterine fibroids.

To schedule your initial consultation please call us at 301-622-5360.

While many women are definite candidates for UFE, others may fall somewhere in the middle, or in some cases might benefit from another type of fibroid treatment.

In our next article, we will take a look at what makes for a good candidate for UFE.

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Fibroids

Making it Through the Holidays with Fibroids

Making it Through the Holidays with Uterine Fibroids

If you have decided to take action and do something about your uterine fibroids- Congratulations on making your health and your body a priority!

This is wonderful news. As you deserve to live a life free of the many uncomfortable, life-interrupting, and painful symptoms that can come with having uterine fibroids.

However, for those of us traveling during the holidays, or having family and friends in town, chances are that the fibroid procedure that you and your doctor have chosen for you isn’t scheduled until after the holidays.

So what can be done in the meantime? Do you just have to grin and bear it? Or load up on NSAIDs and other pain-relieving medicines?

Not necessarily.

In fact, there are actually several things you can do to help reduce your fibroid pain and the stress that it can bring this holiday season so that you can enjoy this special time of year as much as possible.

So let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to reduce fibroid symptoms and pain:


Add more iron-rich foods to your diet.

The holidays are full of yummy treats. Cookies, cakes, casseroles, ham, turkey, stuffing- you name it, and you’ll probably come across it.

However, given that fibroids can cause heavy bleeding that leads to anemia, it’s important to make sure that you are eating iron-rich foods to help reduce the feelings of weakness and lethargy that come from anemia.

This means adding in foods that are rich in iron, like green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, beans, or lean red meat.

Sometimes it’s helpful to add iron to your morning smoothies, or, if you are prescribed iron supplements by your physician, make sure they are part of your diet as well.


Get plenty of rest.

Though the holiday season can be a busy time of year, it doesn’t have to be busy the entire time. In fact, in order to keep fibroid symptoms at bay, it’s important that make sure to have periods of downtime where you can give your body a rest.

If your body isn’t given time to rest and recoup, the stress being put on it can impact your blood and hormone levels, which can increase fibroid pain and symptoms.

Therefore, it’s important to remind yourself that it’s ok to skip a holiday party or an event to take care of yourself and your body. And it’s ok to go to bed early, ask for some help cleaning up, and so on.

By taking better care of yourself, you can reduce fibroid symptoms and as a result, have a much more enjoyable holiday season.


Be prepared when traveling

Traveling with fibroids can be extra stressful, frustrating, and downright uncomfortable.

Therefore, in order to reduce this stress, it’s important to make sure that you pack the right supplies to reduce, treat, and control your fibroid-related symptoms.

Some of the items you may wish to have with you are:

  • Plenty of pads and tampons
  • Flushable wipes
  • Extra underwear
  • A change of clothing
  • Pain-relieving medications
  • Non-perishable snacks
  • A refillable water bottle (look for filling stations at the airport)
  • Relaxing music and other forms of entertainment
  • A heating pad (many planes now offer individual power outlets)
  • A small pillow and throw blanket

If you have an upcoming fibroid treatment procedure scheduled, it can also be helpful to remind yourself that you are taking action to relieve your fibroid symptoms soon and that this pain and discomfort will not last forever.

The Bottom Line: Is that by taking care of yourself and using some of the tips above, one day at a time, you can have a holiday season that’s a little easier, and more enjoyable even with uterine fibroids.

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Fibroids

Holiday Season and Fibroids

Cheers to Living Free of Fibroids in the New Year!

The holiday season can be a time full of laughter and joy. It can be time spent with family and friends, sharing presents and good food and fun. It can be a wonderful celebration for all, however, for women with uterine fibroids, this time of year isn’t always as carefree and joyful as it could be. In fact, it can be downright stressful.

For a woman with uterine fibroids, all the social activities of the holiday season can be extra stressful and can take a lot of extra preparation.

This could mean packing enough feminine products for a month or stocking up on pain relievers that may relieve the pain, but also cause other obnoxious issues such as constipation. It can also mean feeling uncomfortable getting dressed up due to fibroid-related bloating and pelvic pressure and pain.

So what can be done?

It turns out, there is a lot.

Therefore this holiday season, if you are a woman suffering from the painful and life-interrupting symptoms of uterine fibroids, it’s time to take action. And gift yourself and your body, a new year without uterine fibroids.

Life without fibroids? Is this possible?

Absolutely.

However, unfortunately, many women choose to forgo treatment because, in the past, the only options were invasive surgeries that came with a long recovery period such as a hysterectomy or a myomectomy,  or medications that came with a slew of unwanted side effects.

Fortunately, now there is a minimally invasive option that is completely safe, and one that has become the gold standard when it comes to non-surgical fibroid treatment. And that is Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is helping women to overcome their fibroid symptoms enabling them to live happier, healthier, fibroid-free lives.

Taking the action to treat fibroids with a procedure such as UFE, can not only prevent fibroids from growing and becoming worse, but it can also relieve painful fibroid symptoms.

Imagine a holiday season without:

Heavy periods
Pelvic pain or pressure
Back or leg pain
Constipation and diarrhea
Weight gain
Difficulty urinating or urinary frequency
Bloating and swelling

Therefore, treat yourself to a new year without the pain and discomfort of uterine fibroids by taking action. In fact, you can call us today to learn more about UFE and to even set up your initial consultation.

Together we can have you living fibroid symptom-free in the New Year and beyond.

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Fibroids

Does Location Matter?

Does fibroid location matter?

Fibroids can grow inside, underneath, and outside of the uterine walls. And, depending on their location, fibroids are usually divided into four different types: Intramural, subserosal, pedunculated, and submucosal.

Intramural fibroids are fibroids that grow within the muscular uterine wall and are the most common type of fibroid. Due to their location, intramural fibroids can cause all of the typical fibroid symptoms, and, as they grow larger, can actually stretch the womb, causing even more discomfort.

Subserosal fibroids are a type of fibroid that grows outside of the uterus on the serosa membrane, which is the outer lining that all organs and internal body cavities have. Subserosal fibroids sometimes grow big enough that they can make the womb look bigger on one side.

Pedunculated fibroids form when a subserosal fibroid develops a stem. This stem then becomes a slender stalk-like base that can support the growth of a pedunculated fibroid.

Submucosal fibroids are fibroids that bulge into the uterine cavity, as they grow in the myometrium or middle layer of muscle in the uterus. These fibroids are not as common as intramural, subserosal, and pedunculated fibroids.

When it comes to the painful fibroid symptoms associated with fibroid degeneration, the most concerning type of fibroid is a pedunculated fibroid.

Though all types of fibroids can cause pain when degenerating, pedunculated fibroids are more likely to cause pain in the abdominal area due to their stalk-like form and their location.

Pedunculated fibroids can also cause increased pain due to their obstruction of the uterus and the surrounding organs.

No matter where the fibroid is located though, the symptoms of their degeneration can be felt, and it doesn’t feel good. However, the good news is that there is treatment available.

By taking a look at your particular symptoms, medical risks, age, and other factors, you and your doctor can work together to find the treatment that is best for you. One of which, maybe Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

UFE is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that uses imaged-guided interventional radiology to move a catheter through to blood vessels until it reaches the artery supplying the fibroid or fibroids. Once in place, tiny microscopic particles are released through the catheter, which thereby blocks the blood supply to the artery.

Without this blood supply, fibroids can no longer survive.

The Bottom Line: There is nothing normal about fibroids or the life-interrupting symptoms they cause. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of fibroid degeneration or not, it is important to seek treatment from a doctor. Most fibroid conditions do not improve without medical intervention.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of uterine fibroids and would like to learn more about your treatment options, give us a call and set up your consultation today.

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Fibroids

Cramping and Acute Fibroid Pain

Fibroids that cause acutely painful cramping could be due to fibroid degeneration.

If you are diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are experiencing cramping and acute fibroid pain, it could be due to fibroid degeneration.

What is fibroid degeneration, you ask?

Fibroid degeneration is a process that occurs when fibroids start to die off and break down.

And, why would this happen?

Fibroid degeneration is due to uterine fibroids being unable to get the steady supply of blood and nutrients that they need in order to survive. Degeneration is commonly seen in large fibroids as they need more blood than smaller fibroids.

As a result of not having enough blood and nutrients, fibroids will begin to degenerate, and thereby shrink down to a size that the current blood supply can support.

So it’s that a good thing? Don’t we want our fibroids to shrink?

Yes, however, when this happens, it is not permanent.

In fact, it is likely that the fibroid will re-grow and expand, and the whole process of growth and degeneration will begin again. And, with that, so will the experience of painful cramping and other symptoms such as:

Acute stabbing pain — This is perhaps the most common symptom of fibroid degeneration and includes localized sharp and stabbing pains in the abdomen. The stabbing pains are caused by a release of chemicals from the fibroids as the cells die and are accompanied by swelling.

Fever — As a result of fibroid degeneration, many women experience a low-grade fever, which is defined as a body temperature between 100.4 and 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bleeding — In rare cases, fibroid degeneration may cause hemorrhaging or bleeding. This can occur during your normal menstrual cycle or between periods and is a telltale sign of fibroids.

Chronic pain — Lasting pelvic pain and other chronic pain that isn’t too severe but never seems to go away is also a sign of fibroid degeneration.

The pain caused by uterine fibroid degeneration can last anywhere from just a few days to several weeks. Though some of the pain can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine, these medications are not a permanent solution and can come with risks and complications of their own.

In our next article, we will take a further look at fibroid degeneration, and also dive into some of the treatment options available for those suffering from this type of pain.

 

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Fibroids

Excessive Cramping and Pelvic Discomfort

One of the most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is excessive cramping and pelvic discomfort.

One of the most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is excessive cramping and pelvic discomfort.

Unlike menstrual cramps, which are caused by the contracting uterus as it pushes out the endometrium during a monthly period, fibroid cramps can exist outside of the average 5-7 days that menstruation lasts.

In fact, for women with uterine fibroids, not only do these cramps occur outside of the menstruation period, but they can be rather severe. And, unfortunately, if the fibroids are left untreated, these symptoms are likely to get worse and include several others as well.

Fibroids can range in size and location. They also vary in terms of how many each woman has. Some women may have a single fibroid while others could have multiple fibroids.

When it comes to the symptoms directly related to uterine fibroids- the location, size, and number of fibroids can play a role in the specific symptoms experienced and their severity.

For example, women with large fibroids have reported that they feel a heaviness or pressure in their lower abdomen or pelvis. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can also make it hard to lie down, bend over, or exercise.

Though all fibroids can contribute to pelvic pain and cramping, more often than not, these symptoms are experienced as a result of having intramural fibroids.

Intramural fibroids grow inside the muscular wall of the uterus. As intramural fibroids grow larger, they increase the likelihood of more severe symptoms that can have a direct impact on one’s quality of life.

The other types of fibroids can also cause cramping and pelvic discomfort. These types are called: submucosal, subserosal, and pedunculated fibroids.

Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity, while subserosal fibroids grow toward the outside of the uterus. Pedunculated fibroids are those that are not directly attached to the uterus and grow from a stem-like stalk.

Cramping and discomfort caused by submucosal fibroids are usually caused by the uterus trying to rid itself of them.

Unlike the contractions that happen every month in order to shed the endometrium, painful contractions caused by submucosal fibroids can happen at any time during a menstrual cycle.

No matter what type of fibroid is causing your uncomfortable symptoms- there is treatment available.

If you think you are experiencing moderate to severe cramping outside of your monthly period, or even if it’s severe during your period- it’s important to seek out treatment right away.

Though most causes of pelvic pain and cramping are treatable, if you do not address the issue it is likely that your symptoms and the underlying condition will get worse.

If the cause of the cramping is indeed fibroids, there are many treatment options available such as medication, surgery, or uterine fibroid embolization.

UFE is a non-invasive outpatient procedure that can relieve the painful cramping and other frustrating symptoms caused by uterine fibroids.

To learn more about UFE and to find out if it could benefit you, please call our office today.

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Fibroids

Menstrual Cramps or Fibroids?

If you are a menstruating female, it is likely that at some point you have experienced the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps.

If you are a menstruating female, it is likely that at some point you have experienced the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps.

These cramps usually range from mild to moderate, and can most often be treated with over-the-counter medications, and soothed with a hot water bottle or heating pad.

However, some women experience excessive cramping both before, during, and after their period.

Having period cramps between periods could be a sign of something more. And that something more, could be uterine fibroids.

So how can you tell if the cramps are from fibroids or just normal menstrual cramps?

Though it can be difficult to distinguish the difference between fibroid pain, and menstrual cramps, there are things you can do to help determine which is the cause of the cramping.

One valuable action is to start keeping track of when you get these cramps, which can help provide valuable information as to what is happening.

Keeping a log of your symptoms, the pain level, and the amount of bleeding experienced during each day of your period can be helpful in finding the solution to your individual situation.

So what exactly are menstrual cramps anyway?

Cramps during a monthly period are caused by the uterus contracting in order to push out the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium.

The endometrium builds up every month to prepare to support the fertilized egg and embryo that may attach to it during pregnancy.

No fertilized egg? No problem.

Fueled by hormones, the uterus begins to contract and shed the uterine lining. Then, the next month, if there is no pregnancy, the process will begin again.

Cramping during this time of the month is often a normal part of menstruating, however, when this cramping is excessive and accompanied by other symptoms such as pain in the pelvis, abdomen, back, and legs, this could point to something more.

Potential causes of excessive cramping are:

Endometriosis
Tissue that acts similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, most commonly on fallopian tubes, ovaries, or the tissue lining your pelvis.

Adenomyosis
The tissue that lines your uterus begins to grow into the muscular walls of the uterus.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
This infection of the female reproductive organs is usually caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.

Cervical stenosis
In some women, the opening of the cervix is small enough to impede menstrual flow, causing a painful increase of pressure within the uterus.

Uterine fibroids These noncancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can cause pain.

One of the most common causes of excessive cramping is uterine fibroids

When cramping and pelvic pain is caused by uterine fibroids, these uncomfortable symptoms could also be accompanied by additional symptoms such as heavy bleeding, frequent urination, and more.

If you are experiencing severe menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, bleeding and cramps between periods, and other uncomfortable symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor and schedule a visit.

If the cause is uterine fibroids, fortunately, this condition is treatable.

In fact, there are many different treatment options to treat uterine fibroids, ranging from medication to surgery, to a non-invasive procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

In our next article, we will take a look at how the specific type of fibroid can cause symptoms such as cramping and pelvic pain.

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Fibroids

The Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids: Finding Relief

Though most women with fibroids have fibroids that are asymptomatic, it is estimated that approximately 30% of women with fibroids will experience severe symptoms.

Uterine fibroids are a common type of benign tumor characterized by the overgrowth of connective or smooth muscle tissue in the uterus.

These tumors, which affect women mainly during their reproductive years,  are diagnosed in up to 70% of white women and more than 80% of women of African ancestry during their lifetime.

Though most women with fibroids have fibroids that are asymptomatic, it is estimated that approximately 30% of women with fibroids will experience severe symptoms which may require medication, surgery, or interventional radiology procedures, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

In our last article, we took a look at clinical data on the effect that Uterine Fibroid Embolization can have on relieving the common fibroid symptom of heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia.

We learned that according to medical records analyzed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), an estimated 26 million women between 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. And of those, nearly 15 million women experience associated symptoms or linked health-related problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding.

Based on the results of several studies and meta-analyses of studies, there is plenty of evidence to support that as many as 92% of women treated with Uterine Fibroid Embolization, experience a decrease in the symptom of heavy bleeding.

In fact, one rather large study found that 86% of patients experienced relief from fibroid-related heavy bleeding merely 3 months after the UFE procedure. While 92% experienced relief from heavy bleeding at 12 months.

This same study, which was published in The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, also found that the bulk of fibroid symptoms was controlled in 64% of patients at 3 months and 92% at 12 months.

So what are the bulk of fibroid symptoms? And, what does the research say regarding the effect that Uterine Fibroid Embolization has on treating these?

Though not all women with fibroids experience symptoms, for those that do,  the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

– Menstrual pelvic pain/cramping
– Heavy menstrual bleeding
– Lower back pain
– Fatigue/weariness/anemia
– Constipation/bloating/diarrhea
– Irregular periods
– Passage of clots
– Spotting/bleeding between periods
– Difficulty having a bowel movement
– General abdominal pain
– Non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping
– Pain during sex
– Pelvic pressure
– Infertility

While of course fibroid symptoms vary from woman to woman, there is evidence to show that some symptoms are more common than others.

One study that looked at the prevalence of fibroid symptoms was published in 2017,  in The International Journal of Women’s Health.

This prestigious medical journal published the results of a cross-sectional survey of 59,411 women aged 18–54 years in the US from August 6, 2012, through September 14, 2012, that have a diagnosis of uterine fibroids.

What they found regarding the distribution of uterine fibroid-related symptoms experienced in these women with uterine fibroids was as follows:

Menstrual pelvic pain/cramping:
2,277, which is 74.9%

Heavy menstrual bleeding:
2,147 which is 73.4%

Lower back pain:
2,090 which is 68.4%

Fatigue/weariness/anemia:
2,069 which is 68.3%

Constipation/bloating/diarrhea:
1,859 which is 63.3%

Irregular periods:
1,698 which is 57.8%

Passage of clots:
1,690 which is 56.9%

Spotting/bleeding between periods:
1,342 which is 45.0

Difficulty having a bowel movement:
1,140 which is 38.9%

General abdominal pain:
1,019 which is 35.0%

Non-menstrual pelvic pain/cramping:
984 which is 33.2%

Pain during sex:
851 which is 29.3%

Pelvic pressure:
654 which is 22.4%

Infertility:
384 which is 12.0%

We already know based on the research results published in our previous article, that UFE is very effective in treating the symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding. But how well does it help in the relief of these other symptoms?

Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at the effect that Uterine Fibroid Embolization can have on reliving some of these troublesome symptoms of uterine fibroids.

In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or to find out if this procedure could benefit you, please give us a call and set up your consultation today.

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Fibroids

Fibroid Symptom: Menorrhagia

One of the most common and frustrating symptoms of uterine fibroids is heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia.

What do heavy menstrual cycles, fatigue, dizziness, pelvic pressure and bloating, enlargement of the abdomen, constipation, increased urinary frequency, heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), pain during sex, and even infertility all have in common?

If you guessed “symptoms caused by uterine fibroids.”

You’re right!

Although fibroids are non-cancerous, due to the many painful, uncomfortable, and life-limiting side effects, many women choose to have them removed.

One of the most common and frustrating symptoms of uterine fibroids is heavy bleeding, also known as menorrhagia.

It is estimated that as many as 35 percent of women in their reproductive years experience menorrhagia, and fibroids can be a leading cause of this.

In fact, fibroids have been found in more than 10% of women with menorrhagia overall and in 40% of women with severe menorrhagia.

According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), an estimated 26 million women between 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. Of those, nearly 15 million women experience associated symptoms or linked health-related problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding.

So what is considered to be heavy bleeding, and how do fibroids contribute to this?

Most gynecologists and physicians agree that heavy bleeding can be defined as:

–  Bleeding that lasts for longer than eight days.

–  Bleeding that requires frequent sanitary pad or tampon changes, approximately every hour or more.

Why do fibroids cause heavy bleeding?

While there is no one reason that heavy bleeding occurs with fibroids, there are several factors that contribute to this symptom, including:

–  Added pressure on the uterus from the fibroids

–  Irregular contractions of the uterus

–  Blood vessel growth stimulation caused by fibroids increases the amount and frequency of bleeding and spotting between periods

–  Elevated hormone levels

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for women with fibroids, which can help reduce or resolve completely, the symptom of heavy bleeding.

The most common treatment methods for fibroid-related menorrhagia include medication and major surgery such as a hysterectomy or a myomectomy. As well as, a procedure that has been rapidly gaining in popularity for its effectiveness and shorter recovery time, which is called Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

Since 1995, Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which is a non-invasive procedure performed either solely or primarily through the uterine artery, has been helping women who suffer health issues related to uterine fibroids. Furthermore, as UFE continues to grow in popularity as a treatment method for uterine fibroids, a plethora of research continues to document its promising results.

The goal of this procedure is to relieve symptoms by blocking the artery that is supplying blood to the fibroids, which causes them to shrink and die.

So how effective is this procedure in relieving the symptoms of fibroid-related heavy bleeding?

It is very effective.

In fact, multiple studies show that fibroid embolization is at least 90% effective when it comes to reducing fibroid-related bleeding and pain.

Not only that, but time and time again, women are reporting that they are experiencing a significant change in their fibroid symptoms within days following the procedure.

This is incredible, especially considering that other treatment methods can take months to show signs of improvement.

One of the earliest studies of the effectiveness of UFE was published in The Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.

The study followed up with 305 women who were treated with the procedure, up to a year after treatment, and what they found was quite promising.

They found that the symptom of heavy bleeding was controlled in 86% of patients at 3 months and 92% at 12 months. And, they also found that the bulk of fibroid symptoms was controlled in 64% of patients at 3 months and 92% at 12 months.

Another study, which was published in the medical journal Radiology reported the results of following up with 80 consecutive patients treated with UFE for menorrhagia caused by fibroids.

Researchers followed up with this group of women for a minimum of 2 years and discovered that menorrhagia was controlled in over 90% of these women!

These are just a few of the studies regarding the impact that Uterine Fibroid Embolization can have on relieving the fibroid symptom of heavy bleeding. A simple google search will bring up study after study where the findings are similar to those stated above.

But wait…there’s more…much more.

In our next article, we will look at what the research says regarding the impact that Uterine Fibroid Embolization can have on some of the other common symptoms of uterine fibroids such as pelvic pressure and pain.

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Fibroids

It’s Time to Take Action

Uterine Fibroid Embolization has a success rate of over 90%. Women report alleviation of symptoms and improvement in their quality of life.

If you have decided it’s time to take action against the heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, urinary issues, and sexual problems that are common symptoms of uterine fibroids- Congratulations!

And, if you’ve chosen to treat the fibroid condition through a non-invasive procedure, Uterine Fibroid Embolization- Double those congratulations!

As you’ve chosen a treatment procedure that has a success rate of over 90%, with the vast majority of women reporting not only an alleviation of symptoms but a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Gone are the days of heavy bleeding, pressure, pain, and missing out on activities due to these and other symptoms of fibroids.

The process of experiencing relief from fibroid symptoms post UFE takes time, but not nearly as much time as other procedures to remove uterine fibroids such as a hysterectomy or a myomectomy, which can have a recovery time of several weeks and even months. Whereas the minimally invasive procedure of Uterine Fibroid Embolization allows for a much faster healing process and must faster result.

It is not uncommon for women to experience almost immediate relief after the procedure. In fact, many women have reported that they noticed that their first menstrual cycle following the procedure didn’t include severe pain or heavy bleeding. While for others it may take a little more time for all of these symptoms to resolve themselves.

The time it takes for the elimination of uterine fibroids symptoms, really comes down to how quickly the body responds to the UFE treatment, as well as the size of the fibroid or multiple fibroids.

The procedure itself begins with the insertion of a tiny catheter into the groin or wrist. Then, with the help of moving X-ray technology (fluoroscopy), the radiologist will then guide the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the artery that supplies blood to the fibroids.

Once the catheter reaches the artery that supplies blood to the fibroids, tiny gelatin beads are released through it, which travel into the artery, creating a blockage. This blockage cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids. And, without the fibroids being able to receive vital nutrients through the blood, they cannot survive and they begin to shrink.

So how long does it take for the fibroids to shrink?

Amazingly, uterine fibroids can begin to shrink immediately following the Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure and will continue to shrink throughout the next year.

The majority of fibroid shrinkage usually takes place in the first six months following the procedure. However, it can take up to a year for the fibroids to shrink to their fullest capacity, with most women experiencing significant relief from their symptoms during this time.

Usually, patients will return to their radiologist for a follow-up appointment around two months after the procedure to access the amount of shrinkage of the fibroids.

You may be wondering:  How can you tell if the procedure was effective and the fibroids are shrinking?

Good question.

Though many women note improvement in their bleeding symptoms immediately following the procedure, it can take up to 3 months for fibroids to shrink enough for women to notice major symptom improvements.

Therefore, one of the best ways to track the progress of the fibroids shrinking is by paying attention to your symptoms both before and after Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

In fact, it can be very helpful to keep a journal or a list of symptoms and rank the severity of these symptoms with 1 being barely noticeable and 10 being the most severe.

Then following the procedure, continue to keep track of the changes happening.

Some of the symptoms you may be keeping track of could be:

• Unusually heavy period
• Long than normal periods
• Bleeding in between periods
• Pressure and pain in the pelvis
• Frequent urination
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse

By keeping track of the severity of these symptoms before and after UFE you may be surprised by how quickly these changes are happening, as you watch your symptoms continue to improve over the next six to twelve weeks.

To learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization and to find out if this procedure could help you, please give us a call today at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, and set up your initial consolation.

In our next article, we will take a look at what the research says regarding the effectiveness of Uterine Fibroids Embolization in shrinking fibroids and eliminating symptoms.