Tag: Treating Uterine Fibroids

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Fibroids

A Good Candidate for UFE

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is not only effective, but it has a much shorter recovery period than other treatment methods.

There is great news if you are a good candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

UFE has an excellent track record regarding its effectiveness in relieving fibroid symptoms. It also has a faster recovery time than more invasive procedures like a hysterectomy and a myomectomy.

In fact, based on the results of a meta-analysis of several studies, it is estimated that on average 92% of women treated with Uterine Fibroid Embolization, experience a decrease in fibroid symptoms.

Wow. That’s a lot of women.

So you might be asking yourself, ” Am I a good candidate for UFE?”

That’s a great question and one that can best be answered by scheduling a consultation to find out more about UFE and if it can benefit you.

However, in the meantime, we will try and answer it in a general way here.

Most women with symptomatic fibroids are good candidates for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure. This includes women who experience any of the following fibroid symptoms:

  • Heavy Bleeding – This may be characterized by prolonged periods, very heavy bleeding, or irregular bleeding.
  • Pain – Pain can arise from the position of the fibroids within the uterus as well as compression on the other organs in the area. It can also be related to fibroid size.
  • Pressure Symptoms – If a fibroid pushes up against another organ, such as the bladder, it can cause problems, such as frequent urination. A large fibroid can also push against the rectum, creating problems with having a bowel movement.

So who isn’t a good candidate for UFE?

As with any medical procedure, there are contraindications or reasons that the UFE procedure may not be right for everyone.

Sometimes the reasons are absolute, meaning that under no circumstances should the procedure be performed. An example of an absolute contraindication to UFE is pregnancy.

It is not advisable to x-ray a pregnant uterus or to administer anything that will block the flow of blood to the uterus while a woman is pregnant. Therefore it’s important to share with your doctor if you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant anytime soon, as this could affect the time frame in which UFE can be performed.

Other reasons that someone might not be a candidate for UFE are:

  • Chronic Kidney Disease – The contrast dye can be harmful to someone with poorly functioning kidneys. The decision to give contrast dye to a person with chronic kidney disease is made on an individual basis.
  • Uncertain Pelvic Mass – If there is any question if the mass is something other than a fibroid, then UFE is not the appropriate procedure.
  • Any Active Infection – Any procedure not related to treating the infection should be avoided, as the infection could worsen or spread. It may be possible to reconsider UFE after the infection has resolved.
  • Asymptomatic Fibroids – UFE should not be performed unless the fibroids are causing symptoms that would indicate surgery.

When it comes to determining if someone is a good candidate for UFE it really comes down to working with a medical expert to access your particular fibroid symptoms and all other variables at play.

An excellent way to begin this process is to schedule a consultation by calling MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional at 301-622-5360 today.

 

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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

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

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

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.

 

Categories
Fibroids

UFE: An Alternative to Surgery

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a very effective, minimally-invasive procedure to remove uterine fibroids. UFE also has a shorter recovery.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a very effective, minimally-invasive procedure to remove uterine fibroids. It can also be an alternative to a major surgery such as a hysterectomy or a myomectomy, and has a much shorter recovery time. 

Unlike major surgery to remove fibroids which can require a few nights in the hospital and several weeks or even months to fully recover- UFE is an outpatient procedure, with a much shorter recovery time.

During UFE, a tiny catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the leg or wrist, which is then guided to the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. Once it reaches that point, small particles are injected into the vessel to block the artery and cut off the blood flow to the fibroids.  Then, following the procedure, the patient will return to their home, where over the next few weeks and months, the fibroids will gradually shrink.

One of the many benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization is that it targets all fibroids in the uterus. This makes it an excellent treatment option for individuals with only a few fibroids as well as those who have many fibroids, regardless of fibroid size.

In fact, uterine fibroid embolization is so effective that most individuals who undergo the procedure have a dramatic improvement in their symptoms that is experienced when they return to their normal activities a mere 8 to 10 days after the treatment.

So what does it feel like? Does it hurt?

Good question, and we’ll do our best to answer that.

The UFE procedure itself is not painful, however light sedation medications will be administered through an IV in order to prevent any discomfort.  Some women report experiencing a feeling in their pelvis similar to menstrual cramping or heaviness. This is completely normal and is due to the decreased blood supply to the uterus.

Following the procedure, it is also normal to experience low energy, intermittent nausea, and possibly fever- as a result of the dying fibroid tissue.

These symptoms typically last a few days at most, and gradually decrease in severity. Most women report that by the fourth or fifth day following the procedure, they feel back to normal, while some might have a few more days of cramping. Fortunately, most of this discomfort can be easily ameliorated with the help of over-the-counter pain medication.

Since UFE is an outpatient procedure, it’s important to have an area in your home where you can relax and heal after.

You may wish to set up your bed with extra pillows, and your favorite blanket, and if there’s a tv in your relaxation location, having the remote control nearby can be helpful as well.

While resting at home, some cramping can be expected in the lower abdominal region for about 24 hours but will subside quickly. However, most physicians do recommend that patients plan to stay home or at least limit their activities for at least one week following uterine fibroid embolization.

Other restrictions that your doctor may ask you to follow are:

– No bathing for 2 weeks. Shower as normal.

– No tampons for at least one full cycle.

– Abstain from sex for 2 weeks.

– No heavy lifting until your strength fully returns.

– Flights and travel are not recommended for at least 2 weeks.

– Refrain from taking aspirin for at least the first week.

Though recovery times may vary, most patients can return to all normal activities after 2 weeks. Even better, they can expect to experience significant improvements in their pre-op fibroid symptoms, over the course of one to three months. This means no more heavy periods, pelvic pain and pressure, urinary incontinence, or pain during sexual intercourse.

In our next article, we will take a look at the results of the embolization, and the experience and time it usually takes for the fibroids to shrink.

In the meantime, if you are considering Uterine Fibroid Embolization treatment for uterine fibroids, or have any questions about the UFE procedure, please call us at 301-622-5360 and request an appointment at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional today!

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Fibroids

Putting an End to Fibroids

There are many medications that can help relieve the symptoms of uterine fibroids. However, they provide a temporary solution.

There are many medications that can help relieve the symptoms of uterine fibroids, such as pelvic discomfort and heavy menstrual bleeding. However, these medicines do not remove the fibroids and only provide a temporary solution. Once the medication is stopped, the relief it provided from fibroid symptoms is stopped as well. Therefore the only way to successfully put an end to fibroid symptoms is to remove the fibroids.

There are several surgical approaches to removing uterine fibroids. One excellent option is a non-invasive procedure, called Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Another option is a major surgery such as a hysterectomy, or a uterine sparing surgical procedure, such as a myomectomy.

A myomectomy is usually offered as a treatment recommendation for women who wish to have children after the fibroids are removed, or who wish to keep their uterus for other reasons. Whereas a hysterectomy is typically an option for women with fibroids that would like to avoid having to take medication and experience the side effects associated with them, as well as avoid the risk of fibroids returning following some of the other treatment procedures available. A hysterectomy is also oftentimes the preferred method of treatment of uterine fibroids for women that do not plan to have children.

Both a hysterectomy and a myomectomy are major surgery and come with their own risks of complications and side effects. Therefore it’s important to work with your doctor in preparation for either of these surgeries.

A myomectomy, in particular, has the potential complication of injury to internal organs and excessive bleeding. There is also the risk of the uterus becoming weaker after surgery, which carries its own set of problems.

Fortunately, there are certain things that can be done in preparation for surgery, that can help decrease the risks of complications, and lend themselves to a safer, more successful operation.

To minimize the risks during myomectomy surgery, your doctor may recommend:

Iron supplements and vitamins

Sometimes the fibroid side effect of heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and anemia. In order to build up a patient’s blood count, your doctor might recommend taking iron supplements and vitamins for a period of time before the procedure.

Hormonal treatment

Some of the medications used to treat the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, including anemia, can be an effective treatment to prepare the body for surgery. These medications include gonadotropic-releasing hormones ( GnRH agonists), and certain hormone-containing birth control pills. By blocking the production of estrogen and progesterone, and in some cases stopping menstruation entirely, these medications can help the body to rebuild hemoglobin and iron stores for a more successful surgery and recovery.

Medication to Shrink Fibroids

GnRH agonists are sometimes used to shrink fibroids prior to surgery. By shrinking the fibroids in preparation for surgery, the patient may not have to have an open procedure, and can instead have a minimally invasive surgical approach to remove the fibroids.

Though the research on this is mixed, there is some clinical evidence to support the effect that GnRH therapy can have on shrinking fibroids and decreasing heavy bleeding, to the point where surgery is no longer required. However, due to the side effect profile of these medications such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, and other symptoms of menopause, some women wish to avoid these GnRhH agonists altogether.

Other common pre-surgery recommendations may include:

  • Take a bath or shower before coming in for your surgery.
  • Abstain from applying any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
  • Do not shave attempt to shave the surgical site yourself ( This may not be required by all doctors, however, it’s worth asking about).
  • Make sure to have someone that can drive you home, as the anesthesia and pain medication administered will make it unsafe to drive after the operation.
  • Be sure to remove any jewelry and piercings.

Lastly, and most importantly, make sure that you understand exactly what method of surgery is planned, as well as the risks, side effects, benefits, and potential complications involved.

If your doctor has suggested the use of medications that can shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding during surgery, make sure to ask about potential risks and side effects associated with these medications, as these medications aren’t necessarily the best option for everyone. In some cases, fibroid medications can shrink and soften fibroids so much so, that they become harder to detect and surgically remove.

It’s also important to be aware of all of the treatment options available to you because in some cases, a hysterectomy or a myomectomy might not be the best option, and your doctor may recommend a less invasive procedure such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which we specialize in here at our office.

If you are interested in finding out more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization as a treatment procedure for uterine fibroids, please feel free to call us today to set up a consultation.

There are many ways to treat uterine fibroids, call today and let us help you find the best one for you.