Uterine fibroids are a typical health issue that affects close to 35 million women in America. Fibroids are growth tissue that forms benign uterine tumors and appears in different sizes. Typically, they grow in your uterine walls and can cause problematic uncomfortable symptoms. Furthermore, if left untreated, fibroids can result in severe menstrual periods, which can affect your fertility in severe cases. Fortunately, you can overcome this condition with uterine fibroid embolization Houston, TX procedures. UFEs are effective and safe ways to help shrink uterine fibroids and provide the relief you seek.
Understanding uterine fibroids embolization
UFE is a radiological procedure that blocks the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. As a result, this leads to considerable tumor shrinkage over time, where you can no longer suffer any fibroid-related symptoms like heavy uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, and frequent urination. This procedure has proven to eradicate the symptoms of heavy bleeding for many patients within months.
How it works
This keyhole treatment involves placing a thin tube or catheter in your wrist or legs. Your provider then uses a fluoroscopic X-ray to directly guide the tube into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid. In addition, tiny but safe particles of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) will be injected through the catheter to block any blood from flowing into the fibroid. Within 6-9 months, the fibroids will starve and shrink, thus eradicating any fibroid-related symptoms.
Benefits of uterine fibroids embolization
Most patients who undergo this procedure often testify that it reduces negative symptoms related to uterine fibroids. Also, the most significant advantage of UFE is that it works! This procedure drastically improves one’s quality of life by relieving one of the troublesome symptoms. Additionally, the process is safer than traditional surgery, has few complications, minimizes uterine bleeding, no hospital stays required and reduces uterine and menstrual pain.
Possible side effects of UFE
Just like other procedures, uterine fibroid embolization possesses few but mild side effects. You can experience postembolization syndromes like nausea, pain, mild fever, and flu-like symptoms. Furthermore, depending on the severity of your uterine fibroids, you can experience hot flashes, fibroid expulsion, vaginal discharge, and mild bruising. However, these side effects will resolve naturally within a month or earlier following your procedure.
How to get started with UFE?
First, you should be able to determine whether UFE is the appropriate procedure for you. You are an ideal candidate for this procedure if you have completed childbearing, want a safe alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy, or want to avoid surgery. Moreover, it can be challenging to determine whether UFE is for you independently, so you should consult with a health expert beforehand. Your provider can assess your symptoms and medical history and provide imaging studies to determine whether this procedure is for you. Note that UFE is most effective in treating small and moderate fibroids, so it might not be the right option if your fibroids are large.
If you’ve been suffering from fibroids and seeking treatments without effort, then this procedure is for you. UFE is a safe and result-proven procedure that helps alleviate your fibroids symptoms. Furthermore, if you want to eradicate fibroids without the need for surgery completely, uterine fibroid embolization is your ideal solution.
