Avoiding Surgery for Fibroids: When Uterine Fibroid Embolization Makes Sense
For many women, a fibroid diagnosis brings worry about pain, heavy bleeding, and the possibility of surgery. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, often during the reproductive years. While some women have mild or no symptoms, others struggle with heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or fatigue from anemia. Traditionally, surgery was often presented as the main solution, leaving women feeling they had limited choices.
Medical care has progressed, offering options that treat fibroids without removing the uterus. One of the most established approaches is uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure performed by specially trained physicians. It has helped thousands of women find relief while avoiding major surgery and long recovery times.
Understanding when this option makes sense requires clear, practical information. Many women want to preserve their uterus, return to daily life quickly, or avoid the risks that come with open surgery. For those exploring uterine fibroid embolization, knowing how this treatment works and who it helps most can bring reassurance and confidence when making a care decision.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Their Impact
Fibroids vary widely in size, number, and location. Some grow within the uterine wall, others project outward, and some sit inside the uterine cavity. These differences influence symptoms and treatment choices. Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is one of the most common complaints, often interfering with work, family life, and emotional well-being. Pelvic pain, bloating, and pressure on the bladder or bowels can also affect daily comfort.
Importantly, fibroids are not cancerous, but their symptoms can be disruptive. Treatment decisions should focus on symptom relief, overall health, and personal goals rather than fear alone.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization, often called UFE, is a minimally invasive procedure that treats fibroids by blocking their blood supply. A small catheter is guided through a blood vessel, usually from the wrist or groin, to the arteries feeding the fibroids. Tiny particles are then released to reduce blood flow, causing fibroids to shrink over time.
The uterus continues to receive healthy circulation, while fibroids gradually lose their ability to grow. Most procedures take one to two hours, and patients typically return home the same day or after a short observation period.
How UFE Differs from Surgical Options
Surgical treatments like hysterectomy or myomectomy involve removing the uterus or cutting out fibroids directly. While effective, these options require incisions, anesthesia, and longer recovery periods. UFE avoids large incisions and does not involve removing the uterus.
Recovery from UFE is usually faster, with many women returning to normal activities within one to two weeks. This approach also lowers the risk of surgical complications such as infection or significant blood loss.
Who May Benefit Most from UFE?
UFE should always be offered to patients first before considering traditional surgery because it is a permanent minimally invasive procedure, only requires a short downtime, cost effective and can treat all types of fibroids. UFE can also easily be combined with other treatments in complex cases.
UFE has also proven to be a highly effective option for both women who still desire future pregnancies and those already in or nearing menopause.
If you are offered traditional hysterectomy or myomectomy as sole or first option, consider a second opinion with a UFE specialist.
Call Dr. Gaugau at The Fibroid Center in Clinton, Maryland. They have a comprehensive approach to patients with uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.
Safety, Effectiveness, and Long-Term Results:
There are no incisions, skin cutting or manipulation of other organs during UFE.
The treatment is done through the vascular system, is very targeted and preserves the uterus.
UFE has been studied for decades and is supported by strong clinical evidence. Most women immediately experience significant improvement in bleeding, pain, gastrointestinal, as well as pressure symptoms such as urinary frequency/urgency and incontinence.
UFE is a definitive treatment for fibroids and adenomyosis and most importantly, it is a reproducible procedure and can be repeated if needed.
Recovery and Life After the Procedure:
Recovery after UFE involves a brief period of rest and symptom management. Cramping and discomfort are common for a few days and are managed with medication. Many women resume
light activities within a week and return to full routines shortly after. Over time, periods often become lighter, energy improves, and pelvic discomfort lessens. Many patients report feeling a renewed sense of control over their health without undergoing major surgery. When deciding how to treat your fibroids, consider UFE as your first option.
Expert guidance is essential to ensure the treatment fits individual needs. A thoughtful evaluation by Dr. Gaugau can clarify your options in a very comprehensive way.
The Fibroid Center at Image Guided Surgery in Clinton, Maryland provides experienced consultation and treatment designed to help women move forward with confidence. Schedule a consultation to learn how UFE may be the right choice.
