less than 40 years of age, and unfortunately, I have seen many women younger than 30 years of age who needlessly underwent hysterectomy for this reason. None wanted to, but it was the only option given to them by their doctor.
In addition, a number of studies 6 have shown that most women with symptomatic fibroids never hear about less invasive treatment options like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE is performed by Interventional Radiologists (not Gynecologists) who are physicians specifically trained in image-guided, minimally invasive procedures all over the body. Compared to surgery, these procedures are safer, less invasive, less expensive, and have a shorter recovery.
All too often women who suffer with fibroids and are not interested in future fertility are told that they no longer need their uterus. Hysterectomy has been associated with numerous documented physical4 and mental health issues.5 The uterus has many important functions; only one of which is the ability to bear children.
The uterus is the epicenter of a woman’s identity, and the loss of her uterus can affect her psychologically similar to a man who has been castrated. A number of women after hysterectomy suffer sexual dysfunction (exs. loss of libido, loss of the ability to orgasm). Many leak urine after hysterectomy surgery; requiring them to constantly wear pads or even a diaper.
In my experience, UFE can replace the need for surgical treatment in almost every instance. The procedure works by blocking blood flow to the fibroids, resulting in tumors dying and symptoms dramatically improving or resolving completely. It has an approximate 90% success rate.7 Compared to hysterectomy, UFE is also less expensive,6 does not require