heavy bleeding, backaches, pelvic pain and pressure, bladder problems, or anemia, you should consult a doctor knowledgeable about fibroids and the full range of treatment options to have your symptoms evaluated and to discuss treatment options that are right for you.
Learn more about minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures. Many women with uterine fibroids feel that a hysterectomy or suffering through the pain are their only options. Fortunately, a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can be very effective in the treatment of fibroids and their symptoms.
During the procedure, an interventional radiologist makes a tiny incision in the skin of the wrist or the thigh. The procedure usually lasts about an hour and during that time the patient is sleepy, but not asleep.
A very thin catheter is passed through the skin incision and into a blood vessel. X-ray images are taken to guide the interventional radiologist during the procedure. When the blood supply of the fibroid is visualized, tiny particles the size of grains of sand are injected into the artery. These particles partly block the blood flow to the fibroid tumor, causing it to shrink and eventually die, thereby alleviating the symptoms.
Why do so many women choose UFE?
- UFE is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require general anesthesia or a hospital stay.
- Patients experience a rapid recovery (just a few days) as compared to surgical procedures.
- UFE is an organ-sparing procedure: your uterus is left intact.
- UFE is effective on most sizes and types of fibroids.
- Recurrence of treated fibroids is rare.
- Multiple fibroids can be effectively treated at the same time.
- Studies have shown that nearly 90 percent of women who undergo UFE experience significant or complete resolution of their fibroid-related symptoms.
- UFE is covered by most major insurance companies.
Stop living in pain or fearing a hysterectomy, hoping that menopause will solve your fibroid problems. Consult a doctor about dealing with your uterine fibroids. With the availability of minimally invasive procedures such as UFE, you may be able to reduce your fibroids and enter menopause more comfortable and healthier than you ever imagined.
VIVA EVE was founded by a team of fibroid doctors and specialists who felt that women should be able to choose their own path to health, with their doctor’s support. By providing up-to-date techniques and sound advice, the experts at VIVA EVE help you choose the most appropriate option for treating such illnesses as fibroid tumors, endometriosis and adenomyosis.