Had the procedure and wondering what the time line is for a decreased size in fibroids? Read here to find out more about post-embo and your shrinking fibroids.
After I get the Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure done, will the fibroids shrink automatically?
After the procedure, the embolized fibroid immediately loses its supply of oxygen, blood, and nutrients. Because of this, over the subsequent weeks and months, individual muscle cells in the fibroid die off and are replaced by scar tissue. This process, however occurs gradually, and is not an instantaneous occurrence. Because the individual cells die off one at a time, there is no large mass of dead tissue in the body.
Eventually, the fibroid is replaced by scar tissue. This scar tissue is about half as big as the original fibroid, or perhaps slightly smaller. Because scar tissue does not respond to hormonal stimulation as fibroids do, the normal menstrual cycle no longer causes growth and you can expect to experience lighter periods, less pain, and less pressure. Most women are able to witness lessened symptoms almost immediately.
You can expect to meet with your OB-GYN 1 week, 6 months, and year after the procedure so that he/she can track the progress of your fibroids. In most cases, women find that the procedure successfully decreased the size of their fibroids and they are able to experience a life with out the burden of fibroid symptoms!
Learn more about how UFE may be able to improve your quality of life. Give us a call at (866) 479-1523 or contact us online.
Do Fibroids Automatically Shrink After UFE?