Fibroids aren’t preventable, but they are quickly and easily treatable, thanks to UFE! Read on to find out more about treatment options.

Research has yet to find the cause for fibroids; therefore, giving you ways as to how you can prevent the occurrence of fibroids is not possible at this time. Uterine fibroids or uterine myomas affect more than 30% of women. Most fibroids do not cause symptoms, and do not require treatment. However, at times fibroids may require treatment. The following are a few circumstances in which one might consider medical treatment of fibroids:

1. Fibroids are growing large enough to cause pressure on other organs
2. Fibroids are growing rapidly
3. Fibroids are causing abnormal bleeding
4. Fibroids are causing problems with fertility.

In the event that one feels as though the presence of the fibroid is bearing a weight on their quality of life, it is suggested that they look into treatment alternatives.

Many women that despise surgical methods and would rather treat their fibroid with a less invasive approach opt to undergo Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This procedure, considering one wants to keep their fertility options open, can be seen as a method of preventing recurrence of fibroids. After UFE, the femoral artery is blocked, or embolized, furthermore blocking the “food supply” to the fibroids. As a result, the existing fibroids shrink in size, eradicating those bothersome symptoms associated with fibroids.

Although there is no way to necessarily prevent the occurrence of fibroids, the UAE procedure has the ability to treat fibroids quickly, effectively, and without the common issues associated with the more traditional surgical approaches. Only 5 to 7 days after the UFE procedure, women can go back to their daily routines and live life as they did before their fibroids.

If you would like to learn more about fibroids or the UAE procedure, you may give the Fibroid Treatment Collective a call at 866-362-6463 and a qualified health professional will be available to answer all of your standing questions.

Have a comment or question about this post? Scroll down to post a comment to this blog or Click here to ask your question.

Learn what happens to the particles used during uterine fibroid embolization, specifically once the fibroids shrink.

What happens to the plastic particles once the fibroids shrink? Do they dissolve? If so, where does the plastic go once dissolved?

The particles used to perform the embolization do not move once injected into the artery. The body does not absorb them, nor do they migrate to other parts of the body. As the particles are injected during the embolization they “dam” up and block the flow of blood to the fibroids. With the blood supply to the fibroids being shut off they start to shrink and die, but the particles themselves do not move.

Have a comment or question about this post? Scroll down to post a comment to this blog or Click here to ask your question.

Looking into endometrial ablation or other treatment options for fibroids? Read on to find out more information about these alternatives and how UFE compares.

Is endometrial ablation a feasible option for treatment of fibroids? I want to know what the best treatment would be for my problem.

Endometrial ablation is a process that destroys the lining of the uterus.  It is most often used to treat women who have heavy menstrual periods.  It may also be used to treat fibroids that are no larger than 3 centimeters. There are several ways to perform endometrial ablation. Most of them use some form of energy to destroy the uterine lining; however, not all of the methods are used to treat fibroids.

Two commonly used methods are the heated balloon and a method using microwave energy, both of which aim to destroy the lining of the uterus to prevent from abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids that are inside the uterus, also called submucosal fibroids, can often be removed at the time of an ablation.  If fibroids are in the wall of the uterus, they cannot be reached and must be treated by other methods.

It is also important to note that women intending to keep their fertility should not consider this procedure.  Endometrial ablation is primarily optimal for women with abnormally heavy menstrual periods that wish to lessen or totally eradicate this  issue.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization, however, is largely a procedure used for the treatment of fibroids. By embolizing, or blocking, the blood supply to the fibroid, UFE ensures that the tissue is incapable of receiving the blood and nutrients necessary to grow; therefore, causing the tissue to shrink and die.

If you would like to find out more about fibroids and the embolization procedure, please feel free to call the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463.   One of our medical staff professionals can discuss your alternatives with you and help you decide which health option is best for you.

Have a comment or question about this post? Scroll down to post a comment to this blog or Click here to ask your question.

Suspect that you may have fibroids and curious to find out how you can know for sure? Read on to learn what steps you can take to confirm the presence of fibroids.

Several of my family members have fibroids and I’m afraid that I might have them.  I often experience painful periods, but how can I know if I actually have fibroids?

Fibroids affect 40% of women over 35 years old in America and have a high rate of incidence among African Americans.  There has yet been a link between fibroids and genetics, however it has not been ruled out as a determinant factor.  If you are experiencing symptoms related to fibroids such as pelvic pain and pressure, excessive bleeding, including prolonged periods and passage of clots, abdominal swelling, pressure on the bladder, and pressure on the bowel then it is likely that you may have fibroids.

A sure way to find out if you have fibroids is by getting an ultrasound or an MRI.  Patients with fibroids will undergo an ultrasound in their gynecologist’s office as part of the process to determine if fibroids are present. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also used to determine if fibroids can be treated with embolization and provide information about any underlying disease. MRI is the standard imaging technique for evaluating fibroids because it provides a clearer image than ultrasound and can detect other causes of pelvic pain and/or bleeding you may be experiencing.

Here at FTC you have the option of receiving a FREE phone consultation with Dr. Bruce McLucas or a one-on-one consultation with the doctor, allowing him to better assess your individual situation.  If you would like to find out more information about fibroids or Uterine Fibroid Embolization, please feel free to email us at Contact Us Online or call the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463.

Have a comment or question about this post? Scroll down to post a comment to this blog or Click here to ask your question.

Learn more about the various types of fibroids that you may be affected by and how you can take one step closer to treating them.

My doctor told me that I have an 8cm long, 4cm tall, 6cm wide fibroid. He said that this growth is called a pudunculated stalk and is attached to the outer part of my uterus. What does this mean and is it normal?

There are 3 main types of fibroids that women often experience: Intramural, submucosal, and subserosal. Intramural fibroids are located in the wall of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroids. They cause the uterus to become enlarged, and can cause pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic or back pain, and pressure.

Submucosal fibroids are located inside the lining of the uterus and protrude inward. These cause heavy bleeding and heavy, prolonged periods.

Subserosal fibroids, however, are located outside of the lining of the uterus and protrude outward. They have less of an affect on your period, but may cause back pain or pressure. The subserosal fibroid can also grow on a stalk attached to the uterus, in which case it is called ‘pendunculated.’ The stalk may become twisted and can cause severe pelvic pain.

Each of these kinds of fibroids can cause bothersome symptoms, some more than others, and can be treated. If you feel that the symptoms that you are experiencing are bothersome or unbearable, it is suggested that you look into surgical or procedural options to treat your fibroids. Give us a call at 866-362-6463 to discuss your options and find out more about how uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) can help eradicate your fibroid-related symptoms.

Have a comment or question about this post? Scroll down to post a comment to this blog or Click here to ask your question.

Having issues with your fibroids and looking for an alternative procedure to traditional fibroids surgeries ? Read on to find out how Embolization may be the answer you’re looking for!

My mother is of 46 years old. We recently came to find out that her uterus is mildly bulky with fibroids. Does she need surgery?

Based on the bit of information that you provided, there is no real need to get surgery.  If the fibroids are bothersome for your mother or she is experiencing fibroid-related symptoms, then it may be a good idea for her to check out her options for fibroid treatment.  Some of these symptoms include:

• Very heavy, excessive menstrual bleeding and prolonged monthly periods, sometimes with clots
• Frequent occurrence of soiling events due to abnormal uterine bleeding
• Anemia
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pressure on the bladder which leads to a constant need to urinate
• Pain in the back of the legs
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pressure on the bowel which can lead to constipation and/or bloating
• An enlarged abdomen which may be mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy

Also, if you get a chance, browse our website and read about the fibroid treatments we offer and uterine fibroid embolization. After reading these sections you should get a better grasp of each procedure.

If you have any additional questions about fibroids or procedure options, please feel free to contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 and we will be more than happy to help!