Read about a 24 year old women who, after a myomectomy, is looking for an alternative to hysterectomy to treat her returning fibroids.

Q: I’ve suffered with fibroids since I was 24 yrs, had a myomectomy in 1992. Currently I’m suffering from large fibroid tumors and was told I need a hysterectomy, but I’m looking for a less invasive approach.

If you are looking into a less invasive approach, then your best bet would be to look into UFE, or Uterine Fibroid Embolization.  To date, this is the only non-surgical procedure (accepted by insurance companies) that is  used to treat fibroids and  is an optimal option for individuals, like you, that seek a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.

Among other advantages, UFE patients experience a shorter recovery period of no more than 7 days and immediate symptom relief. If you would like to know more about the embolization procedure and its advantages, we encourage you to browse our website.  You will be able to view videos of the procedure, read about how embolization can protect your fertility, and view some frequently asked questions.  Also, you will have access to a thorough, step-by-step account of what to expect before and after the procedure, recorded by one of our very own patients.

Hopefully you will be able to use our website as a resource so that you can clear up any questions that you have about fibroids and the embolization procedure. Additionally, we encourage you to call the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 so that you may speak with one of our health professionals.  They will be more than happy to answer any of your standing questions.

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Already had the UFE procedure and are experiencing some symptoms? Find out if what you are experiencing is a common post-UFE symptom.

UFE is intended to impede the blood flow to the uterus by way of blocking blood supply to the uterine artery and for that reason, it should not influence the function of the ovaries that dictate the onset of your cycles.

However, there can be varying degrees of sharing of the blood supply between the uterus and ovaries (collateral blood supply) which can influence the function of the ovaries after UFE.  If this is the case, your cycle should resume on schedule the following month.  If it does not, or you are skeptical about your individual situation, we suggest that you consult your physician to ensure that you are not experiencing premature menopause.

Premature menopause occurs in a small number of women and its cause is unknown.  Patients older than the age of 40 may face a higher risk of premature menopause as they are closer in age to approaching  menopause.

Regarding the abdominal swelling that you are experiencing, it should gradually subside. Abdominal fullness or swelling is common after the procedure and the time it takes for the swelling to go down varies on an individual bases.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our medical team at 866-362-6463. We will be more than happy to answer any of your post-UFE questions!

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Read up on how fibroids can affect your excretory system.

Can an enlarged uterus affect your bowel and kidneys and should it be removed if you are 46 and no signs of menopause yet?

It is very possible for large fibroids to put pressure on organs in the pelvis.  At times, large fibroids that put pressure on the bladder can cause a woman to experience frequent urination.  As a result, when using the restroom the individual may pass only small amounts of urine and may feel as though she has not completely emptied her bladder. Additionally, pressure caused by fibroids on the bowel system may cause constipation as the increased pressure may slow the movement of the bowels.

Also, you stated that you are deciding whether to remove your fibroids.  This decision is a personal one and only you can come to this answer.  However, if you are experiencing discomforting symptoms, you may want to look into embolization as a plausible method of fibroid treatment. The embolization procedure can be effective for women of all ages and there are many advantages to choosing this less invasive fibroid treatment.

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Do you have fibroids and use birth control pills? Read how contraceptive use may or may not be a benefit to your health.

Do birth control pills help fibroids grow?

Thus far, epidemiological evidence from cohort studies show no association between the use of oral contraceptives and risk of uterine fibroids.

There is speculation, however, that birth control pills can stimulate fibroid growth since they contain estrogen.  Because estrogen and progesterone levels have been known to play a role in the growth of fibroids, some believe that using oral contraceptives may increase estrogen levels, furthermore leading to possible fibroid growth.

At any rate, without definitive research findings, a conclusion cannot be made regarding the use of birth control pills and their effect on fibroids. What is known, however, is that birth control pill use improves heavy menstrual bleeding which can be caused by uterine fibroids.

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Find out what role your diet plays in fibroid growth. Eating healthy may pay off in more ways than one!

Can diet help shrink fibroids or keep them from forming or growing larger?

As a part of any good health regimen, a healthy diet combined with moderate exercise may decrease the risk of fibroid development.  Research has yet to determine the exact impact that diet has on development; however, consuming foods that have added levels of hormone may increase the size of fibroids.  In specific, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are believed to foster fibroid growth; therefore, taking in increased levels of these hormones may lead to a fibroid size increase.   At any rate, although diet regulation may contribute to fibroid size management, other measures are often necessary to eliminate symptoms and issues related to fibroid growth.

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Are you at risk for uterine fibroids if it runs in your family? The Fibroid Treatment Collective answers patient questions.

Should I be concerned about fibroids if I have a family history?

Research suggests that having a family history of fibroids may increase your risk of inheriting this growth.  According to a number of clinical trials, defects in a particular gene may be the cause for fibroid growth.  However, additional trials must be carried out to confirm the causal relationship between heredity and fibroids.

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Radiologist vs. Gynocologist: Which is more qualified to perform UFE? Find out now!

Is it common for a radiologist to perform a UAE/UFE as opposed to an OB/GYN?

Because the procedure requires specific training in radiology, the procedure is often carried out by an interventional radiologist, while a gynecologist handles the pre /post procedural examinations and follow-up.

However, as long as a physician has the combined expertise in both disciplines, they are capable of performing Uterine Fibroid Embolization. In fact, a recent article in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology emphasized the importance of collaborative and comprehensive care (from diagnosis to follow-up) in the success of UFE. When an OB/GYN performs a UFE patients are able to receive better continuity of care.

Have a question about fibroids or Uterine Fibroid Embolization? Click here to ask your question.

Embolization has helped many women recover from painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Find out how embolization can shrink or eradicate fibroids of all sizes.

My fibroid is the size of a six month pregnancy. Is embolization a good procedure for huge fibroids?

The embolization procedure is an optimal alternative for fibroids of all sizes. UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization) has the ability to shrink fibroids by 50-65%; therefore, relieving symptoms common to fibroids such as pain, heavy bleeding, anemia, and fatigue.  Embolization reduces large fibroids just as effectively as small fibroids; however, the final size is directly comparable to the starting fibroid size. Because results may vary, you should consult your provider or schedule a free phone consultation with Dr. McLucas to find out more information about how UFE can benefit you.

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