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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Lost your job? Lost your insurance coverage? Learn why lack of insurance coverage doesn’t have to translate to the end of getting the help you need to treat your fibroids.

I found out last year, a few weeks after I lost my job and my health insurance, that I have a cluster of fibroids the size of a grape and that I would need surgery to remove them because they are growing. Of late, I have been having sharp pains in my pelvic area almost on a weekly basis. I would like to know what help you can offer me and what the process would entail.   I recently turned 30 years old and hope to be married soon and have children. What are my options are?

Having fibroids can not only pose as an inconvenience and detriment to your health, but it can pose as an inconvenience to your pocketbook, especially if you don’t have the  financial safety net of your insurance company to help pay for treatment.  We understand that not everybody has the ability to have insurance and we believe that not having insurance should not impede on your ability to receive care. For this reason, we accept both insured and uninsured patients. We have had several patients that are not covered under an insurance plan and have instead covered the cost of treatment by way of making incremental cash payments.

Additionally, you stated that you are experiencing sharp pelvic pains.  These pains are common among patients with fibroids and can often affect the quality of life of a patient.  From what you noted, it seems as though these pains are quite bothersome and you are looking into treatment options for your fibroids.

In terms of fibroid treatment options, there are 3 generally accepted choices of treatment: myomectomy, hysterectomy, and UFE.  Of the options stated, only Uterine Fibroid Embolizaton is the less invasive and less expensive option, with a quick recovery time.  Both surgical procedures, myomectomy and hysterectomy, carry the disadvantage of long hospital stays and a 6 to 8 week recovery period, compared to only 5-7 days with UFE.

Because you are looking to keep your fertility options open, a hysterectomy is clearly not an option; which leaves you with the option of carrying out either a myomectomy or embolization.  Although neither of these procedures can promise a 100% guarantee of being able to keep your fertility, many of our UFE patients have been able to conceive after the procedure.  Results vary for individual patients and therefore it is suggested that you discuss this option with your physician.  If you have any additional questions, please contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463.

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Not a fan of foreign objects in your body? Read on to learn more about PVA particles and how safe and effective they can be!

During UAE, what happens to the tiny particles used to block the fibroid artery? Can they go somewhere else?

Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles, or PVA particles are tiny particles that are transported through the catheter leading to the femoral artery to block the existing fibroid blood supply. These tiny particles are in no danger to one’s health and have no known long-term side effects.  As a result of the blockage to the existing fibroids in the uterus by way of the PVA particles, often times the fibroid begins to shrink.  This decrease in size can range anywhere between 50-70%; therefore, immediately putting an end to most, if not all, symptoms related to the fibroid.

Because the PVA particles are inserted directly into the artery feeding the fibroid, the particles are incapable of spreading anywhere other than to the targeted fibroid.  Blood flow in the artery is one-way and for this reason it is impossible for the particles to flow “backwards”. Additionally, thus far, there have not  been any known cases of particles escaping into the bloodstream and creating embolisms elsewhere. Careful attention during UAE appears to avoid the theoretical problem of distant embolisms.

At the Fibroid Treatment Collective, it is our number one priority to educate our patients and ensure that they feel secure when making any health decisions. If you have any additional questions regarding UAE or fibroids, please feel free to give us a call at 866-362-6463. You can also scroll down to post a comment to this blog or click here to ask your question online.

Learn about whether a tumorous fibroid in your uterus is considered cancerous or benign.

Since fibroids are tumorous, does that mean that they are cancerous?

Uterine Fibroids, or as they are sometimes called, Uterine Fibroid tumors, are benign (non-cancerous) growths in the uterus of a woman.  They usually occur in the uterus of women between the ages of 30 and 50, but can come about sooner or later than the indicated age range. Contrary to the common association between “tumors” and “cancerous tissue”, fibroid tumors are not cancerous.

A tumor, by definition, is described as an abnormal new mass of tissue that serves no purpose.  This “abnormal mass of tissue” can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks all three of the malignant, or cancerous, properties of a cancer. Therefore, a benign tumor does not: grow in an unlimited, aggressive manner, does not invade surrounding tissue, and does not spread throughout the body (metastasize). In the case of fibroid tumors,  they are benign and therefore, not cancerous. The Fibroid tumors are solid tumors made of fibrous tissue.  Most often, fibroids occur as multiple tumor masses which are slow-growing and often cause no symptoms.

The term “benign” implies a mild and non progressive disease that are often harmless to the health. However, some benign fibroids that lack the invasive properties of a cancer may still produce negative health effects.  Therefore, if you experience any symptoms related to fibroid growth that you feel are impeding on your daily activities, we suggest that you consult your physician, or give us a call at 866-362-6463.

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Have Fibroids? You’re not alone. Find out when you should get treatment and when it may be ok to skip over the option.

Should a fibroid be treated if it is not causing me pain?

Fibroid growth is quite common. As women age, they become prone to uterine fibroids, especially during  their late child bearing years until menopause. It’s estimated that about 80% of women have uterine fibroids by the time they reach age 50.  Therefore, most of the time, unless the fibroids are causing severe symptoms or affecting fertility, there is no need to treat them.

There are many reasons why patients choose to treat their fibroids.  The following causes listed below are among the top reasons why patients choose to seek out treatment:

• Heavy bleeding
• Pain in the lower abdomen and/or back
• Blockage of the urinary tract or bowels
• Infertility, when fibroid changes the shape of the uterus or the location of the fallopian tubes

Most physicians and health professionals agree, however, that unless fibroids are significantly affecting the quality of life of an individual, surgery or any type of procedural treatment should be avoided as complications may occur. Therefore, seeking out treatment is often at the discretion of the patient and one should consult their physician to weigh the costs and benefits of treatment.

If you have fibroids and are considering treatment, please feel free to call the Fibroid Treatment Collective (FTC) at 866-362-6463 or contact us online for a free phone consulation.  We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions related to fibroids and procedural options.

Wondering if UAE will work for your cervical fibroids? Read on to find out just how embolization works to treat all kinds of fibroids.

Does the Embolization procedure work with fibroids in the cervix?

Yes, Uterine Fibroid Embolization works for all types of fibroids, including those in the subserosal, submucosal, intramural, and cervical regions.  Because cervical fibroids tend to “feed off” of the same blood supply as those in the subserosal, submucosal, and intramural regions, those fibroids also tend to shrink after the Uterine Artery Embolization procedure.

The UAE procedure blocks the blood supply to the fibroids by way of small plastic particles, called PVA particles, which embolize the path to the fibroids. The uterine artery is the major blood supply feeding the fibroids. After the particles block the uterine artery, the fibroids can no longer receive the blood and nutrients necessary to maintain and therefore shrink as a result. Fibroids in the cervix also tend to use this blood supply; therefore, after Uterine Artery Embolization, these fibroids are also affected and shrink as an outcome.

If you have any additional questions regarding fibroids or the procedure, please feel free to call the Fibroids Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463.

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