Uterine Fibroid Embolization (Non-Surgical)

Treating Fibroids by Shrinking Them – Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Embolization has existed as a medical procedure since 1975. In gynecology, it was used to reduce bleeding during uterine surgery. Founding members of the Fibroid Treatment Collective noticed another important effect. It shrank fibroids. The promise of an effective, non-invasive treatment led to research, trials and medical acceptance. Today, thousands of women all over the world have found relief with this safe, simple procedure. The Fibroid Treatment Collective performed the very first uterine fibroid embolization in America and has authored many important articles on the subject.

Patients Talk About Their Experience With Fibroid Embolization

Listen to their stories and read about their experiences

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Success Rate

A recent study shows: Uterine Fibroid Embolization has an overall success rate of 94%. This means 94% of all patients who had the procedure experienced relief from fibroid symptoms and significant fibroid shrinkage.

• The majority of our embolization patients experienced immediate relief from heavy bleeding
• Most experienced 50-60 percent shrinkage in fibroid size within 6 months
• Half of our embolization patients under 40 years of age were able to conceive post-procedure
• Nearly all of our embolization patients return to work in less than a week

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization Procedure in Detail

Before fibroid embolization, every patient is thoroughly evaluated to ensure the procedure is appropriate for them. This includes a review of medical history, general physical condition, and any other information pertinent to the case.

Next, the patient undergoes complete pelvic imaging, either ultrasound or MRI, to measure the size of the uterus and to look for any other conditions that might be affecting their health.

After embolization, patients are evaluated within the first week, again at six weeks and once more at six months to see how the fibroids are shrinking.

Embolization Explained

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is a non-invasive, non-surgical, out-patient procedure. It is performed under local anesthetic and sedation and has a very quick recovery time. Most patients are back at work in a few days.

Live Uterine Artery Embolization

A very informative look at a real patient’s embolization from start to finish. » Watch Video

An incision the size of a freckle is made in the upper thigh. A tiny catheter is inserted through this incision and into the femoral artery. Using x-ray guidance, a trained physician locates the arteries which supply blood to each fibroid. Microscopic inert particles are injected into the vessels, blocking blood supply that nourishes the fibroid. Without a blood supply, the fibroids begin to dwindle and shrink.

Embolization basically cures fibroids by starving them.

Minimal Effects Of UFE

Embolization is a minimally invasive and very safe procedure, but some side effects and risks are associated. Post-procedure cramping is the most common but usually controlled by pain-killers. Other side effects include:

• Nausea and fever in 1% of patients
• Infection leading to hysterectomy in less than .1% of patients
• Artery injury in less than .1%
• Early menopause in less than 4%
• The possible passage of fibroid vaginally in 2%
• Non-target embolization, extremely rare

If you are showing signs of fibroid symptoms and think you have fibroids, schedule an appointment for a professional diagnosis. One of our fibroid surgeons will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam. We may order further testing including an imaging procedure such as an ultrasound. If fibroids are diagnosed we will discuss the best fibroid treatment for you. Here at the Fibroid Treatment Collective, we offer free consultations in-office or over the phone. Feel free to contact us for more information. To learn more about fibroids, visit our homepage. 

Animation of Uterine Artery Embolization

Visual animation explaining fibroids and a uterine fibroid embolization procedure. » Watch Video

Uterine Fibroid Embolization – Non-surgical