Worried that UFE will harm your uterus? Worry no more! In this section we explain how UFE leaves your uterus virtually untouched.

What happens to the uterus after the procedure? Does embolization cause any injury to the uterus?

The uterus tolerates Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) very well. In most research studies conducted, analysis of the uteri showed no UFE-related injury to the normal uterine muscle or the lining of the uterine cavity. Only the fibroids were affected. Proving that injury to the normal uterus is extremely rare.

There are two main ideas to explain these findings. First, the arterial branches that go to normal uterine tissues are tiny, while the arteries that go to the fibroid are very large. Injected polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles are too big to enter vessels leading to the normal uterus, so they flow right past these vessels and go directly to where the blood flow and vessel diameter are greatest. The fibroids, which feed off of this blood flow, absorb the blood-borne PVA. Further embolizing the blood flow to the uterus and eventually shrinking the tissue.

Second, the uterus is able to “recruit” blood supply from adjacent organs, primarily the cervix, vagina, and pelvic floor. By using this “secondary source” as a means to receive blood supply, the uterus still maintains the blood necessary to remain healthy, further ensuring that no damage can be done.

To learn more about fibroids and the embolization procedure, please feel free to contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 or request a free phone consultation.  We are always more than happy to provide you with useful resources and help you make positive choices for your health!

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Experiencing abnormally heavy periods? Feeling bloated? Find out how UAE can help eradicate these symptoms and help you get back to feeling great in no time!

What will my period be like after UAE?

In most cases, women that under UAE will have significantly lighter periods.  Embolization does a wonderful job of ensuring that the symptoms prior to having the procedure are pacified quite markedly after the procedure. Therefore, women that have the procedure can feel secure in knowing that those painful and abnormally heavy periods will no longer be the case after the procedure.

In some cases, however, some women may experience irregular periods from anywhere between 3 to 6 months.  The chance of this is below 1% for women under 40 and about 10% for women over 45. Hormonal changes that may lead to period irregularity after a hysterectomy appear to be a bit more common than after UAE. Additionally, there are a few rare cases in which women have experienced early onset of menopause.  However, early menopause is quite unlikely  and in most cases has only occurred in women approaching the typical years of menopause onset.

Overall, UAE is often the procedure of choice for most women due to a quick recovery period of only 5 to 7 days and its ability to completely eradicate irregular period symptoms. The procedure is less invasive than other traditional procedures and has the ability to get you back on your feet and back to your daily activities in a short period of time.

To learn more about fibroids and the embolization procedure, please feel free to contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 or request a free phone consultation.  We are always more than happy to provide you with useful resources and help you make positive choices for your help!

Learn whether radiation is involved in uterine fibroid embolization and if there are any side effects.

Is there any radiation involved in Uterine Fibroid Embolization? If so, how much?

There is a very small amount of radiation involved in the embolization procedure. It is well below the amount normally taken in during an x-ray, and there are little or no side effects from the exposure during the procedure.

If you would like to learn more about fibroids and UFE or have any additional questions, please give the Fibroid Treatment Collective a call at 866-362-6463 and they will be more than happy to schedule you for a consultation.

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Tried other options of fibroid removal with no success and looking to explore other options? Read on to find out how UAE may be the answer to your fibroid problems!

I am 42 years old and live in Cyprus Island in Europe. In the past 10 years, I have had 4 Myomectomies to remove about 16 fibroids. Now, again, 4 more are rapidly growing and the doctor suggested hysterectomy. I do not want to remove my uterus. I read some of the stories of your patients and was wondering if there is a cure for me without removing my uterus.

As a patient, it is extremely important that you explore all of your options before making a decision.  Being that you are looking for an alternative to hysterectomy and have already undergone several myomectomies with no success of halting fibroid growth, it is suggested that you look into Uterine Fibroid Embolization.  UAE not only prevents your current fibroids from growing by blocking their blood supply, but it also allows you to experience immediate symptom relief.

In addition to immediate symptom relief, you can enjoy a more speedy recovery.  Embolization patients experience a shorter recovery period of only 5-7 days, remarkably shorter than the 6-8 week recovery period that patients undergoing more traditional procedures often experience. This, in turn, allows UAE patients to return to their day-to-day activities much quicker.

Aside from the other advantages that UAE presents, many patients also favor the fact that it is less invasive than the more traditional methods of fibroid removal and it leaves your uterus intact. With embolization there are no scalpels, sutures or scarring involved and patients are not exposed to the risks of general anesthetic. The procedure is simple, safe, and non-surgical, often leaving it as an optimal choice for women still interested in child birth.

If you are interested in looking into UAE and have any questions about the procedure or about fibroids, please feel free to contact us online or call 866-362-6463.

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Is the cost of UFE a deciding factor as to whether or not you are willing to get the procedure? Read on to learn more about this cost saving procedure for fibroids.

What is the Cost of an Embolization?

The cost of embolization differs upon prices set by individual physicians and coverage by way of various insurance providers.  Because of these variations, it is not possible to provide a fixed cost for the embolization procedure.   However, the cost of UAE is generally accepted by all insurance providers.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a cost effective alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy. When comparing hysterectomy, myomectomy and UFE, an article in the American Journal of Gynecology found that UFE cost 12% less than a hysterectomy and 8% less than a myomectomy. The numbers may prove even greater when considering both direct medical costs as well as hidden costs of the fibroid treatment process.

Whereas most procedures take away time from family and work due to  longer recovery periods of up to 6 weeks, UFE limits recovery time to no more than one week, allowing the patient to get back to their daily activities much quicker-including their jobs.

To learn more about UFE and whether it is the right choice for you, please call 866-362-6463.  One of our health professionals will be able to answer your questions regarding UFE and can do a quick insurance verification check if you are wondering whether UFE is covered under your insurance provider.

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Questioning whether embolization is right for you? No problem! Many other women , like you, are looking into whether embolization can help treat their fibroid problem.

I recently found out that I have 3 fibroids, the biggest being 5 cm, the second a little bigger than 3 cm and the third a little bigger than 1 cm, is the embolization right for me? I am 37 years old and have no children, I would like at least 1 child, hysterectomy is not an option I want right now, the embolization was not even mentioned to me, I found it online.

We’re glad that you were able to take it upon yourself and look up alternative fibroid treatment methods.  Embolization would be a great option for you if you are looking into a gentler, less-invasive treatment that allows you to treat fibroids non-surgically.

We would love to have the opportunity to answer all of your fibroid-related questions.  You can call the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 or send us an email at patientcoordinator@fibroids.comand one of the healthcare specialists will be happy to assist you.

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Have to travel to receive Dr. McLucas’ services? No problem! Find out what little time you’ll need to dedicate to the the UFE process and procedures.

I live outside of the US. How much time would I need in order to get all the tests, the procedure and follow-up?

Generally speaking, you should plan a one week stay to carry out both the tests and procedures; however, tests can often be performed at your usual provider and faxed to our office.

Follow-up care after embolization includes a checkup 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure and an additional check up 3 or 6 months thereafter.

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