Frequently Asked Questions

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form from uterine muscle cells. Although their exact cause is not known, it is generally accepted that hormones influence their development.

For many patients, uterine fibroids do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, symptomatic uterine fibroids can be highly uncomfortable and can even disrupt normal activities. Common symptoms include:

• Extremely heavy or overly long menstrual periods
• Abdominal cramps
• Pelvic pain and pressure
• Bloating
• The urgent need to urinate

Fibroids are the most common type of benign tumor in women. While they are common among women of all races and ethnicities, they are extremely common in women of African descent; approximately 80% will experience uterine fibroids in their lifetimes.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Symptoms caused by uterine fibroids are subdivided into three categories:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Size/location-related symptoms

Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods can cause significant fatigue due to anemia. Unusually heavy blood loss can cause lightheadedness and, in some instances, can require blood transfusions.

Pelvic pain is a noticeable symptom in nearly two-thirds of patients with symptomatic fibroids. More than 10% of patients report pelvic pain as the primary symptom.

Symptoms relating to the fibroids' size, number, or location tend to vary. When uterine fibroids become extremely large or numerous, or if they develop in proximity to other organ systems, they can cause pressure and bloating, frequent urination (or urinary incontinence), lower back pain, and weight gain.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives a 469-341-5997 today.

Uterine fibroids can be diagnosed through a routine pelvic exam, though persistent symptoms are often a sign of the presence of fibroids. Common fibroid symptoms include heavy menstrual periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, weight gain, or bloating.

Your physician will conduct a thorough evaluation and ultrasound to definitively diagnose uterine fibroids. Once the presence of fibroids has been established, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. If you and your physician believe that uterine fibroid embolization is the right treatment for you, your doctor will conduct a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam so that the reproductive anatomy can be visualized.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

The majority of hysterectomies performed in the United States are to eliminate fibroids. Though hysterectomies can be effective in treating symptomatic fibroids, it is critical to explore different treatment options before undergoing a major surgical intervention. Hysterectomies are complex surgeries requiring hospitalization, significant recovery time, and incision care.

Uterine fibroid embolization is another highly effective option that might yield superior outcomes for many patients. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require hospitalization and requires almost no downtime. The procedure can eliminate fibroids completely while preserving the uterus.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

One of the most effective and least invasive fibroid treatment options is uterine fibroid embolization. It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive, outpatient option that requires almost no downtime.

The procedure involves inserting a tiny catheter through the groin or wrist into an arterial channel. Using a fluoroscopic X-ray, the small 2mm catheter tube is then guided to the artery that feeds blood to the uterus. When the catheter reaches the correct artery, embolization materials are released through the catheter to the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroids. The embolization materials effectively stop the blood flow to the fibroids, causing the fibroids to shrink and die. Once the fibroids have died, the symptoms are relieved.

Once the procedure is performed, the patient can return home the same day. Uterine fibroid embolization does not leave a scar and does not require a period of recovery. Most patients return to normal activities the following week.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

UFE stands for uterine fibroid embolization. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inhibiting the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalization or significant aftercare.

Many patients seek UFE treatment because, unlike a hysterectomy, it preserves the uterus while dramatically relieving fibroid symptoms.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Both uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and hysterectomies are valid treatment options for uterine fibroids. While a hysterectomy might be an appropriate treatment for some patients, it's important to bear in mind that it is a complex surgical intervention that requires a multiple-week recovery period. Hysterectomies tend to leave significant scarring that might be permanent. Patients who are prone to developing keloids might experience painful, large welts at the surgical site.

UFE is a minimally invasive option that does not require hospitalization. The majority of patients can return to normal activities after approximately one week.

The UFE procedure involves guiding a narrow, flexible catheter through an artery in the wrist, a process that leaves virtually no scarring. The process restricts the flow of blood to the uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear. When the fibroids have diminished in size, the symptoms go away.

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UFE is an appropriate treatment for women who want to preserve the uterus.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

A uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) procedure is a minimally invasive and non-surgical method of removing symptomatic uterine fibroids. It does not require a hospital stay, and downtime is minimal. Patients can typically return to normal activities in approximately one week.

A hysterectomy involves major surgery requiring hospitalization for a few days to a week and nearly two months of recovery and aftercare. Recovering after UFE, however, is considerably easier; it does not require several days of medical monitoring under a hospital's care. Post-UFE, patients can resume non-strenuous activity the following day and return to normal activity shortly after.

A hysterectomy is generally carried out by incision in the abdomen. Patients with a relatively small uterus might only require a small, horizontal incision in the lower abdomen, leaving only a scar that most bathing suits can conceal. However, some patients might need a midline vertical incision to access and remove the uterus. Patients who are naturally prone to keloids might experience significant scarring post-procedure.

UFE does not leave a significant scar; a pencil eraser-sized incision is made on the wrist.

A hysterectomy removes the uterus entirely (and sometimes the entire reproductive anatomy). UFE doesn't involve the removal of any part of the body. The procedure delivers embolization materials to the uterine blood vessels that inhibit blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and disappear. It can eliminate fibroid symptoms entirely.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Adenomyosis is a medical issue where the endometrium, or uterine lining, grows into the uterine muscle. The disorder leads to painful abdominal cramps during menstruation, bloating, pelvic pain, and heavy period bleeding.

Like fibroids, adenomyosis is a non-dangerous condition that can cause painful symptoms, but the two conditions are different medical events.

Adenomyosis is hard to diagnose with ultrasound diagnostic imaging, though it can be identified using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients are advised to have a pelvic MRI with uterine artery embolization before treatment, though the optimal treatment option should be discussed during the evaluation. While some patients respond well to an intrauterine device, others might be advised to undergo a hysterectomy.

Uterine artery embolization yields exceptional outcomes for most patients who prefer a minimally invasive treatment; approximately 90% of patients experience significant improvement shortly after treatment. According to a recent study, approximately 82% of patients were able to avoid undergoing a hysterectomy seven years after a uterine artery embolization.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Uterine fibroids – non-cancerous growths that form from uterine muscle cells – are not inherently dangerous. However, when fibroids become so large or numerous that they cause physical discomfort, fibroids have to be removed to relieve the symptoms.

Patients with asymptomatic fibroids might not need treatment if the fibroids do not appear to be growing. However, they should be monitored to make sure they remain asymptomatic. If fibroids grow rapidly, it could be an indication there is a potentially serious medical abnormality.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Because uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is considered the most advanced treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids, all the major insurance carriers cover the procedure. At Dallas Fibroid Center, we perform UFE as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to access the latest treatment at a significantly lower out-of-pocket cost.

The experienced Dallas Fibroid Center team has in-depth knowledge of uterine fibroid treatment coverage. If there are any concerns, our team will contact your insurance company to clarify any potential issues.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that uses a non-surgical approach to inhibit blood flow to uterine fibroids. After a successful treatment, the fibroids shrink and eventually disappear. However, over time, fibroids might grow back in patients who continue to produce estrogen, though the regrowth typically occurs several years after the procedure. Between 10% and 30% of patients experience uterine fibroid regrowth after UFE.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) treatment is a highly effective procedure for patients experiencing multiple symptomatic fibroids. During the procedure, microscopic embolization particles are administered into the uterine arteries. These particles prevent blood vessels from supplying the fibroids with blood, causing them to shrink and die.

The minimally invasive approach is excellent for destroying multiple fibroids in a single outpatient procedure. Patients struggling with multiple fibroids are often excellent candidates for UFE.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) destroys fibroids through a process called embolization, a procedure that introduces embolization materials into the uterine arteries through an extremely narrow catheter. The materials prevent the flow of blood to the fibroids, starving them of the blood supply and causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.

The procedure is minimally invasive and non-surgical; the catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the wrist. Embolization materials do not migrate to other parts of the body or cause adverse physical effects. Once the fibroids shrink, the symptoms disappear.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure to remove symptomatic uterine fibroids. Before undergoing the treatment, patients typically have concerns about the length of the hospital stay and the amount of recovery time necessary. While many fibroid centers require a hospital stay post-procedure, we perform UFE as an entirely outpatient procedure at Dallas Fibroid Center.

UFE treatment itself takes approximately two hours. Patients can return home on the same day as the procedure with detailed aftercare instructions and medications for any post-procedure discomfort. Most patients can return to work and normal activities after one week, but it is possible to return to light activities the following day.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an exceptionally safe, minimally invasive procedure for patients experiencing symptomatic uterine fibroids. While there is a complication risk for any medical intervention, complications resulting from UFE treatment are uncommon.

Rare complications include menstrual cycle loss and persistent vaginal discharge. The UFE process might accelerate menopause in approximately 15% of patients over 45. Other complications that might occur after UFE include the expulsion of fibroids, unintended embolization, and infection. While the risk of acquiring infections exists after most medical interventions, infection risk after UFE is under 1%.

Fortunately, we offer comprehensive consultations at Dallas Fibroid Center before performing UFE. We can identify potential complications by isolating the location of the fibroids. This precaution helps us determine whether complications like fibroid expulsion could be a potential problem.

Unintended embolization, also called non-target embolization, occurs when the embolization materials migrate to other unintended areas. This complication occurs in less than one out of every thousand procedures, making it extremely rare.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Yes! Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids. This treatment yields exceptional outcomes for a diverse population of patients, helping them relieve debilitating symptoms while preserving the uterus.

At Dallas Fibroid Center, our patients report high satisfaction with their outcomes after UFE. We help our patients understand the different available treatments for uterine fibroids and what to expect after each treatment.

UFE can quickly relieve significant uterine fibroid treatments without requiring hospitalization or extensive downtime. Moreover, UFE doesn't leave noticeable scarring.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) procedures have extremely high success rates, with 90% of patients reporting significant symptom relief after the procedure.

Patients report experiencing dramatic reductions in the following symptoms after UFE:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bloating
• Pelvic pain/pressure
• Frequent/urgent urination
• Constipation
• Swelling
• Leg heaviness

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

Radial artery access is an approach interventional radiologists use to access the radial artery; it involves making an incision in the wrist so that a narrow catheter can be inserted. During uterine fibroid embolization procedures (UFE), our specialists insert a catheter into the radial artery to access the uterine arteries that provide the blood supply to the fibroids. Once the catheter is properly placed, embolization materials are released, blood flow to the fibroids is prevented, and the fibroids shrink and disappear as a result.

UFE can also be performed using femoral artery access. However, this approach requires the patient to lie immobile for up to six hours after the procedure. At Dallas Fibroid Center, we perform UFE using radial artery access. The intervention takes approximately two hours in the majority of cases. Radial artery access is more comfortable and safer than femoral artery access.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.

Yes, pregnancy is possible. However, although many patients opt for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) to preserve the uterus, it might not be the optimal procedure for enhancing fertility.

Typically, patients who wish to achieve pregnancy in the future have the option of a myomectomy or UFE. Myomectomy is a surgical intervention to remove fibroids from the uterus.

There has been evidence of fertility improvement following myomectomy. It is common for women who do not wish to undergo myomectomy to request UFE, a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, the risk of pregnancy complications is slightly higher for patients who have undergone UFE, though it is possible to achieve a healthy pregnancy after UFE.

While the findings are not definitive, some studies have shown a slightly higher risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension (preeclampsia) post-UFE.

To discuss uterine fibroid treatment options, please contact our helpful representatives at 469-341-5997 today.

In some cases, a hysterectomy might more effectively treat cases of an enlarged uterus due to overgrown uterine fibroids.

A uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical treatment approach for symptomatic fibroids. It involves starving the fibroids of blood flow, causing them to shrink over time and eventually disappear.

Although it is highly effective in symptom reduction and does not require hospitalization, the procedure requires several weeks to take effect for significantly large, disfiguring fibroids. For patients whose fibroids have distorted the lower abdomen's size, the bulk reduction could take several months. A hysterectomy could yield results significantly faster. However, recovery time post-hysterectomy can be as long as two months, leaving significant scarring.

Whether you choose a hysterectomy or UFE will depend upon your unique medical situation. The majority of patients are satisfied with the outcomes post-UFE.

If you have questions or concerns about uterine fibroids, please call 469-341-5997 to talk to the helpful representatives at Dallas Fibroid Center today.