Finding an Alternative to Fibroid Surgery

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 26 million women between the ages of 15 and 50 have fibroids. As such, they may need to relieve disruptive fibroid symptoms. Unfortunately, many women think the only way to find that relief is with surgery--and the painful recovery that follows.

Now, some women have discovered that uterine artery embolization, also called UFE, or uterine fibroid embolization) is a minimally invasive alternative to fibroid surgery. But as we learned at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting in Salt Lake City, access to UFE is disproportionate. In fact, Black women undergo just 46% of all UAE procedures, yet they develop fibroids at three times the rate of white women. Even worse, Hispanic women represent just 14% of all UAE procedures. And women in rural areas have less access than those in urban centers.

Luckily, we can change these troubling facts, by spreading the word about alternative fibroid treatments. And, in today's post, we'll do just that by sharing the story ofRaquel K., a woman who was, "looking for an alternative to fibroid surgery."

Like many Black women, Raquel was worried she'd need myomectomy surgery or a hysterectomy after receiving a fibroids diagnosis. Thankfully, she made it to one of our Houston area fibroid centers, where she says, "Dr. Fox and his team took time to explain the UFE procedure and made me feel very comfortable."

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive alternative to fibroid surgery. It's performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to avoid overnight hospital stays. The procedure begins when doctors insert a catheter through your radial artery, located in your left wrist. They guide that catheter to the uterine artery, near the fibroid being treated. At that point, they inject embolic particles in the catheter, blocking blood flow to the fibroid, and depriving it of both blood and oxygen. The result? Following your UFE procedure, treated fibroids can't grow larger. And, with time the tumors will start shrinking.  

That was the case for Raquel, who says: "My quality of life has improved greatly since my UFE and I am very happy with my results." And now that she's found relief with an alternative to fibroid surgery, she's helping spread the word so other women can understand their treatment options, too!

What to Expect After UFE

In the first days following the procedure, mild cramping is normal. However, you should be able to go back to work one day after UFE. And, withing two weeks, you can resume your full activity schedule. But what about your previous fibroid symptoms? Well, over time, they should greatly improve or even disappear. Were you experiencing pain during sex? Good news: this study shows that, one year after UFE, 80% of women noted dramatic improvements in the quality of their intimate relationships.

Plus, UFE should help relieve the heavy bleeding associated with fibroids. Though the first period after UFE could be heavier than normal, your periods should become both shorter and lighter within three months of your procedure. But are you a candidate for UFE? To find out, request a consultation with our fibroid experts in Dallas. When you come in, we can determine if this alternative to fibroid surgery is your best treatment option.