Uterine Fibroid EmbolizationOrange County, CA
Uterine fibroids affect up to 80% of women by age 50, causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and disruption to daily life. At Vascular and Interventional Specialists of Orange County, we specialize in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure that provides lasting relief from fibroid symptoms without the risks associated with traditional surgery or hysterectomy.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us today at 714-560-4450.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also called fibroid tumors, are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or around the uterus. These muscular tumors can range in size from as small as a seed to as large as a grapefruit or even larger. Fibroids are extremely common , affecting approximately 70-80% of women by age 50. African American women experience higher rates and often develop fibroids at younger ages.
Fibroids develop when the smooth muscle cells of the uterus begin to grow abnormally, often influenced by hormonal imbalances, particularly elevated estrogen and progesterone levels . As fibroids grow, they can make the uterus larger. This can press against nearby organs like the bladder and rectum. As a result, it can cause many uncomfortable and sometimes serious symptoms.
If left untreated, fibroid symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your career, relationships, sleep, and overall well-being. In some cases, fibroids can lead to severe anemia from chronic blood loss, fertility challenges, or pregnancy complications. Thus, women experiencing fibroid symptoms should seek professional treatment for lasting relief.
Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe. These symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged periods (lasting more than 7 days)
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
- Pelvic pain, pressure, or feelings of heaviness in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation or bloating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain or leg pain
- Fatigue and anemia due to excessive blood loss
The severity of symptoms often depends on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Submucosal fibroids, which grow into the uterine cavity, are particularly likely to cause heavy bleeding. Even a single large fibroid or multiple smaller fibroids can cause significant discomfort and disruption to your daily activities.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
While the exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unclear, research has identified several factors that contribute to their development. Common risk factors include hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, and age.
Fibroids are highly sensitive to estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. As these hormone levels fluctuate throughout a woman's reproductive years, fibroids can grow larger or shrink.
Genetics also play a significant role. A family history of fibroids increases your risk. If your mother or sister had fibroids, you are at increased risk of developing them as well.
Age is another important factor, with fibroids most commonly developing during a woman's 30s and 40s, though they can appear earlier or later. Other contributing factors may include obesity, vitamin D deficiency, early onset of menstruation, and dietary factors.
Our team of vascular specialists can help identify warning signs of fibroids and recommend the most effective course of action tailored to your individual needs.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) , is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat uterine fibroids and provide relief for women suffering from symptomatic fibroid tumors. UFE is a non-surgical option that shrinks fibroids by targeting the blood vessels that feed them, providing symptom relief without the risks associated with traditional surgery, general anesthesia, or removal of the uterus.
The UFE procedure works by blocking blood flow to the fibroids, which causes them to shrink and die over time. As the fibroids shrink, pressure on the bladder and rectum is relieved, and symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination typically improve. This innovative approach is an excellent option for women looking to preserve their uterus and fertility while avoiding traditional surgery or long-term medication for fibroid management.
How does UFE Work?
Our experienced interventional radiologists use advanced imaging guidance to perform the UFE procedure with precision:
- Tiny Incision: A small incision is made in the wrist or groin to access an artery. No large surgical cuts required.
- Catheter Guidance: A specialized microcatheter is carefully guided through the artery to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, using real-time imaging.
- Blocking Blood Flow: Microscopic embolic particles (tiny medical-grade beads) are injected into the uterine arteries to block blood flow to the fibroid tissue.
- Shrinking the Fibroids: As the fibroids receive less blood, they gradually shrink over the next several weeks to months. This reduces pressure on surrounding organs and alleviates symptoms.
- Quick & Comfortable: The entire procedure takes one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, keeping you comfortable throughout.
- Simple Closure: When complete, the catheter is removed and light pressure with a bandage is applied to the access site. No stitches needed.
Why Choose UFE for Fibroid Treatment?
UFE presents numerous advantages over traditional surgical treatments such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, making it a preferred choice for women seeking effective relief with minimal downtime and fewer complications.
Key benefits of the UFE procedure include:
- Minimally Invasive: UFE requires only a tiny pinhole incision, resulting in less pain and minimal scarring.
- Outpatient Procedure: Performed at our state-of-the-art facility with same-day discharge.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within one to two weeks.
- Preserves the Uterus: UFE allows you to keep your uterus, making it an ideal option for women who wish to preserve their fertility or avoid hysterectomy.
- Effective Symptom Relief: Clinical studies show that approximately 85-90% of patients experience significant symptom relief, with full benefits developing over three to six months.
- Low Recurrence Rate: Because UFE treats all fibroids at once, the recurrence rate is significantly lower than with myomectomy.
UFE vs. Traditional Fibroid Surgery
| Feature | UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization) | Hysterectomy | Myomectomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Minimally Invasive (Catheter-based) | Major Surgery (Uterus removal) | Surgery (Fibroid removal) |
| Incision Size | Pinhole incision (wrist or groin) | Large abdominal or vaginal incision | Abdominal or laparoscopic incisions |
| Anesthesia | Local with light sedation | General or Spinal | General |
| Hospital Stay | Outpatient/Same-day discharge | 1-3 nights | 1-2 nights (or outpatient for laparoscopic) |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 weeks to resume normal activities | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Preserves Uterus | Yes | No | Yes |
| Fertility Preservation | Yes | No | Yes |
| Recurrence Risk | Low | None (no uterus) | Moderate to High |
Other Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
While we specialize in UFE and believe it offers the best combination of effectiveness and safety for most patients, other treatment options for fibroids include watchful waiting, medications, and traditional surgery.
For women with mild symptoms or small fibroids, a "watchful waiting" approach may be appropriate, with regular monitoring to track fibroid growth. Medications such as hormonal birth control, GnRH agonists (Lupron), or tranexamic acid may be prescribed to manage heavy bleeding or shrink fibroids temporarily. However, these medications often have side effects such as hot flashes, bone density loss, or mood changes, and fibroids typically regrow once treatment is stopped.
Surgical options include myomectomy (surgical removal of individual fibroids) and hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus). While myomectomy preserves the uterus, it requires major surgery and carries a risk of fibroid recurrence. Hysterectomy is a permanent solution but eliminates the possibility of future pregnancy and may have long-term hormonal and health implications.
Newer procedures like MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) are available but may not be suitable for all fibroid types or sizes. Our specialists can help you navigate these options and determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as fibroid tumors, are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. While fibroids can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain, they are not cancerous and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
UFE is a minimally invasive treatment for fibroids that works by blocking blood flow to the fibroid tissue. Using a tiny catheter inserted through the wrist or groin, microscopic particles are delivered to the uterine arteries, causing the fibroids to shrink over time and relieving symptoms.
How effective is UFE?
Clinical studies show that approximately 85-90% of patients experience significant symptom relief following the UFE procedure. The procedure can shrink fibroids by 40-60% within three to six months, leading to improved quality of life, reduced bleeding, and relief from pelvic pressure.
Will UFE affect my fertility?
The effect of UFE on fertility is not fully understood, and research is ongoing. While pregnancy is possible after UFE and many women have successfully carried pregnancies to term, women who are actively trying to conceive or plan to become pregnant in the near future should discuss all treatment options with their physician. UFE is best suited for women who have completed childbearing or do not plan to become pregnant in the near future.
How long does UFE recovery take?
Most patients return home the same day and can resume light activities within a few days. You may experience mild pelvic cramping, fatigue, or low-grade fever for the first week—this is normal as the fibroids begin to shrink. Most women return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Full symptom relief typically develops over three to six months as the fibroids continue to shrink.
Can fibroids come back after UFE?
While it is possible for new fibroids to develop after UFE, the recurrence rate is significantly lower than with myomectomy because UFE treats all existing fibroids simultaneously. Most women experience long-lasting symptom relief without the need for additional treatment.
Will my insurance cover UFE treatment?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover UFE for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. We invite you to call our office to discuss your specific coverage and financing options. Our team can review the insurance companies we accept and help guide you on the path toward necessary treatment.
Call Us Today
Take the next step toward lasting relief and reclaim control of your life. If you are experiencing fibroid symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or frequent urination, do not hesitate to reach out to our highly-skilled interventional radiologists. For more information about our Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) treatment, contact our office at 714-560-4450 to schedule an appointment today.
Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Orange County is located at 1010 W La Veta Ave Suite 320 Orange, CA 92868. We also serve patients throughout Orange County, including Fullerton, Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, and surrounding communities.
Related Posts
Common Causes Of Leg Swelling
Leg swelling is a common symptom that can range from mild to severe and has many causes. Sometimes, the cause is temporary and of mild to moderate concern, but leg swelling may point to a more serious health condition in other cases. Learning more about leg swelling helps people know when to seek help from…
Effective Hemorrhoid Treatment Options For Lasting Relief
Hemorrhoid treatment options vary depending on severity and symptoms. There are many effective ways to manage hemorrhoids, such as through lifestyle changes, over-the-counter remedies, or more advanced medical procedures. Finding the right treatment can make a significant difference in achieving lasting relief.Hemorrhoids are swollen veins located in or around the anus and rectum, with internal…
What Are Fibroids And What Causes Them?
Most uterine fibroids are noncancerous, and many patients do not realize they have them. This often leaves patients confused about what could have caused their fibroids, while they also wonder what exactly fibroids are. An OB/GYN can provide clarification on a patient’s unique condition. However, in the meantime, an overview may help.Fibroids are muscular tumors…
The Importance Of Varicose Vein Treatment
Curious about what varicose vein treatment from a cardiologist entails? Read on to learn more. Varicose vein treatment can significantly improve your appearance as well as your life. Varicose veins are enlarged, ropey veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. These oversized veins can often cause swelling, fatigue, and pain. They can also…
4 Signs That Joint Pain Treatment Is Needed
Wondering when joint pain treatment is necessary? According to Healthline, joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. There are certain signs that warrant when treatment is necessary.There are many different things that can cause someone to experience joint pain, with rheumatoid diseases being one of the more common…