Being diagnosed with uterine fibroids does not automatically mean
you need surgery.

Women throughout Visalia, Tulare County, and California’s Central
Valley may have several options for managing fibroids, ranging
from observation and medication to minimally invasive procedures
and surgery.

One option available at
VIP Specialists in Visalia, California is

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
.
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist using imaging
guidance and a small catheter rather than a traditional surgical
incision.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop from the
muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can vary greatly in size,
number, and location.

Some people have fibroids without experiencing symptoms. Others
develop symptoms significant enough to interfere with work,
exercise, sleep, relationships, and everyday activities.

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroid symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the
fibroids. Common symptoms can include:

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding may also contribute to
anemia in some patients. Symptoms such as unusually heavy bleeding
should be evaluated by a healthcare professional because fibroids
are not the only possible cause.

Do All Uterine Fibroids Need Treatment?

No. Fibroids that are small and are not causing symptoms may not
require immediate treatment. A healthcare professional may instead
recommend monitoring them over time.

Treatment is more likely to be considered when fibroids cause
significant bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, urinary symptoms,
or other problems affecting quality of life.

Can Fibroids Be Treated Without a Hysterectomy?

Yes. A hysterectomy removes the uterus and is one treatment for
uterine fibroids, but it is not the only treatment.

Depending on the individual patient, alternatives may include
medication, myomectomy, radiofrequency ablation, uterine fibroid
embolization, and other approaches.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally
invasive treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

During UFE, an interventional radiologist guides a small catheter
through an artery and toward the blood vessels supplying the
fibroids. Tiny embolic particles are then introduced through the
catheter to reduce blood flow to the fibroids.

Without their usual blood supply, the fibroids begin shrinking
over time. As the fibroids shrink, symptoms such as heavy menstrual
bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure may improve.

How Does UFE Work?

UFE vs. Hysterectomy: What Is the Difference?

UFE vs. Myomectomy: What’s the Difference?

A myomectomy removes individual fibroids while
preserving the uterus. UFE takes a different approach: rather than
surgically removing individual fibroids, blood flow to the fibroids
is reduced so they shrink.

Neither treatment is automatically right for every patient.
Fibroid size, number, location, symptoms, previous treatments,
overall health, and plans for future pregnancy can all influence
the recommended treatment.

Who May Be a Candidate for UFE?

UFE may be considered for some patients who have symptomatic
uterine fibroids and are interested in avoiding hysterectomy or
another major surgical procedure.

Symptoms that may lead someone to seek an evaluation include
persistent heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic pressure,
abdominal fullness, or bladder-related pressure symptoms.

An evaluation is important because not everyone with these symptoms
has fibroids, and not every fibroid should be treated with UFE.

How Do Doctors Determine Whether UFE Is Right for You?

Before recommending treatment, your healthcare team will typically
review your symptoms and medical history. Ultrasound or MRI imaging
may also be used to evaluate the number, size, and location of
fibroids and help determine whether UFE is appropriate.

Patients should also discuss pregnancy goals with their healthcare
team before choosing a treatment. Although the uterus remains in
place after UFE, the effect of UFE on future fertility and
pregnancy is an important individualized consideration.

What Is Recovery Like After Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Recovery varies from person to person. UFE is commonly performed
as an outpatient procedure, although some patients may stay
overnight depending on their symptoms and individual circumstances.

Cramping and pelvic discomfort are common after treatment. Some
patients can return to many normal activities in approximately
a week, although your physician will provide instructions based
on your individual recovery.

How Quickly Do Fibroids Shrink After UFE?

UFE does not make fibroids disappear immediately. Fibroids
generally shrink gradually after their blood supply has been
reduced.

Symptom improvement may take weeks to months. Some changes may
continue over a longer period as the treated fibroids continue
shrinking.

Can Fibroids Come Back After UFE?

UFE can provide significant symptom relief for many patients, but
no treatment should be presented as guaranteeing that a patient
will never require additional fibroid treatment.

Some patients may eventually experience recurrent or persistent
symptoms and require additional evaluation or treatment. Your
physician can explain the expected benefits and limitations based
on your individual fibroid pattern.

Is UFE Painful?

Patients receive medication to manage discomfort during the
procedure. Cramping is common afterward because the treated
fibroids are losing their blood supply.

Your healthcare team will provide a pain-management plan and
instructions for your recovery. Contact your physician promptly
if pain becomes severe or you develop concerning symptoms after
treatment.

Why See an Interventional Radiologist for Fibroids?

Interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive,
image-guided procedures. Instead of using a large surgical
incision, they use medical imaging to guide small instruments or
catheters through the body.

VIP Specialists provides interventional radiology services in
Visalia and offers Uterine Fibroid Embolization for patients
experiencing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Visalia, California

If fibroids are causing heavy periods, pelvic pain, pressure, or
other disruptive symptoms, understanding all of your treatment
options can help you make a more informed decision.

VIP Specialists provides minimally invasive interventional
radiology care at its Visalia office and evaluates patients for
Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

An individual consultation can help determine whether UFE or
another approach may be appropriate for your symptoms and
treatment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fibroid Treatment