Uterine Fibroid Embolization(UFE)

Do you experience unusually heavy periods, persistent pelvic pain, or a feeling of pressure in your abdomen? For many women, these symptoms are a daily struggle caused by uterine fibroids.

While these benign growths can feel like a life sentence, many believe that a major surgery like a hysterectomy is the only way to find relief. But that’s not true. Thanks to modern medicine, you can now shrink fibroids without surgery using an advanced, minimally invasive procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or on the wall of the uterus. They are incredibly common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. Their size can range from a tiny seed to a large grapefruit, and their symptoms can vary just as much. While some women have no symptoms at all, others endure life-altering issues like heavy bleeding from fibroids, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

UFE is a non-surgical procedure performed by a specialized doctor known as an interventional radiologist. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and involves no surgical incisions. Instead, a tiny catheter is guided through a small entry point, usually in the wrist or groin, directly to the arteries that feed the fibroids.

How does fibroid embolization work? The interventional radiologist injects tiny, FDA-approved particles into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. This effectively blocks the blood flow, starving the fibroids. Over the following weeks and months, the fibroids naturally shrink, and symptoms diminish. This minimally invasive fibroid procedure offers a new path to relief.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

The UFE procedure itself takes about 60-90 minutes. Patients are awake but sedated, ensuring they are comfortable throughout the process. After the procedure, you will be monitored for a few hours before you can go home.

The initial recovery period is a few days, during which you may experience some cramping. Within one to two weeks, most patients feel back to normal. Patients often notice a significant reduction in their symptoms, such as less heavy bleeding from fibroids, within a few menstrual cycles.

Is UFE Right for You?

While UFE is an excellent option for many women, it’s not for everyone. It is considered an ideal non-surgical fibroid treatment for women with symptomatic fibroids who are not currently seeking pregnancy.

The best way to determine if you are a candidate is through a comprehensive consultation, which may include an MRI or ultrasound. Our expert interventional radiologists will help you navigate your fibroids treatment options and discuss any concerns about fibroids and fertility.

Why Choose Texas Vascular Institute for UFE?

At Texas Vascular Institute, we specialize in uterine artery embolization and other minimally invasive treatments. Our physicians, Dr. Dev Batra, Dr. Steve C. Hong, and Dr. Kareem Elshatory are board-certified interventional radiologists with extensive experience in the field.

Meet Our Team

Our goal is to provide the best fibroid treatment in Texas by offering personalized, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas, Hurst, and Plano.

Take the Next Step Toward Fibroid Relief

Don’t let fibroids control your life. You have options to achieve fibroid symptom relief without a major operation. To learn more about how to avoid fibroid surgery and see if UFE is right for you, schedule a consultation today.

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