UFE, (Uterine Fibroid Embolization) is an FDA-Approved, safe and effective alternative to surgery
Through a tiny pinhole incision in the groin, our Interventional Radiologists guide a catheter to the arteries supplying the fibroids. Tiny particles are injected to block these blood vessels, causing the fibroids to shrink and die and the symptoms to subside.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are a common issue, affecting many women during their reproductive years. Fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Blood clots
- Irregular/unpredictable menstrual cycles
- Pelvic pain/pressure and cramps
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Abdominal distention/bloating
- Fatigue
- Anemia due to heavy bleeding
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Back pain or leg pain
- Infertility
Established Risk Factors
- Age: Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s, and the risk increases with age during the reproductive years. They tend to shrink after menopause.
- Race: African American women are at a significantly higher risk of developing fibroids. They may develop them earlier, and the fibroids tend to be larger and more symptomatic.
- Family History: If your mother, sister, or other close relatives have had fibroids, your risk is increased.
- Obesity: Women with a high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to develop fibroids.
- Early Onset of Menstruation: Starting your period at a young age may be associated with an increased risk.
- Pregnancy: No prior history of pregnancy increases risk for fibroids.
Potential Risk Factors
(Research is Ongoing)
Important Note
It's essential to remember that having risk factors doesn't guarantee you'll develop fibroids. Also, many women with fibroids don't experience any symptoms and may not even know they have them. Treatment for fibroids is unncessary unless you are having symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life.
FEATURED RESOURCE - FREE E-BOOK
Understanding Uterine Fibroids & UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)
Discover the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments, including the innovative UFE — a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
UFE at ARV Centers: Your Partner in Fibroid Care
At ARV Centers, our experienced Interventional Radiology team are dedicated to providing personalized care and the most advanced UFE treatment available. We understand the impact fibroids can have on your life, and we’re here to help you find relief.
Don’t let fibroids control your life. Contact ARVC today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how UFE can help you reclaim your well-being with an unnecessary surgery.
UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION PROVIDES A HOST OF ADVANTAGES COMPARED TO HYSTERECTOMY:
Why Choose UFE over Hysterectomy?
Testimonials.
Here’s what our patients say about their experience with UFE at ARV Centers
Key Benefits of UFE at ARV Centers:
- Minimally Invasive Office Procedure
- Fast Recovery (3-5 days)
- Proven Results (Over a 90% Success Rate)
- Expert Care
- No scarring
- Low risk
- Personalized
Treatment Plans
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization)
How UFE works
- A specialist called a Vascular & Interventional Radiologist makes a tiny skin nick in the groin and inserts a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the blood vessel.
- Using live X-ray imaging, the physician carefully guides the catheter to the blood vessels that feed the fibroids.
- Tiny particles are injected through the catheter that block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die over time.
Who is a good candidate for UFE?
UFE may be an excellent option for women who:
- Have symptomatic fibroids
- Want to avoid surgery and keep their uterus
- Don’t want to undergo a long painful recovery
What can I expect to feel and experience during the procedure?
- The procedure takes place in our office in our Vascular Suite, which is similar to an operating room.
- The procedure takes approximately 60 minutes and is not painful.
- You are given intravenous medications to help you relax and calm your nerves prior to the procedure
- You are alert and breathing on your own during the procedure, but some women sleep during the procedure.
- The procedure is not painful at all. The only discomfort for the entire treatment is numbing the skin with a small needle before we gain access to the blood vessel. This feels like a pinch and a burn for a few seconds
- You will not feel the catheter moving through the blood vessels
- Once the left Uterine Artery is located, the particles are then injected and the same process is repeated on the opposite side.
What is recovery like after UFE?
- Most patients are discharged within 1 hour from the time the procedure is completed.
- You will be given pain medications intravenously before you leave and given a Rx for pain medications, anti-nausea medications and a stool softener to take at home.
- For 12-24 hours after the procedure, you can expect to feel uterine cramping similar to a heavy period cycle intermittently.
- Most women are back to normal activities after 48 hours, but it is common to feel some fatigue and abdominal bloating for up to a week.
- Most women return to work within 3-5 days of the procedure.
- Improvement in the severity of your menstrual bleeding and pain will be noticeable by the first or second menstrual cycle after UFE.
Will my Insurance Cover UFE?
Yes, Uterine Fibroid Embolization is covered by most major insurances plans including Medicaid.
Interested in Learning More?
- UFE is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids, an alternative to hysterectomy and other surgical interventions. If you're tired of suffering from fibroids, book a free consultation today at ARV Centers to discuss if UFE is right for you. We also perform virtual consultations for your convenience.
Take the first step towards a fibroid-free life.
Don't delay another day. Call ARVC now at 210-405-1335 to schedule your consultation and find out if you are a candidate for non-surgical fibroid relief!
