Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is an alternative to surgery — but is it right for you?

Uterine fibroids are extremely common, benign tumors in the uterus. For many women, they cause no symptoms at all and don’t need to be treated. But, if you’re among the 25% of women for whom fibroids cause symptoms, they can affect your health and quality of life.

Uterine fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods, to the point that you may become anemic or need a blood transfusion. If fibroids get too big, they may also cause pain and heaviness in the pelvis, back pain, leg pain, urinary frequency, difficulties with bowel movements, painful sex and a generalized feeling of bloating.

For many years, the only treatment for these debilitating symptoms was a myomectomy (an open surgery to remove the fibroids) or hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus). But, recently another option for women going through the pain of fibroids has been discovered: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

How uterine fibroid embolization works

This minimally invasive procedure works by blocking certain arteries that go to the uterus, thus cutting off the blood supply that the fibroids need to grow. Without the flow of blood, the fibroids shrink, and symptoms resolve.

The procedure, done under minimal sedation, is similar to a heart catheterization.

A small plastic tube is put into the artery, either at the wrist or at the top of the leg. The little plastic tube is threaded into the two different arteries going to the uterus, and then, using X-ray guidance, the doctor injects some particles that plug up the arteries.

After UFE, you often are able to go home the same day or the next, as the procedure has a low complication risk. In addition, the recovery time for uterine fibroid embolization is short — less than a week — because it is not very invasive. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, nine out of 10 women will experience relief from symptoms, after a UFE.

Are you a candidate for UFE?

UFE is a well-studied procedure that has been performed on thousands of women over the past 20 years. But, the procedure is not right for everyone. Because the effects on fertility have not been well-established, it’s recommended that you evaluate whether or not you want to have kids (or more kids) before undergoing UFE.

Doctors still aren’t totally sure what causes fibroids, although hormones, your family history and ethnic background (fibroids are more prevalent among African Americans) may contribute. They’re common among women in their 30s and 40s, but new tumors rarely grow after menopause.

How do you know if you need treatment for fibroids? If you’re having heavy menstrual bleeding that prevents you from leading a normal life, or constant pain and bloating, it’s time to call the doctor. At your appointment, you can discuss the different treatment options to see if uterine fibroid embolization is best for you.