You’ve just been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, and as you explore your treatment options, the word “hysterectomy” enters the conversation. Suddenly, you’re faced with uncertainty. You want relief but also want to keep your uterus—especially if you’re considering having children in the future. But what if there’s a way to treat fibroids without losing your uterus? Enter Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a groundbreaking procedure transforming women’s lives for over 20 years.
Understanding why UFE is effective starts with understanding fibroids. These benign growths, which can range in size from a tiny pea to as large as a cantaloupe, develop within or on the muscular walls of the uterus. Research reveals that up to 70% of white women and 84% of Black women will develop fibroids by age 49. Thankfully, non-surgical treatments like UFE offer a solution.
The UFE Advantage
UFE combines precision and minimal invasiveness. Fibroid diagnosis is confirmed with ultrasound and MRI imaging to confirm their presence. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a tiny pinhole in the groin or wrist and guided via real-time X-ray to the arteries supplying the fibroids. Tiny particles are then injected through the catheter, blocking blood flow to the fibroids and causing them to shrink. After the embolization, the catheter is removed, and the artery is sealed with a closure device.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a groundbreaking alternative to hysterectomy, allowing women to preserve their uterus and its natural functions. The procedure typically lasts about an hour, with most patients going home the same day. Recovery time is remarkably short—most UFE patients resume normal activities in just 1-2 weeks, compared to the 6-8 weeks often required after a hysterectomy. That means less downtime and more time for work, family, and the life you love.
The Evidence is Clear
Over 20 years of clinical data support UFE’s effectiveness. Studies consistently show:
- 85-95% of women experience significant symptom improvement
- Fibroids shrink by an average of 40-60% within three months
- The procedure has a success rate comparable to a hysterectomy for symptom relief
- Women report high satisfaction rates, improved quality of life, and better sexual function
- Many patients experience enhanced intimate relationships due to reduced pain and bleeding
Preserving Fertility and Function
For women who want to maintain their fertility options, UFE offers hope. Unlike hysterectomy, UFE preserves the uterus and the possibility of future pregnancy. Research shows successful pregnancies following UFE, with outcomes similar to those of the general population.
Why Are We Still Doing So Many Hysterectomies?
Despite these impressive results, the United States still performs approximately 600,000 hysterectomies annually, with fibroids being a leading reason. This raises an important question: Why are we still defaulting to hysterectomy when less invasive options exist? This concerning trend stems from limited patient awareness of alternatives like UFE, ingrained surgical traditions, inconsistent access to interventional radiology specialists, and healthcare system factors that often prioritize traditional surgery.
Making an Informed Choice
As a woman facing fibroid treatment decisions, you deserve to know all your options. UFE offers:
- Keep your uterus
- Non-surgical treatment
- Intravenous sedation – no general anesthesia
- Fast recovery – most women are back to regular activity in 1 to 2 weeks
- Leave with just an adhesive bandage
- Menstrual flow returns to normal
- Pelvic pain and pressure are relieved
- Urinary frequency decreases
- Significant reduction in the size of fibroids
The Path Forward
It’s time to change the conversation about fibroid treatment. UFE should be considered a frontline therapy for appropriate candidates. The evidence supports it, the outcomes prove it, and most importantly, women deserve this choice.
Don’t let anyone tell you that hysterectomy is your only option without first exploring UFE. As interventional radiologists, we’ve seen countless women reclaim their lives through this procedure, avoiding major surgery while achieving excellent results.
Take the Next Step
If you’re struggling with fibroid symptoms, schedule a consultation to learn if UFE is right for you. Our team of specialists can walk you through the procedure, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision about your health.
Contact VIE today to learn more about UFE and take control of your fibroid treatment journey.
*References:
- Society of Interventional Radiology: UFE Clinical Guidelines
- Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology: Long-term Outcomes of UFE
- American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology: Comparative Analysis of UFE vs. Hysterectomy*
