Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Safe, effective treatment without surgery

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths in the uterus. As they grow, symptoms can become severe and include cramping, urinary incontinence, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Uterine fibroid embolization (also known as uterine artery embolization) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat fibroids, and a safe, effective alternative to surgical procedures like hysterectomy and myomectomy.

What causes uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but there are risk factors that can increase a woman’s chance of developing them. These include age, family history, being overweight, and diet. Black women are also four times more likely to develop uterine fibroids than women of other races.

Uterine fibroids can grow on or within the lining of the uterus. They range in size from as small as a grape to as large as a cantaloupe. 20-40% of women over the age of 35 have fibroids. They are hormonally sensitive, so their symptoms can be cyclical like with menstruation.

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Treatment options

In some cases, the symptoms of fibroids may be controlled with medication; however, some medications can cause side effects that are similar to menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches and mood changes. They can also increase risk for depression, hair loss, bone loss, and impotence. Medications that contain gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can reduce breast size.

Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids from within the uterus) are also sometimes recommended. Hysterectomy carries a high incidence of surgical risk, and the removal of the uterus may be linked to other health issues in the future, including early menopause. As for myomectomy, there is a good chance that fibroids will return within two years of surgery.

Today, a new and safe procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is available. UFE is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about an hour, requires only a small nick in the skin, and you can often return home the same day and resume most normal activities. It is highly effective and recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a safe and effective treatment of fibroids in women who are symptomatic and want to avoid surgery.

How is UFE performed?

During the UFE procedure, an interventional radiologist uses live x-ray imaging to guide a small catheter through the body to the site of the blood vessel feeding the fibroids. When the catheter reaches the location of the fibroids, the radiologist embolizes or blocks the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, depriving it of oxygenated blood. The fibroid shrinks and the symptoms start to disappear.

The doctors at IntelliRad Imaging perform UFEs on an outpatient basis at leading hospitals and medical centers throughout South Florida. We are among the most experienced doctors in the region in performing this procedure. Women who have had UFE procedures reported a high level of satisfaction and a dramatic improvement in quality of life, even over the long term.^1,2

Smith WJ, Upton E, Shuster EJ, Klein AJ, Schwartz ML. Patient satisfaction and disease specific quality of life after uterine artery embolization. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004;190(6):1697–1703.
Scheurig-Muenkler C, Koesters C, Powerski, MJ, Grieser C, Froeling V, Kroencke TJ. Clinical long-term outcome after uterine artery embolization: sustained symptom control and improvement of quality of life. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2013;24(6):765–771

UFE is covered by most insurances and Medicare. If you believe you are a candidate for this procedure, talk to your doctor or call our clinic to schedule a consultation.

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