Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterine wall. While they are rarely cancerous, they are often life-altering for those living with the symptoms.

Symptoms of Fibroids

Common symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors include:

• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Backache or leg pain
• Heavy menstrual periods
• Menstrual periods that last more than a week
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Anemia (caused by heavy bleeding)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization for Fibroid Tumors (UFE)

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood flow that feeds the fibroid. This technique preserves the uterus.

As interventional radiologists, our doctors use image guidance and catheters which are long, thin, flexible tubes that travel into arteries. Through a tiny nick in the skin, they locate the artery that delivers blood to the uterus. Tiny beads are placed in the artery to limit blood flow to the fibroid. When that happens, the fibroid shrinks.

UFE is less invasive than traditional surgery and offers less risk of infection and blood loss, a lower rate of complications, and faster recovery. It’s done in our facility, and patients go home the same day. A majority find significant improvement of symptoms over time.