Uterine Fibroid Embolization

For the treatment of benign fibroids in or around the uterus

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that are found in or around the lining of the uterus. They can range in size from as small as a grape to as large as a grapefruit. Many women with fibroids do not experience symptoms and may require no treatment. However, for some, the symptoms can be unbearable and impact their quality of life.

Fibroids can cause pain and discomfort, heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during intercourse and other symptoms. Some doctors choose to treat fibroids with medications and/or hormone therapy, but these are temporary solutions that do not eliminate fibroids. In fact, most cases of fibroids will not go away on their own.

Some women are told that hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) or myomectomy (surgery to remove fibroids from within the uterus) are their only options. But today, a non-surgical option is available from CU Medicine Interventional Radiology called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Also called uterine artery embolization, UFE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that effectively treats fibroids without the need to remove the uterus.

It is clinically proven (even over the long term), FDA-approved and covered by most insurance plans. Women who elect to have the procedure experience less risk than with surgery, a much faster recovery/return to normal activities and may still be able to become pregnant if they wish.

During a UFE procedure, the doctor guides a catheter through the body and into the uterine artery.

Tiny microparticles are injected into the smaller arteries that feed the fibroid. The blood supply to the fibroid is shut off, causing them to shrink–which in turn reduces or eliminates the symptoms caused by the fibroids.

Because UFE is non-surgical, it does not require the use of general anesthesia. Patients return home the same day as the procedure and can resume normal activities within 1-2 days. UFE is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids.

For more information about uterine fibroid embolization, or to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, please visit our contact page or call (720) 516-0637.