Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are growths that appear within the muscular part of the uterus. Up to 40% of women over age 35 have one or more uterine fibroids. 

Medical experts believe that hormones influence whether you get fibroids and how fast they grow. Once a fibroid forms, it tends to grow larger until menopause. 

The majority of fibroids are benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous. However, untreated fibroids can be quite painful, causing heavy bleeding and other uncomfortable symptoms. 

How do I know if I have fibroids?

The most common symptom of fibroids is excessively long and heavy periods. Other symptoms include: 

• Bleeding between periods
• Abdominal swelling
• Painful sex
• Pelvic pain
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Frequent urination

You also might experience a feeling of pressure or heaviness with fibroids. However, some women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all.

What can I do about fibroids?

In the past, doctors may have advised you to get a hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroids, but today you don’t need major surgery to address fibroids. 

The board-certified vascular specialists at Vascular & Interventional Associates offer a minimally invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization. This treatment shrinks painful fibroids without the pain and long recovery of invasive surgery — and without removing your uterus.

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization works by stopping the supply of blood to your fibroid so that the tissue dies and shrinks away. During the procedure, your provider at Vascular & Interventional Associates makes a small incision in the crease at the top of your thigh to access your femoral artery.

Using X-ray guidance, they carefully thread a tiny device through the artery to reach your fibroid and cut off the blood supply.

You're sedated during your treatment, but there’s no need for general anesthesia. Afterward, you typically stay in the hospital overnight. Most women go back to work a week or two after the procedure.

Is uterine fibroid embolization safe?

The board-certified radiologists at Vascular & Interventional Associates are experts at performing uterine fibroid embolization and were among the first in the area to perform this type of fibroid treatment. They participated in a national multicenter research trial to investigate the benefits of the procedure, so you can trust their expertise. 

To find out more, call Vascular & Interventional Associates today or book your fibroid consultation online.

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