Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure in which the blood supply to the part of the uterus that has fibroids is blocked. Gynecologists perform this procedure to treat uterine fibroids, polyps and other conditions including non-cancerous growths that cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. It is a minimally invasive procedure, not a major surgery. When the blood supply to fibroids is blocked, uterine fibroids shrink and die.

Uterine fibroid embolization treatment – Why You need it?

Uterine fibroids are common in women of reproductive age. They mostly go undetected or undiagnosed owing to their small size. Embolization is not recommended for large fibroids.

Uterine fibroid embolization: Doctors recommend this procedure to treat problematic or symptomatic fibroids associated with pain, abnormal bleeding and other problems.  Uterine fibroids are mostly benign or non-cancerous. Cancerous fibroids are a rare occurrence.

Your gynecologist may recommend this procedure if you have:

• Abnormal bleeding
• An enlarged uterus
• Abdominal pain or pressure
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Bladder pressure
• Back pain or leg pain
• Infertility

Uterine fibroid embolization procedure

This is a minimally invasive alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy. The recovery period is short. A gynecologist specialized in interventional procedures inserts a thin tube called a catheter through a blood vessel in the groin region. The doctor uses X-ray or fluoroscopic guided images to reach the blood vessels that feed fibroids. The doctor then inserts tiny particles to block the blood flow to the fibroids. The success rate of this procedure is around 85%. After fibroid embolization procedure fibroids shrink gradually over the next few weeks and months. Patients can see gradual improvement in their symptoms and reduction in the size of fibroids – until they completely starve, shrink and vanish.

How is the recovery?

Women recovering after the procedure may experience postembolization syndrome. The symptoms may include discomfort, low-grade fever, fatigue, cramping and pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms may last for around 3 to 6 days. As uterus is not removed during the procedure, a woman can remain fertile and could expect pregnancy.

Uterine fibroid embolization side effects

Any procedure can have complications, uterine embolization is no exception. However, if it is performed by an experienced doctor, then complications can be minimized. Possible complications may include formation of blood clots, infection, injury to the uterus and abnormal bleeding.

Bottom Line

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids as the possible cause of your symptoms, and want to know more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization in Hyderabad, then talk to your gynecologist. She will discuss several treatment options with you. If you prefer this procedure, then she will work with an interventional radiologist to perform uterine artery embolization procedure.