Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment in Houston, TX
Coastal Vascular Center’s Comprehensive Guide on Uterine Fibroid Embolization
At Coastal Vascular Center, we understand the impact that uterine fibroids can have on your life – from pain and discomfort to fertility issues. That’s why we’re committed to providing groundbreaking treatments that offer relief and improve your quality of life. Our Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) page is dedicated to enlightening you about this minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that has become a preferred choice for women seeking an alternative to traditional surgery.
Uterine fibroids, while mostly noncancerous, can give rise to a myriad of symptoms ranging from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain to frequent urination or even fertility problems. Our goal is to inform you about what uterine fibroids are, their common associated symptoms, and how UFE offers a safe and effective treatment option that preserves your uterus, reduces recovery time, and minimizes complications.
At Coastal Vascular Center, led by the expertise of Dr. Divyang C. Ayar and our dedicated staff, we prioritize your health and comfort. This page offers a deep dive into the UFE procedure, exploring how it’s performed, its benefits, and what you can expect during recovery. Whether seeking to alleviate symptoms or exploring treatment options, our UFE page is designed to provide the answers you need.
Embrace a future free from the discomfort of uterine fibroids. Explore our Uterine Fibroid Embolization page to discover how Coastal Vascular Center can guide you toward a healthier, pain-free life.
What Are Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. While the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, their growth is believed to be influenced by a combination of hormonal changes, genetic factors, and body chemistry, including high levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are known to promote the development of fibroids during a woman’s reproductive years.
These fibroids vary significantly in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon, and can occur individually or in clusters. The symptoms associated with uterine fibroids are just as varied as their size. Some women may experience mild symptoms or none at all, while others can suffer from severe, debilitating symptoms that affect their quality of life. These can include heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and backache or leg pains.
The impact of uterine fibroids extends beyond physical symptoms. They can also have social and emotional effects, such as anxiety over symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or the need for frequent bathroom visits, which can interfere with daily activities and reduce the quality of life.
It’s essential for anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of uterine fibroids to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.
Schedule Your Appointment
Are you ready to take the first step towards a life free from the discomfort of uterine fibroids? At Coastal Vascular Center, our expert team led by Dr. Divyang C. Ayar is here
What Are Uterine Fibroid Symptoms
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form on the muscular wall of the uterus. While they are not typically cancerous, they can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms and complications. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early detection and management. Here’s an in-depth look at the various signs and symptoms associated with uterine fibroids:
1. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
One of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids is abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Women may experience periods lasting more than a week and find that they need to use double sanitary protection to manage their menstrual flow.
2. Menstrual Pain and Cramping
Increasingly painful menstrual cramps can occur in the presence of fibroids. The pain can be sharp and more intense than the typical discomfort associated with menstruation.
3. Pelvic Pressure and Pain
As fibroids grow, they can exert pressure on surrounding pelvic structures, leading to a sensation of heaviness or fullness in the lower abdomen. This pressure can escalate into chronic pelvic pain over time.
4. Frequent Urination
Larger fibroids can press against the bladder, reducing its capacity to hold urine. This can result in an increased urge to urinate, even when the bladder is not full, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom.
5. Difficulty Emptying the Bladder
In some cases, fibroids can obstruct the urethra or bladder, making it difficult to empty the bladder fully. This can lead to a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying or a struggle to start urination.
6. Constipation
Fibroids can also press against the rectum, leading to constipation. This could manifest as difficulty passing stool or a reduced frequency in bowel movements.
7. Backache or Leg Pains
Some individuals with uterine fibroids experience a dull ache in the lower back. Fibroids pressing against nerves in the back or extending into the legs can also cause leg pain.
8. Pain During Intercourse
Fibroids can make sexual intercourse painful, especially if they are located near the surface of the uterine wall.
9. Enlargement of the Lower Abdomen
Visibly enlarged lower abdomen is a less common symptom, signifying large fibroids or a cluster of fibroids.
Recognizing the Need for Medical Evaluation
Not all women with uterine fibroids will experience these symptoms, and for those who do, the intensity can vary widely. Remembering that some of these signs and symptoms can also indicate other medical conditions is critical. Therefore, if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you must consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for women suffering from uterine fibroids.
What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), is a minimally invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus. This procedure offers an effective alternative to traditional surgical methods like hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus) or myomectomy (the removal of individual fibroids), especially for women who wish to avoid major surgery or are seeking options that involve less recovery time. Here’s an in-depth explanation of what UFE involves:
The Procedure
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist, a doctor who specializes in treatments that involve the use of imaging techniques. The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Preparation: The patient is given a local anesthetic and sedation, making the procedure relatively painless.
- Access: The radiologist makes a small incision to access the femoral artery, usually in the groin area. Using advanced imaging techniques for guidance, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is then carefully threaded through the artery to reach the vessels that supply blood to the fibroid(s).
- Embolization: Once the catheter is in place, the radiologist injects tiny particles, called embolic agents, through the catheter into the arteries feeding the fibroids. These particles are designed to block the blood flow to the fibroids.
- Completion: After confirming that the blood supply to the fibroids has been successfully blocked, the catheter is withdrawn. The small incision is then covered with a bandage. No stitches are required.
How UFE Works
By cutting off the fibroids’ blood supply, UFE causes the fibroids to shrink and, as a result, reduces or altogether eliminates symptoms. The embolic agents remain permanently in the blood vessels at the fibroid site. Over time, the fibroids will shrink significantly, and the symptoms will improve.
Advantages of UFE
- Minimally Invasive: Since UFE does not involve major surgery, it is considered minimally invasive. Compared to traditional surgery, patients typically experience less pain and have a quicker recovery.
- Preservation of the Uterus: UFE provides an option for women who wish to preserve their uterus, whether for personal, reproductive reasons, or both.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Many patients can go home the same day or after an overnight stay in the hospital.
- Quicker Return to Normal Activities: Recovery is generally fast, with most women returning to their regular activities within a few days to a week.
Considerations
- UFE may not be suitable for all women with fibroids, especially those with very large fibroids, certain types of fibroids, or other pelvic conditions.
- As with any procedure, risks are involved, including infection, bleeding, or complications related to the embolic agents. However, serious complications are rare.
- UFE can affect fertility. Women considering pregnancy should discuss their options thoroughly with their healthcare provider.
Uterine Fibrroid Embolization represents a significant advancement in the treatment of uterine fibroids. It offers a non-surgical option that can effectively alleviate symptoms while preserving the uterus. Each woman must discuss with a healthcare provider whether UFE is the right choice based on her specific situation, fibroid characteristics, and overall health.
Four Things You Should Know About Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- It’s a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids
- Your uterus remains preserved
- Lower complication rate with reductions in pain and blood loss
- Reduced recovery time, so most patients return home the same day and return to normal activities within one week
What would make me ineligible for UFE?
Patients should discuss their ability to proceed with UFE with their provider. Patients with an active pelvic infection, bleeding problems, endometrial cancer, large fibroids, or a desire for fertility preservation are poor candidates for this procedure.
What happens after my UFE procedure?
Most patients go home the same day or the following day with cramping and pain. Fever is an occasional side effect that is treated with acetaminophen. Many women resume light activity within a few days and regular activity in a week. UFE is effective for multiple fibroids, and the reoccurrence of treated fibroids is very rare.
Take the First Step Towards Healing with Coastal Vascular Center
Are you battling with the discomfort and limitations caused by uterine fibroids? Do you long for a solution that can offer relief without the downsides of traditional surgery? If so, Coastal Vascular Center is here to help guide you toward a brighter, healthier future.
Our team of experts, led by the renowned Dr. Divyang C. Ayar, specializes in the minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure—a proven alternative to surgery that can alleviate your symptoms while preserving your uterus. With UFE, you can expect a shorter recovery time, fewer complications, and a significant improvement in your quality of life.
Don’t let uterine fibroids control your life any longer. It’s time to reclaim your comfort and confidence. Reach out to Coastal Vascular Center today to schedule a consultation with our caring professionals. Together, we will explore your treatment options, answer all your questions, and develop a personalized plan that aligns with your health goals.
Call us now at 713-999-6065 to learn more and book your appointment. Let’s walk this journey to wellness together.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities because at Coastal Vascular Center, we believe in providing care that changes lives for the better.
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