Treatment for Fibroids

Alternatives to Hysterectomy Options

Uterine fibroids, also known simply as "fibroids", have long had a sole treatment option: hysterectomies. Today, however, there are numerous other ways to receive treatment for fibroids. From "watchful waiting" to basic pharmaceutical therapy and beyond, the ideal uterine fibroid treatment is often dictated by the degree of symptoms caused by the fibroids as well as the size and number of fibroids involved.

In the past, hysterectomies were the default procedure when considering treatment for fibroids. However there are now several hysterectomy alternatives, one being a minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure. The process is called uterine artery embolization, also known as uterine fibroid embolization, and it can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Initially, you will want to determine if uterine fibroid embolization could be your ideal treatment for fibroids. You can do this by utilizing any of the tools located on the right hand side of the page including a live chat feature, or information request. Or, you can learn more about the procedure and other available treatments for fibroids by consulting your OB/GYN or other specialist in your area.

If you and your doctor come to the conclusion that uterine artery embolization is a treatment for fibroids that will be effective in your case, your procedure will work similarly to these steps; your physician will insert a very small catheter into your femoral artery (upper thigh). That catheter will then be used to deliver Embosphere® Microspheres, which are tiny spheres that settle in at the base of your fibroids and block the blood flow to them. Without the blood flow that brings an oxygen supply to the fibroids, they stop growing and start the shrinking process. Further, the microspheres will stay at the fibroid site permanently, preventing any further complications at that site. Learn more about how the minimally invasive treatment for fibroids, uterine artery embolization can help relieve the symptoms of fibroids, and help you get back to normal everyday life.

Hysterectomy Alternatives

Of all the fibroid tumor treatment options available, uterine artery embolization has several distinct advantages. The most obvious advantage is that it preserves the uterus. And unlike a hysterectomy procedure, this type of treatment for fibroids does not require any hormone therapy replacement, as the ovaries remain untouched and in place. Further, quick healing allows most women to return to normal daily activities in just 11 days.

Learn more about other available treatments for fibroids, or take a moment to find out how you can get comprehensive treatment for your uterine fibroid tumors.