Uterine Fibroid Embolization

As many as 7 in 10 women have uterine fibroids and up to half of them suffer severe symptoms that disrupt their lives. At Atlanta Embolization Centers, elite uterine fibroid embolization specialists offer effective same-day treatments to stop fibroid symptoms without major surgery. If you suffer from heavy bleeding, severe pain, and other possible fibroid symptoms, call the Atlanta, Georgia, office today or make your appointment online.

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization stops the blood supply of uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths inside the uterus). Closing off the artery that supplies the fibroid with oxygenated blood causes it to wither and die.

When is uterine fibroid embolization necessary?

Uterine fibroid embolization eases fibroid symptoms when you’re suffering, and other treatments don’t work. It allows you to get back to your life.

While not everyone with fibroids experiences problems, many women have severe symptoms, including:

• Heavy periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Extended periods
• Lower abdominal fullness
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Infertility
• Increased urinary frequency or difficulty urinating
• Difficulty having bowel movements
• Abdominal cramping

In many cases, medication is the first treatment for uterine fibroids because it’s noninvasive. However, medication is limited in what it can do for fibroids. For instance, it can reduce bleeding and ease severe period pain.

Some medications have been shown to shrink fibroids, but in many cases, the drugs don’t stop fibroid growth.

Unfortunately, medication has another drawback: Once you quit taking it, your fibroids usually return. It’s not a long-term solution.

Surgeries like myomectomy (fibroid removal) and hysterectomy (uterus removal) are effective but highly invasive. They also require a long recovery. 

Uterine fibroid embolization can be a good option if you need long-term treatment and want to avoid surgery.

What is the uterine fibroid embolization process like?

You receive a local anesthetic and sedative to keep you comfortable before your procedure. The procedure starts with a tiny incision in the upper leg. This allows access to the femoral artery. Your specialist guides a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the femoral artery.

They move the catheter up and over to the uterine artery. The catheter moves into the offshoot arteries that deliver blood to your fibroid.

Particles the size of a grain of sand are delivered through the catheter. These microspheres are usually made of gelatin or plastic. They plug the artery so that blood can’t reach the fibroid. Your specialist can treat several fibroids at the same time.

After placing the microspheres, your specialist withdraws the catheter to complete the procedure.

Atlanta Embolization Centers offers same-day fibroid embolizations in a comfortable environment. If you need fibroid help, call the office now or make your appointment online.