Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment for uterine fibroids that preserves the uterus. UFE works by blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
UFE is performed at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center by Marc L. Friedman, MD, Chief Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Director of the Uterine Fibroid Embolization Program.
Fibroids are benign (not cancer) masses of fibrous and muscle tissue in the uterine wall. These growths can be very tiny or as large as a cantaloupe. In most cases, there is more than one fibroid. They are not associated with cancer, very rarely develop into cancer and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Fibroids are also known by the names fibromyoma, leiomyoma, leiomyomata and myoma. They are named according to their position within the uterus; submucosal, intramural, and subserosal. A submucosal fibroid lies just under the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium. Some of these fibroids grow on a stalk. These are referred to as "pedunculated." An intramural fibroid lies completely within the muscular wall of the uterus. A serosal or subserosal fibroid lies on the outer part of the uterus, just under the covering of the outside of the uterus, the serosa. Subserosal fibroids may also grow on a stalk and be called pedunculated.
Abnormal bleeding is usually caused by submucosal or intramural fibroids.
Intramural and subserosal fibroids are the usual cause of pelvic pain, back
pain, and the generalized pressure that many patients experience.
Because fibroids can be very small, they do not always have any symptoms
associated with them.
Some fibroids, however, can grow to be very large--even to the point of
making a woman look significantly pregnant.
In some women the size and location of a fibroid can cause pain, heavy
bleeding or prolonged periods.
Additional symptoms:
- Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods, sometimes with clotting.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Anemia from excess bleeding.
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness caused by the bulk or weight of the
fibroids pressing on nearby structures. - Pain in the back or legs as the fibroids press on nerves that supply
the pelvis and legs. - Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Bladder pressure leading to a constant urge to urinate.
- Pressure on the bowel, leading to constipation and bloating.
- Abnormally enlarged abdomen
It is estimated that 20-40% of women over the age of 35 have uterine fibroids.
Though very common, most never need any treatment.
African-American women are at a greater risk. Fifty percent may have fibroids
of significant size.
Most women with fibroids begin to develop symptoms in their late 30's or 40's.
Fibroids often stop growing, or even shrink, after menopause.
The cause of fibroids is unknown. It is suspected that a combination of genetics
and hormones may be responsible.
You may be a candidate for UFE if you have fibroid symptoms such as:
- Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods.
- Pelvic pain or pressure.
- You are pregnant.
- You have already gone through menopause.
- You have pelvic inflammatory disease.
- You have fibroids without any symptoms.
| UFE: less than 1 day | Hysterectomy: 2.3 days |
| UFE: 10.7 days | Hysterectomy: 32.5 days |
| UFE: 12.7% | Hysterectomy: 32% |
For more information, please call our UFE hotline (310) 423-2823
