Out of the several gynecological conditions in women, Uterine fibroids are quite common but very discomforting conditions affecting millions of women worldwide. These non-malignant growths can develop in or around the uterus, often causing heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and anemia. It’s estimated that approximately 171 million women were impacted by uterine fibroids in 2023.
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids usually develop in women during the reproductive age. Though, these are generally not seen in young females who have not had their first menstrual period. While the exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, here are some of the risk factors that cause uterine fibroids to develop:
- Overweight and obesity
- Genetic changes (mutations)
- Imbalance in hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) in the body
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Medical history of uterine fibroids in the family
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Stress
- Sugary foodstuffs
- Excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine
- Birth control medication
- Diet that has less proportion of vegetables and fruits
- Consumption of red meat
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
- For women suffering from the medical problem of uterine fibroids, there are several treatment options available.
- However, the most common fibroid treatment in Atlanta is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), offered by Atlanta Fibroid Clinic.
- UFE is an advanced and minimally invasive fibroid treatment available in Atlanta.
- This non-surgical UFE procedure in Atlanta involves cutting off the blood supply to fibroids to eliminate them.
- A UFE specialist in Atlanta makes a small nick in the skin.
- Through this, a thin catheter is inserted into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid tumor.
- Small embolic particles are injected into these arteries via—the catheter.
- Since the blood supply to the fibroids is fully cut off, they begin to shrink and die within 1-2 months of the UFE procedure in Atlanta.
- The uterus recovers completely from fibroids.
- After fibroid treatment in Atlanta, the woman stops experiencing symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, urinary problems, and others.
Common symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Here are some of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Painful and irregular periods
- Abdominal discomfort
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Constipation
- Temporary increase in WBC count
Advantages of UFE Procedure in Atlanta
Here are the advantages of the UFE procedure in Atlanta,
Minimal scarring
- UFE is a minimally invasive and non-surgical method of fibroid treatment in Atlanta.
- UFE does not involve any large surgical incision to be made.
- Only a small nick is made in the skin that does not have to be stitched.
- There is less or no prominently visible scar on the skin.
Fast recovery time
- Compared to other uterine fibroid treatments Atlanta, UFE has a quick recovery period.
- Women who have undergone a UFE procedure in Atlanta can resume normal work and activities within 1-2 weeks.
Lower risk of complications
Being minimally invasive, the non-surgical UFE procedure in Atlanta has less than a 1 percent risk of any major complications compared to a 25 percent risk in the case of surgical procedures like hysterectomy.
Preserves the uterus and fertility
- Unlike hysterectomy, which involves surgical removal of the uterus, a UFE procedure in Atlanta allows women to keep their uterus intact.
- This preserves fertility and prevents premature menopause.
Relief from fibroid-related symptoms
- Non-surgical UFE procedure in Atlanta provides significant or complete relief from the symptoms associated with fibroids.
- These include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure.
- With the blood supply to the fibroids being blocked, they shrink significantly in volume, thus alleviating the painful symptoms.
Permanent solution
- Compared to other Uterine fibroid treatments Atlanta, UFE is a more permanent solution.
- This is because fibroids treated with UFE rarely regrow.
- Also, it is rare for new fibroids to develop in the uterus after a non-surgical UFE procedure in Atlanta
Local anesthesia required
- Being a minimally invasive procedure, a UFE specialist Atlanta gives only local anesthesia.
- In the case of UFE fibroid treatment Atlanta, general anesthesia is not required.
How is the Non-Surgical UFE Procedure in Atlanta performed?
The UFE Procedure in Atlanta is a minimally invasive and image-guided procedure that makes use of an HD X-ray camera. This guides the fibroid removal doctors in Atlanta to introduce the catheter into the uterine arteries for delivering the embolic particles.
- The patient is placed on the examination table.
- Vitals such as blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse are monitored before and during the procedure.
- Intravenous (IV) line insertion is done by a nurse or the doctor in the hand or arm.
- The part of the body from where the catheter is to be inserted is shaved, sterilized, and covered with medical drape tape.
- The area is numbed with a light local anesthesia.
- A small nick is made in the skin at the site (groin or wrist).
- A catheter is inserted into the uterine arteries via. the femoral artery located in the groin region.
- This is performed under the guidance of an HD X-ray camera.
- Small embolic particles are released through the catheter into the left and right uterine arteries.
- These particles cut off the fibroid blood supply.
- The catheter is removed at the end of the UFE procedure.
- The nick made in the skin is covered with a dressing.
- The IV line is removed.
- The entire procedure is completed in 1-2 hours.
- In most cases, women can go home on the same day after staying 1-2 hours in the clinic.
- However, if any pain or discomfort is experienced, fibroids specialists in Atlanta recommend an overnight stay to receive pain medications and be monitored closely.
Uterine fibroids are one of the most increasing and overlooked health issues globally. Uterine Fibroid Embolization is an effective and more affordable way for women to get relief from fibroids. The recovery is faster, fertility is preserved, and no major surgical incision is made on the body.
Are you facing discomfort in day-to-day activities due to uterine fibroids? Go for UFE, A Non-Surgical Way To Wellness.
If you are seeking affordable and effective treatment in Atlanta, get in touch with fibroid specialist Neel Patel at Atlanta Fibroid Clinic today.
