For decades now, women have been suffering from uterine fibroids and battling the debilitating symptoms that accompany them. While some women only suffer with heavy monthly cycles, others suffer from pelvic pain, blood clots, urinary frequency and constipation. Many women are conflicted when it comes to treatment options for uterine fibroids. Many asked themselves should I have a hysterectomy or should I keep my uterus.
Are you one of the tens of thousands of women in Metro Atlanta missing a major lady part? Do you still have your uterus? Did you want to keep it but were told you didn’t need it? Do you suffer from uterine fibroids? Which fibroid treatment is better?
Hysterectomy, myomectomy or UFE, uterine fibroid embolization? Those are some of the key questions running through my mind as I interact with women as marketing consultant and physician liaison for the Atlanta Fibroid Clinic. I do my best to educate women so they can make an informed decision about their fibroid treatment.
Hysterectomy should be your last option, not your first option, if you’re suffering from uterine fibroids and seeking a treatment that works best for you. Tens of thousands of hysterectomies performed in Georgia each year are unnecessary.
Often times when women suffer from uterine fibroids, they’re offered surgical options such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. While both of those options may be necessary for some women, hysterectomy is often performed as a first option not a last option. Many women I’ve talked to while participating in Health Fairs around Atlanta weren’t informed about nonsurgical options while seeking fibroid treatment.
They were scheduled for a hysterectomy before they left the doctor’s office. I applaud those doctors who give their patients all the fibroid treatment options, not just surgical options.
With UFE, Uterine Fibroid Embolization, there’s no surgery. The procedure takes about an hour, the patient goes home the same day and the recovery period is about 5 to 7 days, although some women with very large fibroids may want to take about 10 days off. With hysterectomy, women may have to take off up to eight weeks off from work.
There’s normally a hospital stay and either stitches or staples are most likely involved. Not to mention, there may be some scarring. There maybe some other complications associated with a major surgery such as hysterectomy, but unfortunately hysterectomies are necessary for some women. It’s best to discuss all your options with your doctor if you’re suffering from uterine fibroids.
Make sure you learn about the nonsurgical options such as UFE as well as a surgical option.
Dr. Neel Patel is a board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist who performs the UFE procedure by gaining access through the wrist. The UFE procedure is performed in his office located at 3840 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Suite 275, Duluth, Georgia. Dr. Patel is the founder of the Minimally Invasive Center of Atlanta. To learn more about UFE and other services, call 404-977-1238 or Book An Appointment
