Uterine Fibroid Embolization Specialist
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ForeFront Radiology
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology based out of Fresno, CA
Uterine fibroids don't always produce symptoms, but these benign growths can cause abdominal pain and heavy menstrual bleeding for some women. If you have troublesome uterine fibroids, the board-certified interventional radiologists at ForeFront Radiology in Fresno, California, can help. They use cutting-edge uterine fibroid embolization techniques to shrink fibroids and relieve your symptoms. Call ForeFront Radiology to find out more or book an appointment online today.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Q & A
What is uterine fibroid embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure the ForeFront Radiology team uses to treat fibroids in your uterus.
Uterine fibroids or myomas are benign growths that develop in the muscular wall of your uterus. If they're causing problems, uterine fibroid embolization is an effective method of blocking the fibroids' blood supply.
Without enough blood, your fibroids shrink, and your symptoms reduce. Around 90% of women find uterine fibroid embolization gives them relief from symptomatic fibroids.
When might I need to undergo uterine fibroid embolization?
Not everyone who has uterine fibroids needs to have treatment. These benign growths are only a problem if they grow so large or become so numerous they start causing symptoms like pelvic pain, pressure on your bladder or bowels, or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Many women have uterine fibroids without even knowing it, but this isn't a problem as they're not cancerous. If your fibroids are causing symptoms, you might need to undergo a procedure to remove or shrink them.
A surgical procedure called myomectomy is one option for removing problem fibroids. However, with uterine fibroid embolization, you can avoid the need for surgery.
What happens during a uterine fibroid embolization procedure?
To perform uterine fibroid embolization, the ForeFront Radiology team uses fluoroscopy imaging technology. A fluoroscope uses X-rays to create a moving image of the blood vessels servicing your uterine fibroids.
They make a small incision in your skin and insert a thin tube called a catheter into the femoral artery in your groin. A contrast dye that shows up on the fluoroscopy images outlines the path of the arteries that go to your uterus and feed the fibroids.
When the catheter is in position, your provider releases an embolic agent — typically consisting of special particles that block the flow of blood. There are left and right uterine arteries, so the team repeats the procedure on both sides. The entire process takes around 90 minutes.
What happens after a uterine fibroid embolization procedure?
Without their blood supply, the treated fibroids shrink and typically die. That means after your uterine fibroid embolization procedure, you should start to see an improvement in your symptoms.
To find out whether you're a good candidate for uterine fibroid embolization, call ForeFront Radiology today or book an appointment online.
