WHAT ARE UTERINE FIBROIDS?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths occurring in the wall of the uterus. They are very common, but can lead to problems such as irregular and prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, lower back pain, constipation, frequent urination or painful intercourse.

Uterine fibroids may be as small as a pea or as large as a cantaloupe. Approximately 20-40% of women 20 years and older will develop one or more of these uterine fibroid tumors before reaching menopause. The risk is higher among African-American women: 50% will develop fibroids during their lifetimes.

Uterine fibroids are usually not cancerous, but about 10-20% of women with fibroids develop symptoms that include heavy or long menstrual periods, increased menstrual cramps, pain or pressure in the pelvis or lower back, pain during intercourse, frequent urination, constipation, and bloating.

Symptomatic uterine fibroids trigger approximately 150,000 hysterectomies each year. This accounts for one-third of all hysterectomies performed in the U.S.

Our goal is to help you to live the best as you can be. We invite you to learn more about Emory's team and your treatment options.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Why should I consider uterine fibroid embolization over more traditional treatment methods?
In the past, treatment has been limited to surgery, either hysterectomy or removal of the fibroid. Over the last several years, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also called uterine artery embolization (UAE), has emerged as a safe and highly effective treatment for uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroid embolization uses the same non-surgical, minimally invasive techniques that interventional radiologists have been using for over 20 years to control pelvic bleeding. With thousands of UFE procedures having been successfully performed worldwide, UFE is now widely accepted in Europe and across the U.S. as a successful alternative to surgery.

What are the advantages of having uterine fibroid embolization?
Advantages of this well-established and effective treatment for uterine fibroids include avoidance of major surgery, general anesthesia, and their associated risks.  Rapid recovery and very low complication rate are well-documented.

Published data report a 78-94% clinical success rate with no further therapy required in most UFE patients. Even in cases where uterine fibroid embolization is not completely successful, it is helpful in reducing fibroid size, facilitating further treatment.

Our experience at Emory Healthcare has yielded outstanding clinical results. We are delighted to offer UFE as a safe, effective, non-surgical and minimally invasive therapy to our patients with problematic uterine fibroids.

PROCEDURES
What does the procedure involve?
Uterine fibroid embolization is performed through a small puncture in an artery in the groin region. Contrast dye is injected to identify the blood vessels supplying the uterus and the uterine fibroids. Before embolization the radiologist guides a wire and catheter into these vessels, and injects very small particles. These particles block the blood supply to the uterine fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

What can I expect after the procedure and during recuperation?
Menstrual cramp-like pain can be expected after the procedure. One night of hospitalization is necessary so that intravenous medication can be given. By the following day, pain can usually be controlled with oral pain medications. Symptoms will gradually improve, with the ability to return to usual activity within about a week.

What does follow up involve?
Follow-up visits are scheduled at one week, one month and six months after the procedure. Ultrasound imaging is used to assess the size and shrinkage of the uterine fibroids. Usually, fibroids and the uterus shrink to approximately one half their pre-procedure size.

PATIENT INFORMATION & SCHEDULING
To schedule a consultation or attend a free educational seminar, please call HealthConnection^SM at
404-778-7777.