Along with girls’ nights out and romantic getaways, Scoop girls know our annual visit to the gynecologist is a must-have on our calendars. We may not joyfully anticipate a date with the stirrups, but prioritizing our health is essential to stay fabulous for decades to come.
If you’ve heard your doctor say the words, “Uterine fibroidsâ€, you know this type of noncancerous tumor is very common among women. Some studies report up to 70% of women may have fibroids by age 50 according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. We sat down with the experts at CHARLOTTE RADIOLOGY to find out about the latest treatment for uterine fibroids, and learn how we can get back on our feet faster by avoiding surgery.
Uterine fibroids are the most common uterine tumor found in the female reproductive system. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping may have prompted you to make an appointment with your doctor, but fibroids are often present without causing any warning signs. Your gynecologist can detect the condition during an internal exam, and she may perform an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.
Fibroids range in size from very small to very large and more than one fibroid is present in most patients. African American women are at an especially high risk for fibroids, with up to 60% of women diagnosed by age 35.
After your diagnosis, you’ll discuss the best course of treatment with your doctor. Until recently, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus) were the go-to treatment options for severe cases of fibroids. Today, there are other options available such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure used to treat fibroids. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for UFE, a radiologist will screen you by physical examination, gynecological history and MRI imaging prior to the procedure.
The UFE procedure is not painful (patients remain awake and are relaxed by IV sedation) and typically lasts about one hour. During this procedure, the radiologist will guide a small catheter into the uterine arteries. The physician then injects small particles, about the size of a grain of sand, that block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and symptoms to fade. Patients typically spend one night in the hospital after the procedure and resume light activities within the next few days. Most patients can get back to their normal routine within one week. Six months after the procedure, patients are scheduled for an MRI scan to confirm the desired results.
“UFE allows us to successfully treat uterine fibroids without harming the uterus,†shares Dr. Eric Wang, interventional radiologist at Charlotte Radiology. “This procedure gives thousands of women diagnosed with fibroids a safe option to avoid surgery. There is a fast recovery time after treatment, with most patients going home to their families the following day. As a physician, UFE is a very rewarding procedure to perform because of the high success rate and patient satisfaction achieved. “
About 95% of patients report significant or total relief from uterine fibroids with Uterine Fibroid Embolization according to Dr. Wang. Most women require only one UFE procedure to treat their symptoms – it is rare to require a follow up treatment for the same fibroids. It is possible for new fibroids to emerge later that may require additional treatment.
For those of us suffering from uterine fibroid symptoms, UFE offers another option to ease our discomfort without a lengthy recuperation.
Learn more about fibroids and UFE at 704fibroid.com or call 704.FIBROID (704-342-7643) today.
Having served the Mecklenburg and surrounding counties since 1967, CHARLOTTE RADIOLOGY is one of the largest and most progressive radiology groups in the nation. In addition to offering 24/7 coverage for 14 hospitals, Charlotte Radiology also owns and operates 13 breast centers, 2 vein and vascular centers, and several vascular and interventional clinics, and jointly own and read for Carolinas Imaging Services. Visit www.charlotteradiology.com for more information.
