What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are small growths that sometimes grow in a woman’s uterus. They are not cancerous, but they are quite common. While some women may not even know they’ve got uterine fibroids, others may experience painful symptoms. For those suffering from this condition, there are safe and effective ways to treat them here at Comprehensive Integrated Care.

Some uterine fibroids can be rather small and harmless. However, others can get so large that they can change the shape of a woman’s uterus. These larger fibroids can lead to women putting on unwanted weight and experiencing menstrual problems. Whether it’s one large fibroid or several, they can be painful and frustrating. When this happens, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can help ease symptoms quickly and without the complications that come with surgery.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Women who experience one or more of the following symptoms may want to seek help here at CiC. The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Menstrual periods that last longer or are heavier than usual
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Constipation
• Back aches
• Leg pains
• Anemia
• Pain during intercourse
• Unexplained weight gain

Interventional Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

There are a few ways that a person with uterine fibroids can seek treatment. Many doctors will start with medication, but in the past, when that didn’t work, the only option was a hysterectomy. Thankfully, UFE treatment no longer makes that serious surgery necessary. These days, women can find relief through this minimally-invasive procedure.

UFE involves inserting a tiny catheter through a small nick in the skin. An interventional radiologist will send the catheter to the fibroids, injecting small particles (called embolic agents) into the arteries near the uterus. What this does is cut off blood supply to the uterine fibroids, limiting their ability to grow. If they can’t grow, they can’t be problematic. Over the weeks and months that follow, the fibroids will shrink. Sometimes, they will even disappear completely.

This is a minimally-invasive procedure, which means it’s fast, safe, and doesn’t cause any damage to the uterus. While uterine fibroids can take a few months to decrease in size, many women will start to feel better after just a week to ten days. Women no longer have to sacrifice their uterus to be rid of uterine fibroids. UFE is a safer, less invasive option.

If you are worried you may be suffering from uterine fibroids, contact CiC so we can diagnose and treat your symptoms. Modern care is better than it ever has been, and we want to help use those new practices to relieve symptoms quickly and safely.

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