One out of every four women over age 35 has uterine fibroids. These benign, non-cancerous tumors of the uterus can cause pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Often there are no symptoms, but when symptoms are present they may include:
• Abdominal fullness and gas.
• Bleeding between periods or very prolonged bleeding with periods.
• Increase in urinary frequency.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding sometimes with the passage of blood clots.
• Pelvic cramping or pain with periods.
• Sensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomen.
• Sudden, severe pain.
DeKalb Medical offers uterine fibroid embolization or UFE, an alternative to major surgery for women seeking uterine fibroid treatment. This less invasive outpatient uterine fibroid treatment takes approximately one hour and is effective in about 90 percent of women, relieving pain, bloating and heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroid embolization destroys the fibroids by blocking the arteries that carry blood to them and is performed under local anesthesia by a specially trained radiologist. Recovery from uterine fibroid treatment usually takes about a week, allowing women to return to a normal lifestyle.
For a referral to a physician that performs uterine fibroid embolization, call 404.501.WELL.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment Glossary
Endometrial ablation – a treatment to reduce the amount of bleeding a woman has with her periods that uses electrical energy or heat energy to destroy the lining of the uterus.
Fibroid tumors – noncancerous growths (tumors) in the uterus. In most cases, treatment is not needed at all. Treatment is only considered if the fibroid is growing rapidly or if you have symptoms such as abdominal enlargement or pain, excessive vaginal bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain with intercourse.
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) – a heavy period is one in which you completely soak through a sanitary pad or tampon every hour for two to three consecutive hours, while a prolonged period is one that lasts longer than seven days. Bleeding may be something to worry about if it occurs between periods, after intercourse, or if you are over age 50, especially if you have already gone through menopause. |