Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery embolization is an effective, non-surgical therapy for fibroids, even after a woman has had other treatments such as focused ultrasound surgery. A team of researchers have reported that many American women are still unaware of embolization as a treatment option.

How is This an Effective Treatment for Fibroids?

Uterine artery embolization (UAE), which is sometimes called uterine fibroid embolization, cuts off the blood supply to fibroids by blocking the uterine arteries. The procedure is minimally invasive, doesn’t require general anesthesia, and often allows women to return to normal daily activities within a week, instead of the six weeks or so needed for recovery from a hysterectomy.

There are Other Treatment Options

The downside to this procedure is that it’s not effective for everyone, and in rare cases, the fibroids may recur, according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR).
Other treatment options — such as hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of individual fibroids) — are available, as is magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound. This technique is also known as focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) or ablation, and involves using high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy (ablate) fibroid tissue.

Excerpt taken from US Department on Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health.

This information is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, or have any questions, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.