How Long does a fibroid take to shrink?

While the timeline can vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids, you can generally expect your fibroids to begin shrinking down after two to three months. As your fibroids shrink down, you should begin to notice increasing improvement of your symptoms.

What Are the Benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a medical treatment that can shrink fibroids in your uterus. We will use specialized techniques to block the blood flow that provides nourishment to your fibroids. This medical treatment can provide you with a number of important benefits after UFE. Studies have shown that once a woman undergoes treatment, the fibroids treated with this method do not typically return once they shrink down.

What Will Happen During My UFE?

We will perform your UFE in our sophisticated outpatient suite here in Memphis, TN. We will start by making an incision into the skin on your upper thigh. Next, we will put a small catheter into your body. We will use an x-ray machine to guide us as we move this catheter through your blood vessels.

Once we have reached your fibroids, we will send embolization spheres into your body. Embolization spheres are very small particles that will block the flow of blood to your uterine fibroids. Over time, blocking your blood flow will cause your fibroids to shrink. As your fibroids become smaller, your heavy periods and other problems will begin to improve.

Large, Untreated Fibroids May Burst or Degenerate

When a large fibroid runs out of the blood supply that’s feeding it, the fibroid may shrink or die. This can cause unexpected pain and tenderness in the area due to the chemicals released during cell death.

While it’s not as common, large fibroids may also burst if left untreated. Rather than risk the fibroid bursting or dying on its own in an uncontrolled manner, having a large fibroid professionally treated may help the process be safer and more controlled. Better yet, treating a fibroid while it’s still small can make treatment even more seamless.

Am I a Candidate for fibroid treatment?

An initial consultation at our office is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization. Our experts will review your medical history during your consultation, discuss your symptoms, and present you with your treatment options. We can also perform a diagnostic test to help determine the presence and location of your fibroids.

Ideal candidates are over the age of 18, have fibroids that are causing negative symptoms, and want to avoid a hysterectomy to preserve their uterus and overall fertility. Candidates should not be pregnant or have a pelvic infection.

Will UFE Remove All of My Fibroids?

Although UFE does not remove all fibroids, it will shrink them substantially. The high success rate shows that this method is one of the most effective treatments for uterine fibroids. After the procedure, symptoms such as severe pain and heavy periods go away, and you avoid the risks associated with a major operation.

Why Should I Consider Using a UFE To Treat My Fibroids?

This state-of-the-art treatment offers many benefits that traditional fibroid treatments and procedures do not provide.

It Will Preserve Your Uterus

When you start researching treatment methods, you will probably learn about a medical procedure called a hysterectomy. During this procedure, a medical provider will remove your uterus. Although a hysterectomy will eliminate your fibroids, it can cause you to experience other problems. In particular, you may enter menopause after you receive this procedure.

Going into menopause can cause you to experience mood swings, hot flashes, and sleep issues. Further, you might have bladder issues and other problems after you receive a hysterectomy. Fortunately, we will not take out your uterus during your UFE. In addition, we will not damage your bladder and other organs during this medical treatment.

It’s an Inexpensive Option

How to shrink fibroids fast without sacrificing your wellbeing and the inconvenient expense? Most healthcare providers cover uterine fibroid embolization and this procedure has a very short recovery time compared to a hysterectomy. Although a hysterectomy will relieve your negative symptoms, it can be a very expensive way to treat your fibroids. In particular, you might have to spend a large amount of money on hospital costs and anesthesia fees.

Further, a hysterectomy can have a very long recovery period. Spending time away from your job and hiring people to care of your children can also add to your costs. In contrast, a UFE is an outpatient treatment that has a fast recovery period. Since your downtime will be very brief, you won’t have to spend a large amount of money paying for childcare and other expenses.

It Will Improve Your Wellbeing

Experiencing lengthy, uncomfortable periods can decrease your energy levels and prevent you from being productive when you are at work. In addition, you might not have enough energy to enjoy your favorite hobbies and spend time with your friends and family members. Over time, you might begin to feel isolated and depressed.

A UFE is a very effective way to shrink your fibroids fast and improve your periods. As your menstrual periods become more comfortable and your other symptoms decrease, you will begin to feel stronger and more energetic.

It’s Very Gentle

If you use a hysterectomy to treat your fibroids, you will probably need to stay in the hospital for a while. In addition, you may need to avoid exercise, stay home from your job, and make other major changes to your schedule for several weeks. This lengthy period of downtime can cause you to experience difficulties at your workplace. 

Fortunately, a uterine fibroid embolization has a much shorter recovery period than a hysterectomy. On average, your medical treatment will take one to two hours to finish. After we have completed your fibroid treatment, you will need to remain in our outpatient clinic for a short period of time. During this time, we will observe your reaction to your treatment. After several hours have passed, you will usually be able to go back to your house or apartment.

Symptoms You May Notice at Home

Any concerning symptoms are a clear sign that it’s time to get checked out by a professional. Severe menstrual bleeding and sharp pain in your pelvis can mean a lot of things, and it’s very important to rule out serious or pressing issues.

Fibroids can be tricky to diagnose based on symptoms alone, since the symptoms can vary so widely. Some symptoms are vague, while others are a little more obvious. How many fibroids you have, where they are, and how big they are can all factor into how you experience any symptoms associated with them. Very small fibroids may have no symptoms at all.

Infertility and Miscarriage

Smaller fibroids in particular usually will have no effect on your ability to have a healthy pregnancy. In some cases, however, the size or location of the fibroids may interfere with fertility. Fibroids that block either the fallopian tubes or endometrial cavity can make conception more difficult. Large fibroids may also put a patient at greater risk of suffering a miscarriage.

If you have concerns about any interference your fibroids may have with your fertility, we would be happy to consult with you and help you make a call about your best treatment options.

Painful Sex

When pressure is put on a fibroid, it can cause discomfort or pain. So, when fibroids are found near the cervix, this pain or discomfort may occur during intercourse. As you seek out treatment, changing the position you use during sex to alleviate this pressure may help you be more comfortable.