Learning that you have uterine fibroids can create a mix of overwhelming feelings and, oddly enough, relief to finally know the culprit of your symptoms, like heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and fatigue.
The next step is to decide which treatment is right for you, but that can raise a whole new set of questions. Here at Fresno Fibroid Center, our team specializes in uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids without surgery.
If you’re considering uterine fibroid embolization, coming to your consultation prepared with questions can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Here are five important questions to ask Dr. Behzadi at Fresno Fibroid Center.
Not every fibroid — and not every woman — is the same.
Before recommending uterine fibroid embolization, Dr. Behzadi considers several factors, including the size, number, and location of your fibroids. All of this can influence whether uterine fibroid embolization is a good option.
During your consultation, Dr. Behzadi can review your imaging, symptoms, and medical history to determine whether you’re a candidate.
Many women assume surgery is their only option for treating fibroids. In fact, when surveyed, 42% of women with symptomatic fibroids said they had chosen hysterectomy, but it’s not your only option.
Ask Dr. Behzadi how uterine fibroid embolization compares to procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. This information allows you to compare the differences in recovery time, potential risks, and effectiveness. You should also compare how each option impacts your fertility.
It's natural to feel nervous about any medical procedure, and uterine fibroid embolization is no exception.
Ask about:
Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety, especially around “fear of the unknown,” and make the process feel much more manageable.
Most women don’t seek treatment because of the fibroids themselves. Realistically, they seek treatment because they want to eliminate their fibroid-related symptoms, and rightly so: fibroid symptoms can dramatically impact your quality of life, your social life, and even your physical health if you develop anemia.
Ask Dr. Behzadi when you can expect improvements in:
Many women begin noticing symptom relief as fibroids gradually shrink after treatment.
Uterine fibroid embolization is minimally invasive. That means Dr. Behzadi doesn’t use long incisions, perform open surgery, or even remove any fibroids (or any tissue of any kind) from your body.
Still, it's important to understand how much downtime to expect. Having a realistic recovery timeline can help you plan accordingly for your return to work.
Beyond work, Dr. Behzadi can also provide guidance on when you can resume exercise and how to manage any post-treatment discomfort.
While the right fibroid treatment varies by woman, it’s nice to consider why other women have chosen (and prefer) uterine fibroid embolization over other treatments.
Dr. Behzadi may talk about how embolization can:
The bottom line is that for the right woman, it can be an effective alternative to more invasive procedures.
The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel about your treatment decision. The questions here are just a starting point, so don’t hesitate to bring additional ones with you to your consultation with Dr. Behzadi.
To learn more, schedule a consultation or call us at 559-216-0746 today.
