Is UFE Right for Me? There are several different options for treating your uterine fibroids and related symptoms, which can include heavy bleeding, cramping, incontinence, and infertility. Many women find that their fibroid symptoms will continue to worsen as their fibroid grows larger, or that they may experience future health problems caused by these non-cancerous tumors. Interventional treatment is necessary to effectively treat these issues before they begin to interfere with everyday activities and the woman’s overall quality of life. Be sure to talk with an interventional radiologist in Fresno to learn about the benefits of uterine fibroid embolization.
Dr. Balfour, Dr. Pruett, and Dr. Tower have extensive experience in treating fibroids and their many painful symptoms using a non-surgical approach. Request a consultation with our fibroid specialists today.
Is UFE Right for Me?
You may be a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE), if you fit into any of the following categories:
- Women who are experiencing the symptoms of uterine fibroids
- Women who want to retain their uterus and are looking for alternatives to hysterectomy
- Women who do not desire surgery
- Women who may be poor surgical candidates; e.g. obesity, bleeding disorders, anemia
- Women who are not pregnant
UFE and Fertility
When researching and reviewing alternatives to hysterectomy procedures and the other fibroid treatment options available, it is important to understand how different treatments can affect you and your lifestyle.
While uterine artery embolization is an effective treatment for uterine fibroids, the effects that it has on the ability to become pregnant, on the development of the fetus, and the ability to carry the fetus to term have not been determined. There are a number of reports of women becoming pregnant after the uterine artery embolization procedure and having successful pregnancies. However, there is no conclusive data or scientific results that establish the safety of uterine fibroid embolization on fertility and pregnancy. Therefore, before choosing this fibroid treatment, it is very important that you understand the potential inability to conceive in the future. Next step is to discuss with your physician how best to treat your uterine fibroids.
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