In this educational snippet, Dr. Aaron Frodsham out of Salt Lake City explains how uterine fibroids can be treated without surgery. Learn how a minimally invasive, same-day procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is changing the way fibroids are managed. With UFE, many women can now avoid surgeries like hysterectomy and myomectomy.
Why Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Wondering what sets uterine fibroid embolization apart? Here’s a breakdown by treatment.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- Same day procedure
- Minimally invasive: doesn’t require pelvic incisions or surgery, incisions are made in wrist or thigh and can be covered with a bandage
- Quick recovery time of approximately a week
- Out-patient, no hospital stay required
- Targets all fibroids
Myomectomy
- Requires a hospital stay
- Major surgical procedure: requires an open abdominal incision to remove fibroids
- Recovery time of 4-6 weeks
- In-patient procedure
- Targets 1-2 fibroids
Hysterectomy
- Requires a hospital stay
- Major surgical procedure: requires an open abdominal incision to remove the uterus
- Recovery time of 4-6 weeks
- Targets all fibroids
Wondering about Next Steps for Your Fibroids?
If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, have symptoms of heavy periods, pelvic pain/bloating, or frequent urination, and want to avoid invasive surgery, then UFE may be a good option for you.
