Uterine Fibroids: Other Treatment

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Other Treatment

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) (also called uterine artery embolization) is a recent addition to the list of uterine fibroid treatment options. It shrinks or destroys uterine fibroids by blocking the artery that supplies blood to them. During a UFE procedure, a radiologist places a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into the upper thigh and guides it into the uterine artery that supplies blood to the fibroids. A solution is then injected into the uterine artery through the catheter.

UFE is a nonsurgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. It relieves fibroid symptoms for most women, but in rare cases, it can lead to complications such as serious infection or early menopause.

UFE may be a reasonable treatment option when:

• You have no future childbearing plans. Pregnancy is possible after UFE, but the risks to pregnancy after UFE are not fully known.¹¹
• Heavy uterine bleeding and/or anemia has continued after several months of therapy with birth control hormones and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
• You have fibroid pain or pelvic pressure that affects your quality of life.
• You have urinary or bowel problems from a fibroid that is pressing on your bladder, ureter, or bowel.
• You do not wish to have a hysterectomy or myomectomy.
• You have a disease or disorder that makes surgery with general anesthesia dangerous.

Should I have uterine fibroid embolization for uterine fibroids?

What to Think About

In one study, about 1 in 5 women who had uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) needed another UFE or a hysterectomy within 3½ years.¹³

Pregnancy is possible after UFE. Whenever you need to prevent pregnancy after UFE, be sure to use a dependable form of birth control.

Heavy, prolonged, and painful periods caused by uterine fibroids will stop naturally when you reach menopause. If you are nearing menopause and your symptoms are tolerable with home treatment or medicines, then the risks of UFE may not outweigh the benefits.

There are several new ways of removing fibroids or killing fibroid tissue, including using extreme cold (cryomyolysis), laser (myolysis), or high-frequency focused ultrasound (ExAblate). But they are still new enough that risks and long-term benefits are not yet fully known.¹⁴ If your doctor offers one of these procedures, ask how many of the procedures he or she has done, how successful they have been, and what kinds of problems can result. These treatments are not recommended for women who are trying to become pregnant.⁵

Last updated:	August 16, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC