have you been diagnosed with uterine fibroids?
Do you experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or discomfort?
Take the Quiz
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
This procedure involves injecting microscopic spherical particles into the arteries supplying the fibroids. This is typically done through a small incision in the wrist while patients are comfortably sedated. Patients are typically discharged the same day with medications for pain control and are follow-up.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. They vary in size from too small to be seen with the naked eye to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, while others may have symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and backache or leg pains.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive treatment used to treat fibroids. It’s performed by interventional radiologists, who are physicians specially trained in minimally invasive, targeted treatments. UFE is performed while the patient is conscious but sedated — drowsy and feeling no pain.
What to Expect During the Procedure (UFE)
First, you’ll be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and a sedative to help you relax.
We’ll then make a small incision in the skin over your femoral artery, which is in your upper thigh.
Using real-time imaging for guidance, we’ll insert a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into this incision and guide it into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids.
Once the catheter is in place, we’ll inject small particles (embolic agents) into these arteries. These particles block the blood flow to the fibroids, which causes them to shrink and die.
The entire procedure typically takes between 1 and 3 hours, and you’ll likely be able to go home later the same day.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER UFE?
Some of the benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization are as follow:
No surgery, no incisions.
Quick recovery and minimal downtime.
Preservation of the uterus.
Long-lasting results.
With our team of expert interventional radiologists, advanced technology, and personalized care, we are dedicated to improving your well-being.
Embrace Life Again with UFE—Minimize Discomfort, Maximize Living.
Our Doctors
Dr. Arya Bagherpour
Dr. Bagherpour has had a robust career treating patients with minimally invasive therapeutic interventions. He is dual-board certified in Vascular and Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology.
Dr. Alex Shestopalov
He completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX. He then completed his radiology residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York and his vascular and interventional radiology training at Baylor Scott & White in Temple, TX.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown. They may be caused by estrogen (female hormone), genetic reasons, and more. When a woman’s estrogen levels are elevated, particularly during pregnancy, uterine fibroids tend to grow. They are additionally more likely to appear when a woman takes contraception pills that contain estrogen. Low estrogen levels can help fibroids shrink, which usually happens after menopause.
What happens if fibroids go untreated?
Fibroids, when left untreated, can worsen over time. They increase in both size and number, and as time goes on symptoms will continue to get worse and pain and bleeding will increase. Severe bleeding may lead to anemia (a low red blood cell count). Fibroids also negatively impact fertility.
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Rarely (less than one in 1,000), a cancerous fibroid will occur. This is called leiomyosarcoma.
Are fibroid tumours cancerous?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous). Rarely (less than one in 1,000) a cancerous fibroid will occur. It is called leiomyosarcoma. Doctors believe that these cancers do not arise from an already-existing fibroid. Having uterine fibroids also does not increase a woman’s chances of getting other forms of cancer in reproductive organs
What is the most common type of uterine fibroid?
The three main types of fibroids include:
- Subserosal fibroids: These are the most common fibroids. They can push outside of the uterus into the pelvis.
- Intramural fibroids: These fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids are uncommon.
How to diagnose fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are often discovered during a routine pelvic exam (especially if they are small and cause no symptoms). Your doctor may feel or see anomalies in your uterus that suggest uterine fibroids. If you have uterine fibroid symptoms, your gynecologist may recommend an ultrasound or a pelvic MRI to diagnose uterine fibroids.
How are fibroids treated?
Doctors often prescribe contraceptive pills (hormones) that can help minimize symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain (among other possible symptoms). It’s important to know that contraceptive pills do not eliminate fibroids. Fibroids can be treated by a procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (nonsurgical fibroid treatment that is also known as Uterine Artery Embolization) or by surgery (myomectomy, hysterectomy).
Can you feel uterine fibroids?
There are a variety of feelings you might experience if you have fibroids. If you have small fibroids, you may feel nothing at all and not even notice they’re there. For larger fibroids, however, you can experience discomforts and even pains related to the condition.
What does fibroid pain feel like?
Women with large or multiple fibroids have described a heavy pressure in their lower abdomen and pelvis. There can also be intense cramping and pain during intercourse and menstruation. The pain is often localized and acute. Lower back pain can be caused by fibroids putting pressure on nerves.
Can fibroids give you a big belly?
Larger fibroids may cause a woman to gain weight in the abdomen, giving the appearance of normal belly fat. Simply put, the more a fibroid grows, the heavier it will become. Consequently, weight gain and discomfort will follow as some fibroids can weigh up to as much as 20-40 pounds.
Can fibroids cause bleeding?
Unusual uterine bleeding is a common symptom of uterine fibroids. Bleeding resulting from fibroid presence normally happens when fibroids grow close to the lining of the uterus.
How quickly do fibroids grow?
A research study revealed that average fibroid growth is 89% per 18 months. As a point of reference, a two-centimeter fibroid – about the size of a blueberry – is likely to take four to five years to double its diameter.
Can fibroids cause back pain?
Once in a while, fibroids press against muscles and nerves of the lower back and can cause back pain. Because fibroid symptoms depend on where exactly fibroids grow, not all women with fibroids experience back pain.
Can fibroids cause frequent urination?
In some cases, uterine fibroids can press on the bladder causing frequent urination. Sometimes, women wake up at night to urinate (multiple times per night).
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a consultation at no obligation, or for additional details regarding treatments
We Are Members of:
Download Uterine Fibroids White Paper
We will provide the information that you need to make an informed decision, and we are happy to consult with your doctor if you have one.
Contact Us
Teleheath & In-Person Appointments Available.
Contact Details
Phone: 346-800-1380
Fax: 346-800-1388
Practice Addresses
1050 Gemini St., Suite #202, Houston, TX 77058
Working Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM