Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an alternative to surgery that preserves the uterus. A non-surgical, uterus-sparing treatment, UFE blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. UFE is clinically proven to be successful in reducing the major symptoms of fibroids, including pain, excessive and prolonged bleeding, and frequent urination. It is "minimally invasive," requiring only a small nick in the skin. The procedure lasts less than one hour, and most patients are back to work on average within 11 days.

If you need treatment for fibroid-related symptoms but want to preserve your uterus and avoid surgery, UFE may be right for you. We can help you decide which treatment option is best for you based on your medical history and the location and size of your fibroids. You should not have this procedure if you are pregnant. UFE is not intended for women who desire future pregnancy. The effects of UFE on the ability to become pregnant and carry a fetus have not been determined. You should discuss these issues with our physicians.

You can ask your general health practitioner, your OB/GYN or our interventional radiologist (the physician who actually performs the procedure) about UFE.

There are different treatment options available for women with symptomatic fibroids. Medical treatment involves administering hormone therapy. However the effect is temporary. Surgical treatments include removal of fibroids from the uterus (myomectomy) or removal of the uterus itself (hysterectomy). Recovery following hysterectomy or myomectomy is typically 6-12 weeks. Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a relatively safe, non-surgical, outpatient procedure which involves less risk, blood loss and trauma to the body, and usually a one to two week recovery.

• Preserves the uterus without surgical risks or hormone replacement therapy.
• Decrease in menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids.
• Decrease in pelvic pain and pressure.
• Smaller abdomen.
• Improvements in urinary dysfunction.
• Covered by most insurance companies.
• Shorter hospital stay than hysterectomy.
• Quicker return to work and normal activities than hysterectomy.
• Overall significant improvement in patient's physical and emotional well-being.

If you would like additional information about uterine fibroids and UFE, please contact The Hill Breast Center at (626) 793-6141 and request a complete Patient Education Kit for free.

For more extensive information on the benefits and risks of UFE:

• The Hill Medical Corporation schedules lectures about UFE. For information on the next lecture please call (626) 397-8550.
• Are you a candidate? The UFE Screening Hotline is (626) 397-8550.