For most women, getting cramps around “that time of the month” is a normal part of life, although it can be annoying. For some women though, the pain and heavy bleeding signify a problem that needs to be addressed.

So how do you know if your period is normal? Or if you should be concerned about what’s going on with your body?

 

Normal periods

There’s a broad range of what’s considered a “normal” menstrual cycle, and generally, it’s what’s right for you. The cycle begins at the first day of your period and lasts until the first day of the next one, and this can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Your period itself can last 2 to 7 days depending on your body.

It’s different for every woman whether your period is heavy, light, painful, or pain-free. Your symptoms and the length of your period could even change from month to month and still be deemed normal. As you age, your period normally shortens and becomes more regular.

To determine if your period is normal, it’s a good idea to track it and keep an eye out for patterns.

 

Tracking your cycle

Some important things to track include:

Start and end date: This will help you monitor how long your cycle is, whether it varies month to month, and when you can expect your next period to begin.

Flow heaviness: Are you bleeding heavily or is your flow light? Does it seem different than normal?

Pain: If you have cramps, keep track of when they start and how long they last. If they become worse, make a note of that.

Abnormal bleeding: This includes bleeding in between periods or other irregularities.

Any other changes: Mood changes or anything else that seems odd or unexpected should be written down.

 

Problem periods

It’s normal for your menstrual cycle to have some irregularities, but there are some symptoms that may indicate an underlying problem. You should see a doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:

1. Your periods stop for more than 3 months, and you are not pregnant.
2. Your period lasts longer than seven days.
3. You bleed between periods.
4. Your periods are less than 21 or more than 35 days apart.
5. You’re experiencing severe pain that causes you to miss work, school, or other activities.
6. You’re bleeding much more heavily than normal.
7. Your periods were regular but suddenly become irregular.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or have other questions about your menstrual cycle, it’s wise to talk to your physician. They could be evidence of a range of issues.

 

Possible causes

Pregnancy: A missed period could be a sign of pregnancy. Alternatively, if you have just given birth and are breastfeeding, your period might be slow to return to normal.

 

Eating disorder: If you are not providing your body with the proper nutrients or have been exercising excessively, you may miss a period or cause it to stop altogether. Rapidly losing a lot of weight can have the same effect.

 

Premature ovarian failure: Some women lose normal function of the ovaries before age 40, and their ovaries stop producing normal amounts of estrogen or releasing eggs routinely. This can cause irregular or infrequent periods for months or even years. The condition is also known as primary ovarian insufficiency and is often treated through estrogen supplements.

 

Pelvic inflammatory disease: This is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. It’s evidenced by irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods. This condition can cause complications with fertility and other damage to the reproductive system if not diagnosed early, but it can be treated with antibiotics.

 

Uterine fibroids: These are noncancerous tumors that grow on or in the muscle walls of the uterus. Symptoms include heavy bleeding and severe pelvic pain. A wide range of treatment options exist, including a minimally invasive procedure called uterine fibroid embolization.

 

More information

To learn more about what could be causing severe pain or other problems with your menstrual cycle, check out this page on period cramps and other menstrual conditions.

Even if you’re not sure an irregularity with your period is normal or not, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have questions.

PLEASE NOTE: The above information should not be construed as providing specific medical advice but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.

Alicia Armeli

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. In 2021, an estimated  281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 49,290 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the US alone. A study published in Oncotarget found that although the risk of breast cancer was higher among women with fibroids, these women were less likely to die from the disease.

Researchers in Taiwan used the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan to examine how frequent breast cancer occurred among Asian patients and how often they died from the disease. The study compared 22,001 women with newly diagnosed fibroids to 85,356 women without fibroids.

In comparison to women without fibroids, data showed the incidence of breast cancer was 35% higher among women with fibroids. By the end of the study, researchers observed that women with fibroids, although at a higher risk of breast cancer, were significantly less likely to die from the disease versus women who were fibroid-free.

One possible explanation is that the complicated balance of sexual hormone and hormone receptor status plays a critical role in the development of both breast cancer and uterine fibroids. Another possible explanation, the researchers write, is that the stage of breast cancer at diagnosis was earlier in patients with uterine fibroids than those fibroid-free.

Looking at both groups, researchers also examined risk factors for breast cancer. For example, women with fibroids who were 45 years of age and older and those who didn’t use estrogen and progesterone medications were at an increased risk of breast cancer when compared to women without fibroids. Furthermore, researchers found that having other conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, noncancerous breast tumors, menopausal and postmenopausal disorders, and infertility put women with fibroids at a higher breast cancer risk.

As the research for fibroids and breast cancer continues, this study furthers our understanding of how these diseases may be connected.

 

Article Referenced

Shen T et al. 2017. “Patients with Uterine Leiomyoma Exhibit a High Incidence but Low Mortality Rate for Breast Cancer.” <em>Oncotarget8</em> no. 20 (May 16): 33014–33023. PMID:

28380432.

If you suffer from uterine fibroids—noncancerous tumors that grow on or in the muscle wall of the uterus—you may have heard of a fibroid treatment called uterine fibroid embolization, or ufe. ufe is an alternative to a hysterectomy and is an option for many women.

Although you may have heard of ufe, you may not know exactly what it is or what kind of equipment is used. If you are considering this procedure, it’s important to know the details.

What is ufe?

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed by an interventional radiologist. The doctor makes a small incision in the groin area and guides a catheter through the bloodstream to the fibroids.

There, small particles are inserted into the femoral artery that block the blood supply to the fibroids. Without an incoming supply of blood, the fibroids will stop growing and begin to shrink.

The procedure usually takes no more than an hour and you can often go home the same day, or after spending one night in the hospital. Recover time is about seven to fourteen days, after which you will be able to resume your normal day-to-day activities.

90% of women who have had this procedure have been satisfied at follow-up. Many notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms and in their own self-confidence.

What exactly are the particles used in ufe?

The particles that many interventional radiologists decide to use are called Embosphere® Microspheres. They are gelatin beads similar to the consistency of soft contact lenses. The beads are very tiny, at 500-700 or 700-900 microns, which is about the size of a poppy seed.

The size of the beads is carefully chosen by the interventional radiologist to ensure that only the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked, and not the supply to the surrounding organs including the uterus.

The beads also have specific properties that help them do their job. These include non-aggregating properties, predictable distribution, and highly targeted delivery. Due to their texture and shape, the beads will not get stuck in the catheter or the artery, and therefore distribute as expected.

EmbosphereMicrospheres have been used in more than 700,000 procedures worldwide and are the most clinically studied round embolic.

Learn more

Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe, minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids. It’s a viable option for many women who want to preserve their uterus and find relief from painful symptoms.

Watch these videos to learn more about the particles used in ufe and why doctors choose to use Embosphere Microspheres.

PLEASE NOTE: The above information should not be construed as providing specific medical advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.

For women considering uterine fibroid embolization (ufe) to treat uterine fibroid tumors, it is important to understand what to expect after your procedure.

ufe is a less invasive procedure done by a doctor called an interventional radiologist (ir). Your ir will make one small incision in the wrist or groin area. From there, a small tube is inserted and X-ray equipment is used to guide it through the arteries to the uterus.

Once your ir reaches the fibroids, small embolization particles are injected into the arteries. These arteries provide blood and oxygen to the fibroids.

Without oxygen, the fibroid cannot stay alive, so the tumors will shrink. The embolization particles will remain in the uterine arteries to prevent fibroid tumors from coming back.

The treatment lasts less than one hour. It is considered an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be able to go home that day and will not spend the night. You will not be fully sedated, so you will remain awake throughout the experience. However, a prescription painkiller will be given to you to help ease any pain your fibroid tumors may be causing you.

Patients should not plan on driving themselves home after the procedure is complete.  Pain medications given during or after your fibroid treatment will not allow you to safely drive yourself home. Plan on bringing someone with you or having someone pick you up once you have been released.

What happens after ufe?

After the ufe procedure, you may experience pain in the lower stomach area. You can expect to feel slight cramping like the pain you feel during your period. However, your ir will prescribe medications to help ease any discomfort.

Your comfort is extremely important to your doctor and nurses. Expect to stay anywhere from 4 to 23 hours after your procedure is complete. Your stay will be determined by how you are feeling after your ufe procedure.

Once your ir feels that you are ready to go home, you will be given discharge instructions. These instructions will have everything you need to know about post-ufe care. They will also include directions about medications you will need to take.

Your discharge instructions will also indicate when you can expect to return to normal activities. It will have a list of phone numbers you may call with any questions about your post-ufe care plan.

What kind of follow–up should I expect?

After your procedure is complete, your ir will consult with your OB-GYN for any follow up. Be sure to ask your ir about when to expect follow–up appointments. Typical timeframes for these appointments are one week post-procedure and three months post-procedure.

How can I expect to feel once I am home?

At home, you may continue to have pain similar to menstrual cramps. Cramping can last a few days after the procedure. Your ir will give you directions for managing this type of pain. Generally, you will receive medications for pain management.

If you experience fever symptoms after your treatment, check your discharge plan for any directions about medications you can take to reduce fever. You want to be sure to not take anything that may react with the pain medications you have been given. If you have questions about symptoms or a fever medication that is safe to take, call your doctor.

Some patients suffer nausea due to the pain medications. Medications can and should be changed immediately if you feel extreme nausea.

Some patients may experience “post-embolization syndrome,” which may include flu-like symptoms, such as a low fever, a vague feeling of discomfort, and mild nausea. These symptoms can occur within a few hours or up to a few days after ufe.

Most women are able to return to light activity within just a few days of ufe. You should be able to return to work and a normal level of activity within 11 days of treatment.

To find a physician in your area who can perform the ufe procedure, use the Find a Physician tool.

PLEASE NOTE: The above information should not be construed as providing specific medical advice but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.

 

July is Fibroid Awareness Month, an important time dedicated to spreading awareness and education about how uterine fibroids affect the body. Did you know that up to 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50? With such a large portion of the population affected by fibroids, it’s vital that we get involved as a community to better understand treatment options, fund research for new treatments, and provide resources. Wondering how you can advocate for such an important cause? Read on to find out.

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. While some women with fibroids never experience symptoms, many do. Common symptoms include:

• Painful periods, including heavy or inconsistent menstrual bleeding
• Debilitating cramps, pelvic pain, and pressure
• Pain during sex
• Fatigue and weakness
• Bloating or swelling in the lower abdomen
• Back or leg pain
• Bowel or bladder dysfunction
• Constipation, diarrhea, and rectum discomfort

Learn more about what fibroids are here.

 

What is Fibroid Awareness Month?

Despite the prevalence of fibroids, it isn’t uncommon to be met with confusion when the subject is brought up. With so much misinformation circulating regarding women’s health, especially reproductive health, it’s no surprise that fibroids are commonly ignored or misunderstood.

Fibroid Awareness Month was created with one chief goal: to empower women to share their stories and break down the stigma associated with fibroids. Since its inception, many other organizations have become involved, fighting for better education, resources, and awareness. Throughout the month of July, organizations and individuals are encouraged to speak up about their fibroid experiences to let other women know that they aren’t alone.

Several states now recognize Fibroid Awareness Month, but it’s not yet recognized at a national level. One aspect of advocacy is encouraging federal legislation to be passed in order to reach as many women as possible.

 

How can I get involved?

Ready to be an advocate? Look no further than supporting the causes of these great organizations.

 

The White Dress Project

Because fibroids are often associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, many women opt not to wear white clothing, but the White Dress Project  aims to change that. As one of the most visible non-profit advocates for fibroid awareness, the White Dress Project campaigns for and donates to enhanced fibroid research and awareness. By sponsoring education programs, they seek to end the stigma surrounding women’s health. They are also involved with encouraging legislative change regarding fibroids. The White Dress Project offers events all month long for women with fibroids.

 Find out how you can get involved here.

 

ASK4UFE

Ask4UFE is an educational patient-awareness program for uterine fibroids and alternative treatment options, mainly uterine fibroid embolization (ufe), a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. By bringing valuable information to afflicted women and their families, Ask4ufe promotes self-advocacy when it comes to an individual’s health. In the past, the standard method of care for fibroids included surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy or myomectomy. In some cases, these options may still be the right treatment, but Ask4ufebelieves women should understand all available treatment options regarding their personal care. Learn more about whether you could be a candidate for UFE and find answers to many of your questions on the Ask4UFE blog.

 

The Fibroid Foundation

The Fibroid Foundation fosters a global community of fibroid patients and seeks to amplify the voices of women living with this condition. Their programs, initiatives, and partnerships help directly reach patients with resources and support. As a patient-founded organization, their outreach focuses on the lived experiences of women with fibroids.

Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.

 

Care About Fibroids

With the goal of empowering more informed patients, care providers, and decision makers in the health care sector, Care About Fibroids serves as an educational resource on uterine fibroids for all stakeholders. They work to promote increased investment for research into new treatments and take action to increase public awareness. Additionally, they help support a community of women affected by fibroids.

Learn more here.

 

Where can I go to learn more?

While Ask4ufe and organizations like it are great resources for learning about fibroids, it takes a full community to ensure women understand their condition and have access to the treatment option that best suits their needs. Explore the following resources to help you better understand fibroids:

• Department of HHS Office on Women’s Health Uterine Fibroids Fact Sheet provides answers to frequently asked questions about fibroids.
• NIH Fact Sheet on Uterine Fibroids Research  describes advances and future directions in research on uterine fibroids.
• National Uterine Fibroid Foundation
  This nonprofit organization is dedicated to assisting women who are affected by fibroids.
• medlineplus
  The MedlinePlus page on uterine fibroids includes information and links to additional resources.

You may also consider joining a support group  for women affected by fibroids.

 

Ultimately, it is up to every individual woman to make a personal, educated decision concerning her fibroid care. Our hope is that by providing resources and promoting accessibility to a variety of treatment options, women will feel empowered to make that choice. We encourage you to speak with your healthcare provider or gynecologist to discuss treatment plans.

Maybe you’ve decided to undergo uterine fibroid embolization (ufe), or maybe you’re considering the procedure and want to learn more about how it helps with uterine fibroids. Choosing a procedure can be a big step, and it’s important to have all the information you need to decide.

Find out exactly what to expect if you do decide on ufe, including how you’ll feel before, during, and after, and who you can depend on to manage your treatment.

How do I prepare for ufe?

The first time you meet with your interventional radiologist—the doctor who will perform your ufe procedure—he or she will explain everything in detail to you. Your doctor will tell you about any tests that will happen before the procedure and anything you should be aware of to prepare.

Together, you will decide what kind of sedation will work best for you. Most of the time, doctors choose to use conscious sedation, which means you will be awake during the procedure but will be groggy and relaxed.

At this time, you should also tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, gelatin, shellfish, contrast agents, or iodine. This will help you avoid an allergic reaction during the procedure.

What will happen the day of the procedure?

When you arrive at the hospital, the radiology staff will have you prepped for your procedure. This includes starting the sedation and any other medications, drawing blood, and starting an IV. Once the sedation starts to take effect, you will begin to feel groggy and will be moved to the procedure room.

You won’t have much memory of the actual procedure. It begins with a small puncture in the groin or wrist area through which the doctor will guide a catheter. Using x-ray equipment, he or she will guide the catheter through your vessels, to the uterine artery, to the location of the fibroids.

There, your doctor will inject embolization material into the bloodstream leading to the fibroids. Once the blood supply is blocked, the fibroids will be deprived of oxygen, which will cause them to stop growing and begin to shrink.

This process will be repeated on the other side of the uterus. The catheter will then be removed, and the interventional radiologist will close the incision. The entire procedure will take about 30-60 minutes.

What can I expect after ufe?

ufe is done as an outpatient procedure, or you may stay in the hospital overnight and be sent home the next morning. During this time, you’ll be able to monitor your pain through medication, and if there are any issues, your doctor will be able to oversee them.

Once you return home, you’re likely to experience some cramping and pain in the abdomen. Your doctor will prescribe you medication to help deal with that. Some patients experience “post-embolization syndrome,” including flu-like symptoms and mild nausea.

The recovery time for ufe is around seven to fourteen days, and you will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor a week after your procedure. Most women return to light or normal activity just a few days after the treatment.

Learn more

To hear directly from doctors who perform the ufe procedure, visit our YouTube channel. You can also read patient testimonials about what to expect after the procedure from other women who chose ufe.

PLEASE NOTE: The above information should not be construed as providing specific medical advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.

Taking an active role in your own healthcare can be empowering, but when it comes to managing uterine fibroids, starting the conversation with your doctor can be intimidating. With so many available treatment options, it can be a challenge to determine what’s right for your body.

At Ask4UFE, we take pride in helping women make informed, conscious choices, and that begins with knowing how to discuss them. Here are 5 tips to help you get the most out of your next meeting with your doctor.

 

1. Research treatments before your appointment, so you can better participate in the conversation. Consult reputable sources to get an idea of what your options are.

Need a place to start? Check out our blog post detailing different fibroid treatments.

 

2. Write out your questions ahead of time. Worried you’ll forget to ask something? Start a list of everything you have questions about, and bring it with you to the appointment. Preparing in advance will ensure the discussion is as thorough as you want it to be.

Considering UFE but don’t know what to ask? Here’s a list of questions from our site to help you better understand the procedure.

 

3. Keep track of your symptoms. Your doctor will likely ask about your experience with fibroids, and having a record of your symptoms will help them better understand. Note things like when your symptoms are at their peak, if you’ve noticed any foods or medications that trigger symptoms, and how frequently your symptoms occur.

 

4. Bring a friend. Having a trusted friend or family member at the appointment with you may ease anxiety, and it helps to have another set of ears listening to the conversation. This person may also come up with questions you hadn’t thought to ask.

 

5. Take notes during the appointment. In addition to bringing your list of questions, feel free to jot down your doctor’s responses. This will be a useful resource following your appointment when it comes time to make a treatment decision. As an alternative to writing notes, some doctors may even let you record the audio of your meeting, allowing you to replay the conversation later for details you might have missed.

 

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but there are many resources available to help you on your fibroid journey. By taking time to prepare, you can ensure you’re supported every step of the way. Remember, you aren’t alone!

Want to learn more about fibroids? We can help.

If you’re suffering from pain every month during your period, you’re not alone. Many women are affected by painful periods, and they can be annoying and disruptive to daily life.

In many cases, this pain is normal, but if it’s so bad that you’re missing work, school, regular activities, or cannot get out of bed, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Here are a few questions to be prepared to ask your OB-GYN, so you can get the information you need.

1. Is my pain abnormal?

Usually, period pain is caused by primary dysmenorrhea. This is known as menstrual cramps and is completely normal. This condition often begins in teenage years and becomes less frequent in adulthood.

If your pain is so severe that it impedes your everyday life and prevents you from going to work or school, it may be caused by secondary dysmenorrhea. This means that there’s an underlying cause of the pain that may need further treatment. Often, it’s a disorder in the reproductive organs.

 

2. What could be causing the pain?

If primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping) is to blame, it’s caused by an excess of prostaglandins. These are hormones that control the female reproductive system. As many as 50% of women who menstruate suffer from this condition.

If the problem is secondary dysmenorrhea (something other than menstrual cramps), the pain could be caused by a number of disorders:

endometriosis

endometriosis is caused when tissue—similar to the type that grows inside your uterus—grows outside the uterus. It could be growing on the outer wall of the uterus, on the ovaries, or elsewhere in the pelvic region. This tissue sheds every month just like the wall of the uterus, causing symptoms, such as severe pelvic pain, infertility, and excessive bleeding.

Adenomyosis

Another possible disorder is adenomyosis. This condition is caused when tissue that normally grows on the walls of the uterus grows in the muscle of the uterus. Possible symptoms of adenomyosis include heavy bleeding or bleeding between periods, passing blood clots, and sharp, knife-like pelvic pain.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids could be another cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow on the inner wall of the uterus and can cause period pain and heavy bleeding. Some other symptoms include urinary incontinence, an enlarged abdomen, and anemia.

 

3. How can the pain be treated?

Primary dysmenorrhea can usually be treated with anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen. Sometimes exercising or using a heating pad also helps. If the pain still persists, your doctor can prescribe birth control pills.

Depending on the cause of secondary dysmenorrhea, there are a number of options. Endometriosis and adenomyosis can be treated with birth control pills or hormone therapy. In extreme cases, surgery may be required.

Uterine fibroids can be treated in a number of ways. Depending on the severity of symptoms, your doctor may prescribe hormonal or non-hormonal medications.

There are also a number of non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments available.

One minimally invasive option for treating uterine fibroids is a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which involves blocking the blood supply to the tumors, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve. UFE is done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day you’re treated. Learn why 90% of all women are satisfied at final follow-up after UFE.

Find more fibroid treatment options.

If you’re still in pain after trying treatments for dysmenorrhea, surgery may be needed. A hysterectomy is usually performed as a last resort.

More information

Contact your doctor if you’re experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, bleeding between periods, or pain that lasts more than a few days.

Explore our website for more information on uterine fibroid embolization and find out if it could be right for you.

PLEASE NOTE: The above information should not be construed as providing specific medical advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand their lives and health. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician.

 

Being diagnosed with uterine fibroids may be overwhelming. Fortunately, you have options—and lots of them. From medications to surgery, and less-invasive options in between, you can find the fibroid treatment that’s right for you.

Use the below table of fibroid treatment options as a way to prepare yourself for a talk with your gynecologist. Your gynecologist will discuss each treatment in detail, including the pros and cons, to help develop a care plan.

Alicia Armeli

More than half of women will develop uterine fibroids by the time they reach 50.¹ These noncancerous tumors can be the cause of severe menstrual symptoms, leaving many women searching for a cure. Because fibroids are especially common during a woman’s 30s—a time when many women are trying to conceive—finding a treatment that works and preserves fertility can be a challenge.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive treatment that shrinks fibroids, significantly improves symptoms in 85%–90% of patients;² and yet it’s still unclear how this procedure affects fertility. But research is emerging. A French study found that women who had UFE performed by way of a limited embolization technique were able to give birth and showed an encouraging delivery rate following treatment.³

The study, published in European Radiology, evaluated the fertility of 15 women who chose to undergo UFE instead of myomectomy, a procedure that surgically removes fibroids and is performed by a gynecologist.³  Women participating in the study were approximately 35 years of age and had no known infertility factors.

Unlike myomectomy, UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist—a type of doctor who uses specialized imaging equipment to see inside the body and treat disease without surgery. A nick is made in the wrist or groin area to access the blood vessels leading to the uterine arteries. By inserting a thin tube called a catheter into the uterine arteries, tiny particles are then injected and block the fibroids’ blood supply, causing them to shrink and symptoms to subside.

Whether or not UFE should be used as a first-line fibroid treatment for women trying to get pregnant is still debated in the medical community. Concerns over how UFE will affect ovarian reserve—the ovaries’ ability to produce viable eggs—and the uterine lining as well as uterine muscle tissue have been expressed.³  Because of this, UFE is commonly recommended as a second-line treatment or for women who are not candidates for myomectomy.³

Taking into consideration these concerns and to better support future fertility, the researchers of this study used a fertility-sparing technique that specifically targets vessels only surrounding the fibroids but spares nearby normal myometrial arteries, or the arteries that flow to unaffected smooth muscle tissue of the uterine wall. “Women without infertility factors suffering from symptomatic fibroids were durably treated by a limited fertility-sparing [UFE] and experienced a substantial rate of subsequent fertility,” the researchers write. “For women choosing [UFE] over abdominal myomectomy, childbearing may not be impaired.”³

During the year following UFE, nine women who were actively trying to conceive had five babies.³  After about three and a half years, data show eight women gave birth to 10 babies.

Ovarian reserve was also tracked as well as uterus size and quality of life after the procedure. The researchers found that ovarian reserve remained stable, fibroid symptoms improved by 66%, and uterine size was reduced by 38%.³  Completed questionnaires showed that quality of life scores improved by 112%. Five women experienced recurring symptoms, needing further treatment.

Despite the positive results seen, the authors also noted that because only select vessels are embolized when using this technique—unlike with traditional UFE—there might be a risk for symptom recurrence in the future, requiring a second treatment.³  In this study, however, UFE was seen to control fibroid symptoms and preserve fertility, allowing women to complete their families.

At this time, myomectomy is often recommended as the fibroid treatment for women wanting to conceive, and the researchers note that more studies are needed before UFE can be recommended as a first-line treatment.³ But this study provides hope and another potential option for women who need immediate relief from fibroid symptoms and who want to retain their fertility.

 REFERENCES

1. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019, Apr 1). Uterine Fibroids. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
2. Silberzweig, J. E., Powell, D. K., Matsumoto, A. H., et al. (2016). Management of uterine fibroids: A focus on uterine-sparing interventional techniques. Radiology, Sep;280(3):675–
3. Torre, A., Fauconnier, A., Kahn, V., et al. (2017). Fertility after uterine artery embolization for symptomatic multiple fibroids with no other infertility factors. Eur Radiol, Jul;27(7):2850–