A Beginner’s Guide to Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)

According to latest research, about seventy per cent women suffer from fibroids, where non-cancerous tumours of varying size develop in and around female reproductive system, also known as uterus. Even though practitioners were unfortunately not able to pinpoint any definite cause, they did say an increase in oestrogen production could be held responsible. Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding accompanied by abdominal cramps, frequent urination, constipation, backache, discomfort during sexual intercourse, etc. Now let us explore most popular treatment for this particular gynaecological disorder- uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE).

Steps

• An interventional radiologist makes small slit on upper leg.
• A catheter or thin tube containing medicated particles is inserted cautiously through it.
• Medicated particles prevent blood vessels from nourishing lumps.
• Devoid of nutrients, they gradually shrink.

Benefits

• The said non-surgical fibroid treatment does not harm uterus in any way. Women can thus conceive in future without hassle. Now isn’t that absolutely great?
• Thanks to minimally invasive techniques, women can stop worrying about scars. The small nick made would heal in a very short period.
• Uterine fibroid embolisation has managed to acquire widespread recognition probably because it allows multiple tumours to wither away simultaneously.
• Fibroid expulsion happens rarely during UFE, where tumours come out of vagina. Pain and fever are common but they subside on their own.
• Finally, yet importantly, unlike complex surgeries, UFE paves way for quick healing. Plenty patients have admitted resuming normal life after a week or so.

Reactions

Risks are negligible but still being aware of few minor reactions help. Women can experience mild pelvic pressure, a high temperature, occasional discharges, and nausea. Post embolisation syndrome, which entails flu like signs, is also common.  Seek assistance if things seem to exacerbate.

Aftercare

• Arranging help, who can take care of household chores, is necessary. Patients are expected to completely rest.
• Staying away from gym is highly essential. Participating in any sort of rigorous activity can adversely impact otherwise optimal outcome.
• To speed up recovery, eating nutritious food items and drinking substantial amounts of water is mandatory. Doing so also alleviates trauma.
• While recurrence is extremely unusual, the possibility must not be denied. In case a woman feels slightly ill, she must undertake a comprehensive physical examination as soon as possible.

From above discussion, we can fairly conclude why exactly uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) impressed larger segments of population. It successfully replaced other procedures available such as hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometrial ablation, myolysis, etc. Some women also rely upon home remedies, which call for utmost patience. They exercise, indulge in warm baths, consume green tea, adhere to a strict balanced diet under all circumstances, avoid exposure to varied environmental toxins, reduce caffeine intake, and many more.