Uterine Fibroids
Louisville, KY’s Uterine Fibroid Treatment Specialists
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
Many women are unaware they have uterine fibroids because they do not experience any symptoms. However, for those who do, symptoms can be painful and difficult to cope with. The severity depends on the size and location of the fibroid, but many patients report a significant decline in their quality of life. Uterine fibroid symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:
- Frequent urination
- Painful periods
- Pelvic cramping or pain
- Excessive bleeding during periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Pregnancy complications
How We Diagnose This Condition
Uterine fibroids are commonly discovered during a routine pelvic exam. If your doctor suspects fibroids, they may confirm the diagnosis through various imaging tests such as ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans. These diagnostic tools provide highly detailed images of your uterus and the fibroids. They also aid in accurate assessments. Once we better understand the specifics of your condition, our team can recommend the proper course of treatment.
Exploring Uterine Fibroid Treatments
Because this condition can have such severe effects, we take several different approaches to treatment to ensure the best results. Here’s an overview of the treatments we may recommend:
Medication
Medication is the most straightforward way to address uterine fibroid symptoms. Some patients are served well by over-the-counter pain medications, while others require hormonal medications that regulate the menstrual cycle and control heavy bleeding.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, thereby shrinking them. This non-surgical approach offers several advantages over more invasive methods, including quicker recovery, reduced scarring, and preserved fertility.
The UFE procedure begins with a small incision in the groin area, through which a tiny catheter is threaded to the uterine artery. Once in place, the catheter delivers tiny particles to block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. The entire process is guided by advanced imaging technology to ensure precision and safety. After the procedure, patients are often ready to head home within a few hours.