Fibroids are non-cancerous fibrous tumors that grow in the uterine wall and are almost always non-cancerous. According to medical statistics, about half of all women are affected by fibroids at some stage, normally during reproductive years. Women can have reproductive single or multiple fibroids that range from the size of a seed to a melon. Any uterine fibroids Houston, TX, can have severe negative effects on your well-being and health. Here is an exclusive look at fibroids and their treatment via uterine fibroid embolization.
What Are the Different Types of Fibroids?
The common types of uterine fibroids include;
- Submucosal Fibroids
Submucosal fibroids occur inside the inner uterine tissues. Fibroids can occur in the back or front of your uterus. These fibroids can block your fallopian tubes when left untreated, causing fertility issues. It might also cause chronic fatigue and anemia.
- Intramural Fibroids
These types of fibroids develop between the uterine muscle layers. They can happen at any place in the uterus and might grow very big. The symptoms of intramural fibroid include; low back pain, severe cramping, bloating, and breakthrough bleeding between the menstrual periods.
- Pedunculated Fibroids
These are types of fibroids that have stalked and often resemble mushrooms. These fibroids can grow either outside or inside your uterus. The symptoms of pedunculated fibroids often include long periods, severe pelvic pain, and cramping.
- Subserosal Fibroids
These fibroids occur on the external uterine layer. As they grow, they go towards the outside of the uterus and might compress the other abdominal body parts. This often causes low back pain, pelvic pain, and urinary symptoms.
How Does Fibroid Embolization Treat Fibroids?
Fibroid treatment was initially treated via invasive fibroid removal surgeries like hysterectomy and myomectomy. However, with the advancing innovative technology in the medical field, uterine fibroid embolization offers a better alternative to invasive fibroid treatments. Uterine fibroid embolization is an FDA-approved and minimally invasive procedure that has been proven effective in shrinking fibroids.
During uterine fibroid embolization, your doctor administers gel or tiny plastic particles via a catheter, placing them into the artery that feeds your fibroid. This intercepts the blood supply causing the fibroids to shrink and go away. All of this is usually visible on an x-ray screen.
What Should You Expect After Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
The treatment procedure is painless. Immediately after the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area, where the nurse will monitor your blood pressure and heart rate and confirm that you are not in pain. You will then be taken to the ward for further recovery. You will normally be able to go home the morning after the treatment. You should also avoid driving for about two days after the procedure. Most women generally feel completely normal after two weeks. Fibroids will shrink slowly over six to twelve months.
Ultimately, fibroids that don’t cause any symptoms can be left without treatment. However, depending on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms, it is advisable to seek treatment. Uterine fibroid embolization relieves fibroid symptoms in around 90% of women. It also works on all types of fibroids. It is also possible to conceive after uterine fibroid embolization. Even better, the procedure cost is average, slightly less than the surgery.
