Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroids commonly cause heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between your periods, abdominal pain, and pain during sex. If you struggle with fibroid symptoms, you may not think about visiting a vascular specialist and interventional radiologist like Kevin Carson, MD, CAQ, at Georgia Vascular Institute — but you should. Dr. Carson specializes in uterine fibroid embolization, a safe, nonsurgical procedure that eliminates uterine fibroids, preserves your uterus, and restores your health. To learn more, call the office in Atlanta or Stockbridge, Georgia, or connect online to request an appointment and learn how an embolization can finally stop your symptoms.

What is uterine fibroid embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization, also called uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure for treating fibroids, which are noncancerous growths in your uterus. An embolization blocks the tiny arteries that carry blood to the fibroids. Without blood, the fibroids shrink and die.

When would I need a uterine fibroid embolization?

Many women seek a uterine fibroid embolization after trying conventional medical treatments and before having surgery.  

You may need an embolization at any stage of your treatment if you have ongoing fibroid symptoms like:

• Longer and more frequent menstrual periods
• Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Menstrual pain
• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Pain during sex
• Abdominal pressure
• Abdominal bloating
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination

Gynecologists initially treat fibroids with birth control pills and other hormone-based medications. While medication may (or may not) ease your bleeding and pain, it doesn’t eliminate the fibroids that are causing your symptoms.

If you don’t get enough symptom relief with medication, your gynecologist may recommend surgery, either a myomectomy to take out the fibroids or a hysterectomy to remove your uterus.

At Georgia Vascular Institute, Dr. Carson has exceptional success restoring women’s health with a uterine fibroid embolization that eliminates the fibroids while preserving your uterus.

What health problems develop if I don’t treat uterine fibroids?

The heavy bleeding caused by fibroids often causes iron deficiency anemia. You need iron to carry oxygen in your blood and convert sugar into energy. You feel tired and weak and experience shortness of breath when heavy bleeding depletes your iron.

Untreated fibroids often cause infertility, and in some cases, having a myomectomy also makes it hard to get pregnant.

What happens during a uterine fibroid embolization?

Dr. Carson makes a tiny, pinhole opening in your groin and inserts a catheter (a slim, flexible tube) into the femoral artery. Using real-time imaging, he guides the catheter through your blood vessels to the small arteries that are carrying blood to the fibroid. Then he releases tiny particles or coils from the catheter.

The particles (embolic agents) stick to the artery, creating a plug that stops blood from flowing to the fibroid. He repeats the procedure in all of the arteries serving the fibroid.

Your recovery from uterine fibroid embolization is faster than from surgery. Most women go back to work in about two weeks, compared to 4-6 weeks for a myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Call Georgia Vascular Institute today or request an appointment online to learn more about uterine artery embolization.