Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids can cause pelvic pain or discomfort, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and heavy menstrual bleeding. The location and size of uterine fibroids can affect the severity of these symptoms and impact your quality of life. Fibroids are also hormonally sensitive, so the symptoms can be cyclical, just like with menstruation.

We offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a hospital-free alternative to a hysterectomy, which preserves the uterus and provides a superior patient experience. UFE is covered by Medicare, most Medicaid plans with a doctor referral, and most insurance plans. Schedule a consultation with one of our physicians to learn whether it’s right for you.

*Please note – as we are located in Indiana, we cannot accept Illinois Medicaid. We are able to accept many other Illinois insurance plans.

Do I have uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow on or within the lining of the uterus. They can range in size from as small as a grape to as large as a cantaloupe. Approximately 20-40% of women over age 35 have fibroids, and African-American women are at a much higher risk for developing them.

If you do experience fibroid symptoms, they may include:

• Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods, sometimes with clots
• Anemia (fatigue due to low red blood count)
• Pain or pressure between the hip bones or in the back of the legs
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Urinary frequency
• Constipation or bloating
• An enlarged belly

UFE: An Alternative to Hysterectomy for Fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is gaining popularity as an effective alternative to hysterectomy. This safe, FDA-approved procedure is a proven and minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. It’s performed in less than an hour, requires no anesthesia and only a small nick in the skin. Patients return home within 24 hours and experience a much faster recovery.

Our board-certified interventional radiologists are among the most experienced in the region at performing this procedure. We use X-ray and ultrasound guidance to thread a small catheter through your body to the site of the blood vessel feeding the fibroids. The vessel is then blocked, causing the fibroids to shrink and reduce the symptoms they are causing.

The procedure is performed under local anesthetic with sedation and usually lasts less than an hour.

1. Your interventional radiologist makes a tiny incision in your upper thigh (femoral access) or your wrist (transradial access). A very small catheter is inserted through this incision and into your arteries.
2. Your doctor then uses x-ray guidance to locate the vessels that supply blood to your fibroids.
3. Small particles are injected into the vessels, blocking the blood flow to the fibroids.
4. Without a blood supply, fibroids will shrink and your symptoms will be alleviated.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization Benefits

Women who undergo UFE have demonstrated a high level of satisfaction and a significant improvement to their quality of life over the long term.^1,2 In a recent study of four randomized clinical trials comparing UFE to surgical interventions, UFE was associated with less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay and a faster return to work.³

1. Covered by most medical insurance plans – our clinic takes most insurances, including Medicare and most Medicaid plans with a doctor referral.
2. UFE has been in use for over 50 years and has a proven track record.
3. Offers fewer complications and less downtime, with most patients able to go back to work within 3-5 days.
4. Allows patients to avoid serious hysterectomy risks (including numerous physical and psychological effects).
5. No hospital admission required, procedure performed in an outpatient facility.
6. Effective results while preserving the uterus – many UFE patients go on to have successful pregnancies.

Am I a candidate for UFE?

Schedule an appointment to learn more about whether this procedure is right for you.