By: Nekitia Hyde, MS, RDMS (OBGYN, AB), RVT(VT), System Imaging Manager (Ultrasound)
How To Know If You Have Uterine Fibroids
Many women suffer silently from pelvic pain. Sometimes this pain is caused by uterine fibroids. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur in the uterus and can become as large as the size of a tennis ball or even a grapefruit.
Women can have a single large fibroid or multiple. Along with causing pain and enlarged abdominal appearance, these overgrowths can interfere with the menstrual cycle, which could cause miscarriages and in extreme cases, infertility.
Fibroids are suspected depending on the symptoms of the patient. A physician confirms the suspicion of fibroids by referring the patient for a pelvic ultrasound. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, there are limited options for treatment.
Why Uterine Fibroid Embolization over Surgical Removal?
Prior ways to treat fibroids were by myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroid) or hysterectomy (complete surgical removal of the entire uterus). But there is now a non-surgical method to treat this medical condition. This method is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also referred to as UFE.
UFE has been a major advancement in treating women suffering from fibroids. During UFE, the tiny blood vessels supporting the growth of the fibroid are destroyed. This causes the fibroid to slowly decrease in size over time. One major advantage to UFE is it’s an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require the downtime the surgical procedures require. Patients still have their uterus and the procedure does not prevent them from having children.
Does NGHS Offer Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
This procedure is offered at NGHS. Dr. Black is one of our board-certified radiologists trained to perform UFE procedures. He has over 26 years of experience and has performed numerous UFE procedures. Patients from surrounding counties and states travel to NGHS for his expertise in UFE.
Northeast Georgia Health System’s Imaging Services provides a comprehensive range of imaging technologies and services to help physicians diagnose and treat disease and illness. To find out if you are a candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization, talk to your OB/GYN today.