If you are seeking treatment for uterine fibroids, it is important to be aware of myths that may affect your perception. Read on to learn about common myths about uterine fibroid treatment, brought to you by 1Fibroid in New York.
What Are Common Myths About Fibroid Treatment?
- Myth: To Get Rid Of Fibroids, A Hysterectomy Is The Only Option
- Myth: A UFE Procedure Is Painful
- Myth: A UFE Procedure Can Cause Early Menopause
- Myth: UFE Can Negatively Impact Your Sex Life
- Myth: UFE Can Affect Your Ability To Get Pregnant
- Myth: Women Experiencing Menopause Do Not Need Their Uterus
Myth #1: To Get Rid Of Fibroids, A Hysterectomy Is The Only Option
A hysterectomy is an invasive surgical procedure that removes the uterus partially or entirely in order to address uterine fibroids. While some women may elect to undergo a hysterectomy, this surgery is not the only option modern women have for treating fibroids. It is worth noting that, after undergoing a hysterectomy, a woman can no longer get pregnant. If during the surgery, the ovaries are removed along with the uterus, then the surgery will cause immediate menopause in the patient.
A highly effective and minimally invasive alternative for women seeking to treat uterine fibroids is UFE. UFE stands for uterine fibroid embolization. In just under an hour, this outpatient procedure can reduce major symptoms of fibroids, such as frequent urination, pelvic pressure or pain, and prolonged bleeding. An Interventional Radiologist makes a strategic pinhole-sized puncture near the groin area to guide a catheter toward the location of the fibroid to deprive the fibroid of oxygenated blood. This oxygen deprivation results in the fibroids shrinking.
Myth #2: A UFE Procedure Is Painful
Because a uterine fibroid embolization procedure is nonsurgical, patients can expect very minimal discomfort. A light sedative can be expected during the procedure, with no incisions, stitches, or scarring afterward.
Myth #3: A UFE Procedure Can Cause Early Menopause
A uterine fibroid embolization procedure removes fibroids by targeting and shrinking the fibroids, so your ovaries and hormones are not impacted at all. If you are considering your options, the same cannot necessarily be said for hormone therapies or a hysterectomy.
Myth #4: UFE Can Negatively Impact Your Sex Life
For a lot of women with fibroids, sex can unfortunately be painful. After a UFE procedure shrinks fibroids, patients report that they no longer feel pressure or pain from uterine fibroids and are able to enjoy sexual intercourse more than they did before treatment.
Myth #5: UFE Can Affect Your Ability To Get Pregnant
Many women who have undergone a UFE procedure are able to conceive. Unlike in a hysterectomy where the uterus is surgically removed, a uterine fibroid embolization preserves the uterus and fertility. It is worth noting that fibroids themselves, though benign, may cause infertility depending on how and where they are growing.
Myth #6: Women Experiencing Menopause Do Not Need Their Uterus
A hysterectomy may not be the best option, even if someone is not planning on having children and expanding their family, or experiencing menopause. Invasive procedures such as a hysterectomy can come with more risks than minimally-invasive alternatives, such as the UFE. Complications that could follow a hysterectomy include infection, injury to surrounding organs, anesthesia problems, or early menopause. Patients who undergo hysterectomies also have to commit to hormone replacement after surgery.
If you are living with uterine fibroids and curious about your nonsurgical alternatives to fibroid treatment, consider 1Fibroid. 1Fibroid is based in New York, with locations in both Manhattan and Queens. We are committed to women’s care and offer non-invasive options such as medication, hormone therapy, and UFE procedures. If you’re ready to live life without the symptoms of fibroids, call us today at 212-991-9991.
