What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop in the uterus, within the muscle wall or on the outer surface of the uterus. They are common, with many women experiencing them between the ages of 30 to 50 years old. While some fibroids are small and asymptomatic, others can grow large and cause significant discomfort. The exact cause of fibroids is not well understood, but factors such as genetics, hormones, and environmental factors may play a role.
Common
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Many women with fibroids experience unusually heavy or
prolonged menstrual periods, which can lead to anemia.
- Pelvic Pain and Pressure: Large fibroids can cause a feeling of fullness or
pressure in the lower abdomen, as well as pain during intercourse.
- Enlarged lower abdomen: Larger fibroids may enlarge the uterus causing some
swelling in the lower abdomen to occur.
- Frequent Urination:
Fibroids can press on the bladder, leading to a frequent need to urinate.
- Constipation:
Pressure on the rectum can cause difficulty with bowel movements.
Read more about Uterine fibroids here:
1. Uterine Fibroids: It not only causes heavy periods but can
also affect a woman's fertility, CNA Women
2. Uterine Fibroid (Myoma), Mount Elizabeth
What
Is Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)?
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)
is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat fibroids by blocking the
blood supply. Here’s how it works:
- Procedure:
Our skillful interventional radiologist will insert a catheter through a
small incision in the groin. Using real-time imaging, the catheter is
guided to the arteries supplying the fibroids.
- Blocking Blood Flow:
Tiny particles are injected through the catheter into these arteries,
blocking the blood flow to the fibroids.
- Fibroid Shrinkage:
Deprived of their blood supply, the fibroids begin to shrink and
eventually die.
Benefits
of UFE
- Minimally Invasive:
UFE is performed through a small incision, reducing the risk of
complications and promoting faster recovery.
- Painless and Smooth:
UFE is performed while the patient is conscious, under sedation, and
feeling no pain. It does not require general anaesthesia.
- Preserves Uterus:
Unlike hysterectomy, UFE preserves the uterus, making it an ideal option
for women who wish to retain their fertility.
- Quicker Recovery:
Most women return to normal activities within two weeks or so after UFE.
Meet our Expert Radiologists
Our team of experienced radiologists
specialises in interventional radiology procedures including Uterine Fibroid
Embolisation, providing expert care with advanced imaging techniques.
Click here to see our
full radiologists directory.
Contact
Us
This treatment is currently
available at Radiology Department, Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
For more information or to book an
appointment, please contact Parkway Radiology’s call centre at 6388 4333 or
WhatsApp to 8798 8008.