What Are The Uterine Fibroid Treatments Available?
Uterine fibroids can affect nearly every part of your life: your energy, your menstrual cycle, your comfort, and even your ability to become pregnant. If you’ve been searching for treatments or typing “uterine fibroid treatment near me” into your browser, you’re not alone.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for fibroids, but there are several uterine fibroid treatment options. These range from lifestyle-based symptom relief to surgical procedures. However, not all of them are effective in treating the root cause: fibroid growth. At Fibroid Pain Center, we recommend uterine fibroid embolization treatment as the safest and most comprehensive option. Here’s a breakdown of the most common uterine fibroid treatments:
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal medications, like birth control pills or progestin-releasing IUDs, are sometimes used to reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding. However, they do not shrink fibroids or eliminate them. Long-term use can cause side effects like mood changes, weight gain, and bone loss.
Myomectomy
This is a surgical procedure where fibroids are physically removed from the uterus. While it can provide temporary relief, fibroids often regrow, especially in women under 40. Myomectomy also comes with surgical risks, including scarring and potential fertility complications.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy involves removing the uterus entirely and is considered a definitive treatment for fibroids. However, it comes at a high cost: permanent infertility and a long recovery time. It is not recommended for women who want to preserve their uterus or maintain reproductive health.
Endometrial Ablation
This minimally invasive procedure burns or removes the uterine lining to control heavy bleeding. However, it doesn’t remove fibroids, especially larger or deeper ones. It’s also not suitable for women who still wish to become pregnant, making it a limited option.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue. While it’s less invasive than surgery, it may not work for all fibroid types, particularly large or multiple fibroids. Plus, there’s limited long-term data, so many experts consider it experimental when compared to more proven options like UFE.
Acupuncture and Holistic Therapies
While some women explore acupuncture, herbal remedies, or diet to relieve symptoms, there’s no clinical evidence that these approaches shrink fibroids. At best, they may ease mild symptoms. At worst, they delay appropriate treatment while fibroids continue to grow.
Why More Women Are Choosing Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment
Now that you know the uterine fibroid treatment options, it’s easy to see why many women are turning to uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is a non-surgical procedure that cuts off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink naturally over time. The uterus is preserved, and most women return to their daily lives within a week or two.
So, what’s driving this shift toward UFE? Let’s take a closer look.
It’s Minimally Invasive
Unlike surgery, UFE doesn’t require large incisions or removal of organs. It’s performed through a tiny catheter inserted into the groin or wrist. Most women go home the same day, avoiding hospital stays and surgical risks. This makes it an attractive alternative to major surgery, especially for busy women who can’t afford long downtime.
It Preserves the Uterus
One of the biggest reasons women prefer UFE is that it maintains reproductive health. For women who want to keep their uterus, whether for fertility or personal reasons, UFE offers a uterus-sparing solution that doesn’t involve hormone suppression or organ removal. It’s ideal for women hoping to become pregnant in the future or simply not ready for irreversible procedures.
It Provides Long-Term Relief
Many women report significant improvement in symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, anemia, and frequent urination. Because UFE targets all fibroids at once, it reduces the likelihood of regrowth compared to surgery that only removes visible ones. This makes it a reliable, long-lasting option.
Recovery Is Fast
Most women resume normal activities within 7 to 14 days. That’s a fraction of the recovery time for myomectomy or hysterectomy, which can take six weeks or longer. There’s minimal pain, and any discomfort is usually well managed with over-the-counter medications. In short, UFE fits into your life, not the other way around.
It Improves Quality of Life
From improved energy levels and normalized menstrual cycles to restored sexual comfort and confidence, UFE can transform the way you feel day-to-day. Many of our patients report not only symptom relief but also renewed confidence and emotional well-being. If you’ve been feeling like fibroids are controlling your life, UFE offers a way forward.
Learn about our fibroid treatments to see if UFE is right for you.
Safe, Effective Relief at Fibroid Pain Center
At Fibroid Pain Center, we specialize in helping women find uterine fibroid treatments that actually work. Our team is led by Dr. Andrew Cortes, a board-certified interventional radiologist with extensive experience in uterine fibroid embolization treatment. We offer same-day, outpatient UFE procedures in Clifton and Morristown, NJ.
Whether you’re ready to take the next step or still exploring your options, we’re here to help you feel informed. Contact us to schedule a consultation with our fibroid experts today.
FAQs
What Is the Best Uterine Fibroid Treatment for Preserving Fertility?
If preserving your fertility is a top priority, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is often the best option. It treats fibroids without removing your uterus and has a shorter recovery time than surgery. UFE also allows many women to maintain their reproductive potential.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from UFE?
Most women recover within 7 to 14 days. You can usually return to light activities within a few days and resume your normal routine shortly after. There are no stitches or large wounds to manage, which makes recovery smoother than with surgical procedures.
Can UFE Be Done as an Outpatient Procedure?
Yes! UFE is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day. There’s no need for an overnight hospital stay, and you’ll receive sedation, not general anesthesia, during the treatment.
Will My Fibroids Come Back After UFE?
Because UFE treats all fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, the risk of regrowth is significantly reduced. While new fibroids can develop over time, most women experience long-term relief without requiring repeat treatments.
