Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that commonly affect women of reproductive age. While not always life-threatening, fibroids can cause severe pain, heavy bleeding, fertility issues, and a major disruption to everyday life.
Traditionally, the solution for fibroids involved surgery – often a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). But what if there was a way to treat fibroids without losing the uterus? A way that was minimally invasive, preserved fertility, and offered faster recovery?
Welcome to the world of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) — a breakthrough treatment now available in Indore at CVIC (Central Vascular & Interventional Clinic).
Understanding Uterine Fibroids: The Hidden Disruptors
Uterine fibroids are solid tumors made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue. They may appear singly or in clusters and can range in size from a seed to a grapefruit.
Common Types of Fibroids:
- Intramural – within the muscular wall of the uterus
- Subserosal – on the outer uterine wall
- Submucosal – bulging into the uterine cavity
- Pedunculated – attached to the uterus by a stalk
Who Is at Risk?
- Women aged 30–50
- Family history of fibroids
- Obesity or high body fat
- Hormonal imbalance (estrogen dominance)
- Early menstruation or never having given birth
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids – When to Seek Help
While some fibroids remain asymptomatic, many women suffer silently due to lack of awareness or fear of surgery.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination or urinary retention
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation or bloating
- Miscarriage or infertility
- Anemia (from blood loss)
💡 If your period feels unmanageable, or you’re living with chronic pelvic pain — it could be fibroids. Don’t ignore it.
Traditional Treatment Options – Surgery Isn’t the Only Way
1. Hysterectomy
- Complete removal of the uterus
- Permanent end to periods and pregnancy
- Major surgery with long recovery (4–6 weeks)
2. Myomectomy
- Surgical removal of fibroids, uterus remains intact
- Risk of fibroid recurrence
- Long downtime and hospital stay
3. Hormonal Medications
- Temporary symptom relief
- Causes menopausal side effects
- Fibroids often return after stopping treatment
The problem? These solutions are either too aggressive, carry surgical risks, or do not provide lasting relief.
Enter Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) – A Game-Changer
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a non-surgical, uterus-sparing procedure performed by an Interventional Radiologist. It shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply — without any open incision.
🩺 Procedure Overview:
- A thin catheter is inserted through a tiny puncture in the groin or wrist.
- Under real-time X-ray guidance, the catheter reaches the uterine arteries.
- Tiny embolic particles are injected to block blood flow to the fibroids.
- Fibroids shrink over time, symptoms reduce drastically.
Top Advantages of UFE Over Surgery
| Feature | Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) | Surgery (Hysterectomy/Myomectomy) |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Minimally Invasive | Major Surgery |
| Hospital Stay | 1 day or less | 3–5 days |
| Uterus Preserved | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not in hysterectomy |
| Recovery Time | 3–7 days | 3–6 weeks |
| Scars | ❌ None | ✅ Yes |
| Risk of Infection | Very Low | Higher |
| Risk of Recurrence | Low | Medium (in myomectomy) |
| Menstrual Function | Preserved | Lost in hysterectomy |
Ideal Candidates for UFE
You may be a good candidate for UFE if:
- You have symptomatic fibroids
- You want to avoid surgery
- You want to preserve your uterus
- You are not pregnant or planning immediate pregnancy
- You are looking for short recovery and minimal downtime
🤔 Not sure if UFE is right for you? A consultation at CVIC Indore can help you decide.
What to Expect: UFE Procedure Step-by-Step
- Pre-Evaluation Imaging (MRI or ultrasound) is done to assess fibroid size and location.
- Procedure Day
- Local anesthesia used (no general anesthesia needed)
- Tiny catheter inserted into groin/wrist
- Real-time imaging guides the catheter to the uterine arteries
- Embolic agents are injected
- Blood flow to fibroids is blocked, they begin shrinking
- Post-Procedure
- 4–6 hours of observation
- Discharge on the same or next day
- Resume work within a week
Success Rate and Long-Term Outcomes
- 85–90% of women report significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms
- Menstrual bleeding improves within 1–2 cycles
- Pain and pressure symptoms improve within a few weeks
- No hormonal imbalance
- No surgical scarring
Clinical studies confirm UFE is a safe and durable solution for managing fibroids — with very low complication rates.
Is Fertility Affected After UFE?
- UFE is not primarily recommended for women actively trying to conceive.
- However, successful pregnancies after UFE have been documented.
- Myomectomy remains the first-line treatment for fertility preservation, but UFE is suitable for women who:
- Are nearing menopause
- Are not planning children
- Have failed or declined surgery
Talk to your doctor about your reproductive goals before choosing UFE.
CVIC Indore – Leading the Way in Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment
CVIC (Central Vascular & Interventional Clinic) is one of the few specialized centres in Madhya Pradesh offering Uterine Fibroid Embolization under expert guidance.
Why CVIC is Trusted for UFE in Indore:
✅ Experienced Interventional Radiologists trained in UFE
✅ Advanced Cath Lab & Imaging Suite (DSA, MRI, Ultrasound)
✅ Safe, clean, and patient-friendly environment
✅ End-to-end care from diagnosis to recovery
✅ Personalized consultation and follow-up
Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, want to explore non-surgical options, or have been advised hysterectomy but want to avoid it — CVIC is your answer.
FAQs – Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Q1: Is UFE painful?
You may feel mild cramping for a few hours after the procedure. Pain is manageable with medication.
Q2: Will I need stitches?
No. UFE is performed through a tiny puncture. No stitches or surgical cuts.
Q3: Are fibroids gone immediately?
No, they shrink gradually over 2–3 months. Symptom relief begins within weeks.
Q4: Is UFE covered under insurance?
Yes, many insurance policies cover UFE. CVIC’s support staff can help with claims.
Q5: How do I prepare for UFE?
You’ll undergo a basic evaluation, blood tests, and imaging. You may be asked to stop certain medications before the procedure.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Living with fibroids can be exhausting. Don’t suffer in silence. Don’t rush into surgery without exploring all your options.
🌸 With Uterine Fibroid Embolization at CVIC Indore, you can get your life back — without losing your uterus, without surgery, and without long downtime.
📍 Contact CVIC Indore Today
CVIC – Central Vascular & Interventional Clinic
Near Bombay Hospital, Vijay Nagar, Indore – 452010
📞 +91-8103727728
📧 info@cvicindore.com
📅 Book a personalized consultation and screening today.
