Imagine All the Possibilities with a Fibroid Free Future

Our revolutionary, minimally invasive approach to treating uterine fibroids provides relief from painful symptoms, allowing patients to regain control of their health, and restoring hope for a brighter tomorrow.

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About Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that affect 25 to 45 percent of women in the United States, sometimes resulting in debilitating pain and fertility issues. While surgery was previously the primary treatment for uterine fibroids, new techniques, like the cutting edge, non-surgical procedures offered at ARA Health in Asheville, NC offer a multitude of advantages.

Request a consultation with our specialist by calling 828.436.5500 or filling out our scheduling form.

What To Look For

Some women may not know they have uterine fibroids if symptoms are not present. However, there are some fibroids that can come with tell-tale signs, including:

  • Excessive or painful bleeding during periods and/or bleeding longer than one week
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Pelvic pressure or pain, especially during intercourse
  • Frequent urination
  • Low back pain
  • Constipation
  • Chronic vaginal discharge
  • Increased abdominal enlargement or a feeling of fullness or bloating

There are four main types of fibroids that can affect women: intramural, subserosal, submucosal, or pedunculated. A woman might have one or more of these types of fibroids, and while some may not cause any symptoms, others can be quite troublesome. Moreover, certain types of fibroids can potentially hinder conception, lead to pregnancy loss, or raise the risk of pregnancy-related complications.

Am I at Risk?

The following risk factors impact your chances of developing uterine fibroids:

  • Age. Fibroids typically affect reproductive age/pre-menopausal women.
  • Race. Black women are more likely to develop fibroids, typically starting at a younger age and developing more fibroids that tend to be larger in size and bring more severe symptoms.
  • Heredity. Women whose female relatives had uterine fibroids are at an increased risk.
  • Early menstruation. Starting your period at an earlier age increases your risk for fibroids.
  • Diet. Women with diets that are higher in red meat and lower in vegetables, fruit, and dairy are more likely to develop fibroids. Drinking alcohol and/or being obese can also contribute.
  • Vitamin D deficiency.

Innovative Treatment with Lasting Results: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

UFE Photo 1Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE), begins with a small incision made in the groin area or wrist. This allows the interventional radiologist (IR) to access the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids.

Using specialized X-ray equipment, the IR inserts a catheter (a small tube) through the incision and guides it to the uterine artery, near the location of the fibroid tumor. Once the catheter reaches the fibroid site, small spheres called embolic material are injected through the catheter into the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. This process cuts off the oxygenated blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. The embolic material remains in the blood vessels at the fibroid site permanently.

UFE Photo 1The catheter is then repositioned to the other side of the uterus to repeat the embolization procedure on the other uterine artery. Once the IR completes embolization on both sides, the catheter is gently removed. The entire UFE treatment typically takes less than one hour to complete.

In addition to preserved fertility and a short recovery, UFE has outstanding long term results, meaning often no further treatments or repeated interventions are usually necessary.

Are You a Candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization? Take our Quiz!

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a transformative procedure for women seeking long term relief from burdensome uterine fibroids. To find out if you may be a candidate, take our quiz below:

Have you been diagnosed with uterine fibroids through medical imaging such as an ultrasound or MRI?

Are you bothered by symptoms that interfere with your daily life – such as bloating, frequent urination, heavy periods or pain?

Have treatment options, such as medication or hormonal therapy, failed to provide adequate relief of your symptoms?

Do you want to have children in the future?

Do you want to avoid taking hormones or going through early menopause

Are you worried about complications, such as pain or infection?

Would you prefer to go through a minimally invasive procedure instead of major surgery – even if it means I may have to undergo surgery again?

Would a shorter recovery time be better for your lifestyle?

If you answered yes to three or more of these questions, you may be eligible to undergo UFE. Request a consultation with our specialist by calling 828.436.5500 or filling out our scheduling form.