PELVIC DISEASE
Uterine Fibroids
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, sometimes referred to as leiomyomas, or myomas, are very common benign growths in the uterus. They are noncancerous and do not lead to an increased risk of cancer.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Fibroids are very common and range from very small in (the size of a pea) to very large (the size of a grapefruit). Generally the larger the fibroid the more likely you are to have symptoms which may include:
Heavy bleeding during periods
Irregular bleeding between periods
Pelvic pain and back pain
Urinating often or difficulty emptying your bladder
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are often found incidentally during routine pelvic exams or ultrasound performed for other reasons such as pregnancy. Common diagnostic studies to better evaluate fibroids include ultrasound and MRI.
How are fibroids treated?
Treatment options may include waiting or medications similar to bright control which may shrink fibroids over time. For larger fibroids or symptoms that are moderate or severe, there are many available options. Some of these involve surgery or an operation performed by your OB/Gyn physician and involve resecting or surgically removing the fibroids which often requires overnight staying in the hospital and general anesthesia where you are paralyzed and have a breathing tube placed in your airway.
At Inland Imaging we offer an effective and minimally invasive procedure known as uterine fibroid embolization. This is performed through a tiny hole in your artery where we can seal off the vessels supplying the fibroids which results in them shrinking and symptoms improving.
Potential advantages include:
No major incision
One day procedure with no overnight hospital stay
No need for general anesthesia
What if I want to become pregnant?
Older medical studies have suggested uterine fibroid embolization may impact your ability to become pregnant. However newer studies have shown pregnancy is definitely possible after uterine fibroid embolization and some studies suggest an increase in fertility after the procedure.
References:
João M. Pisco, Marisa Duarte, Tiago Bilhim, Jorge Branco, Fernando Cirurgião, Marcela Forjaz, Lúcia Fernandes, José Pereira, Nuno Costa, Joana B. M. Pisco, António G. Oliveira. Spontaneous Pregnancy with a Live Birth after Conventional and Partial Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Radiology, 2017; 161495 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2017161495
Raikhlin A, Baerlocher MO, Asch MR. Uterine fibroid embolization: CME update for family physicians. Can Fam Physician. 2007;53(2):250-256.
Spies JB. Current evidence on uterine embolization for fibroids. Semin Intervent Radiol. 2013;30(4):340-346. doi:10.1055/s-0033-1359727
NEXT STEPS
Patients can undergo uterine fibroid embolization at our state-of-the-art outpatient-based interventional laboratory in Spokane, WA at Holy Family Hospital. If you feel uterine fibroid embolization is right for you or have questions please contact the Interventional Radiology team and Inland Imaging:
You may also discuss this with your Primary Care Provider or Gynecologist and we will be happy to work with them throughout the referral process.