What is a uterine fibroid tumor?

Fibroid tumors are benign (non-cancerous) growths that appear on the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common tumors of the female genital tract. You may hear them called other names like leiomyoma, leiomyomata, or myoma. They range in size from microscopic tumors to masses that fill the entire abdominal cavity. In some cases, fibroids
can be as large as a 5-month pregnancy. Uterine fibroids can affect women of all ages but are most common in women ages 40 to 50. In most cases, there is more than one fibroid in the uterus. Fibroids consist of dense, fibrous tissue (hence the name “fibroid”) and are nourished and sustained by a series of blood vessels.

Uterine fibroids cause different symptoms, depending on their number and where they are located in the uterus. There are three different classifications: intramural uterine fibroids, submucosal uterine fibroids and subserosal uterine fibroids.

Intramural uterine fibroids are located in the wall of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroids. They cause the uterus to become enlarged and can cause pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain and pressure.

Submucosal uterine fibroids are located inside the lining of the uterus and protrude inward. These cause heavy bleeding and heavy, prolonged periods.

Subserosal uterine fibroids are located outside the lining of the uterus and protrude outward. They have less of an effect on your period but may cause back pain or pressure. The subserosal fibroid can also grow on a stalk attached to the uterus, in which case it is called “pendunculated.” The stalk may become twisted and can cause severe pelvic pain.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

The most important mistake to avoid is committing to a procedure without exploring your options. We’ve treated countless women whose doctors told them hysterectomy was their only choice. Many of those women have since had babies and live comfortable, fibroid-free lives, thanks to Dr. McLucas and uterine fibroid embolization. Another mistake is to sit tight and hope that fibroid pain will get better. It rarely does, and you’re sacrificing your quality of life for a dim hope. Why not take an active role in your healthcare and schedule a consultation that could change everything for the better? Schedule a consultation with Dr. McLucas to get answers to all your questions about fibroids and embolization.

Why is Uterine Fibroid Embolization my best choice?

When it comes to treating fibroids, uterine fibroid embolization has offered some of the best outcomes with the least side effects and the fastest recovery period. It’s a nonsurgical procedure that requires only a few days of rest for a lifetime of fibroid-free living. Schedule a consultation to learn if it’s right for you.

How does Uterine Fibroid Embolization Work?

Uterine artery embolization (UAE), also called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), is a non-surgical endovascular procedure performed under light sedation (no general anesthesia) on an outpatient basis. Dr. McLucas makes a small nick in the groin and inserts a catheter into the arteries on both sides of the uterus—the arteries that supply blood for the fibroids in most patients who suffer from uterine fibroids. He injects tiny particles about the size of a grain of sand to block the blood supply. Deprived of blood, the fibroids begin to shrink.

What Should I Expect?

Recovery time after uterine fibroid embolization usually consists of an overnight hospital stay, mostly to monitor pain with pain medications. Most women return to light activities and work within a week. After embolization, bleeding stops immediately in most patients, and fibroids shrink gradually to about 50% within 6 months.

Do I need to have a hysterectomy?

Most women’s fibroids can be resolved with nonsurgical uterine fibroid embolization. Many doctors steer their patients toward hysterectomy because it’s the only treatment option with which they are familiar. The truth is, embolization is simpler and safer. Before you commit to a serious surgery like hysterectomy, it’s important that you explore alternatives. Schedule a free consultation to learn whether it’s the best option for you.

Will I still be able to have children?

If you want to have babies any time in the future, you should know that hysterectomy removes that possibility. But you can find relief with your fibroids with the embolization technique, which destroys the fibroids and while preserving your fertility.

Why should I choose Dr. McLucas?

Dr. McLucas helped pioneer the uterine fibroid embolization procedure, so there’s no other Ob/Gyn who’s more knowledgeable or experienced with this safe, nonsurgical procedure. He’s performed thousands of procedures with fantastic results, and he welcomes the opportunity to help change your life for the better.

What should I do next?

Call us now for more information. There’s no such thing as a dumb question. Ask one of our experts, and schedule a consultation to be sure that uterine fibroid embolization is the best option for you. There’s no obligation, so you have everything to gain—including a happy life, free of fibroids.

What are the most common fibroid symptoms?

While not cancerous, uterine fibroids can cause problems. Depending on size, location and number of fibroids, common symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain and pressure
• Excessive bleeding, including prolonged periods and passage of clots, which can lead to anemia
• Abdominal swelling
• Pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urination
• Pressure on the bowel, leading to constipation and bloating
• Infertility

Though very common, most fibroids don’t cause symptoms—only 10 percent to 20 percent require treatment. However, you may experience no symptoms or have mild symptoms but still need treatment.

How do I find out if I have fibroids?

Women usually undergo an ultrasound in their gynecologist’s office as part of the process to determine if fibroids are present. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also used to determine if fibroids can be treated with embolization and provide information about any underlying disease. MRI is the standard imaging technique for evaluating fibroids, because it provides a clearer image than ultrasound and can detect other causes of pelvic pain and/or bleeding you may be experiencing.

Why do I have them?

No one knows. Fibroids affect 40% of women in America over the age of 35 and have a high rate of incidence among African Americans. There is a possible link between uterine fibroid tumors and estrogen production. Fibroids can grow very large during pregnancy, when estrogen levels are high, and can shrink back down after pregnancy. They usually improve in menopause, when estrogen levels decrease.

Enlarged Uterus

Why do fibroids cause an enlarged uterus?

The uterus is designed to expand to accommodate a growing baby. When fibroids develop, the uterus enlarges in response to fibroid growth. Some women notice a distended abdomen similar to premenstrual bloating. Others experience expansion as big as a full-term pregnancy.

Adenomyosis

Occasionally, an enlarged uterus may be the result of adenomyosis, a disease that mimics fibroids. Adenomyosis can only be diagnosed with biopsy and imaging studies.

Can the uterus shrink back?

When fibroids are removed by surgery (myomectomy) or are shrunk by Uterine Fibroid Embolization, the uterus will return to normal size. Unfortunately, myomectomy can damage the uterine lining, impairing fertility. There is also a 30% chance of fibroid regrowth.

Embolization has neither of these problems. As a non-surgical procedure, it also won’t leave scars on the stomach or bikini area.

Is my enlarged uterus from fibroids?

If you think you have an enlarged uterus because of fibroids and you want to be “fibroid free” WITHOUT surgery, you should consider Uterine Fibroid Embolization. We would be glad to answer any questions and provide you with a free phone consultation with the doctor. Please call 1.866.362.6463 or complete our Online Request Form.

Pelvic pain
Numerous conditions can cause pelvic pain. Endometriosis adhesions, infection, overly tense pelvic muscles, and slipped discs can all be the source of pelvic discomfort. A trained physician should recognize subtle differences that may signal another problem. This is why it’s vital to have regular check-ups and a good working relationship with your doctor.

Do symptoms vary?

Fibroid pain may be mild or extreme, constant or just occasional. It can flare up during sexual intercourse, bowel movements, exercise or your period. Pain often radiates down the leg. Discomfort may also result when a fibroid-enlarged uterus puts pressure on adjacent organs, such as the bladder or bowel. A specific type of fibroid, called “pedunculated,” grows on a stalk and causes severe pain if the stalk is twisted.

What are my treatment options?

If your pain is, in fact, being caused by fibroids, there are several avenues of treatment available. Traditional surgeries include:
Myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids through an abdominal incision.
Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus.

There is also a non-surgical treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization that eliminates fibroids by blocking their blood supply. Thousands of women have found permanent relief without surgery by turning to someone like Dr. McLucas with the expertise to perform this safe and effective alternative to surgery for uterine fibroids.

Should I wait until menopause?

While it’s true that the decrease in estrogen associated with menopause can naturally shrink some women’s fibroids, it’s not always the best life strategy. In fact, many women who undergo hormone replacement therapy find that HRT stimulates fibroid growth. If your fibroids are disrupting your ability to enjoy life to the fullest, that’s a long time to wait for “maybe.”