– Multiple Treatment Options Available
– July Observed as Fibroid Awareness Month
– Dr. Arjun Reddy, Co-founder of RIVEA Vascular Institute and Interventional Radiologist
Among the many health issues faced by women, uterine fibroids are one of the most common yet often overlooked problems. Globally, they affect 30-40% of women between the ages of 25 to 50. Research shows that the incidence is even higher among Indian women. These fibroids often go undiagnosed and untreated.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, bloating, and frequent urination. However, many women ignore these signs and avoid seeking treatment, leading to complications that sometimes result in hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).
Fibroids can distort the shape of the uterus, preventing embryo implantation. Their location and size can affect blood supply to the uterine lining, block fallopian tubes, impact ovulation, fertilization, and fetal growth. They may also lead to miscarriage, preterm delivery, or complications during labor.
Fibroids range in size from microscopic to larger than a grape. Besides affecting reproductive health, they also disrupt day-to-day life, productivity, relationships, and fertility. Not all fibroids require treatment, but around 25% of women experience severe symptoms that demand medical intervention, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Traditional Treatments and Their Challenges
The most common treatments include hysterectomy and myomectomy. However, both involve major surgery and longer recovery periods. A hysterectomy eliminates the possibility of future pregnancies and can lead to long-term issues, especially if done at a younger age—such as pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, or organ prolapse. If the ovaries are affected, it can cause hormonal imbalance, reducing quality of life.
What’s the Ideal Solution?
A globally recognized, minimally invasive, and safe alternative is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE helps preserve reproductive health and avoids long-term complications. When performed before the fibroids severely damage the uterus, UFE can offer excellent fertility outcomes.
What is UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an image-guided, non-surgical treatment performed by interventional radiologists. A thin catheter is used to block the blood vessels that feed the fibroids, causing them to shrink, while leaving the uterus unharmed.
Benefits Compared to Traditional Surgery
Effectiveness: 85–90% of women experience significant symptom relief after UFE.
Recovery Time: Most patients return home within 24 hours and resume light activities within 7–10 days.
Safety: Complication rates are under 1%, making UFE a safe option.
Fertility: UFE preserves the uterus, making it ideal for women who wish to have children.
Why Awareness is Crucial
Despite its many benefits, UFE remains underutilized in India. Many women undergo unnecessary myomectomies or hysterectomies simply because they are not informed of alternative options.
July is Fibroid Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to understand your options. Severe period pain, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and heavy menstrual bleeding are not “normal” signs. They are early indicators—prompting women to seek non-surgical solutions like UFE before it’s too late.
About RIVEA Vascular Institute: We prioritize awareness, early detection, and patient-centered treatments. Our interventional radiology team is highly skilled in advanced procedures like UFE, ensuring faster recovery and preserving fertility with evidence-based solutions.