Fibroids. The word "fibroids" can send waves of fear through the woman who recently received a diagnosis. A lot of bleeding, pelvic pressure and fatigue that doesn't seem to ease the burden of uterine fibroids can be exhausting which is why for millions of women around the world seeking relief seems endless. Here's the reality that most women don't hear during their first appointment that surgery isn't the only alternative.

Uterine fibroid embolization is slowly becoming among the top efficient solutions to the problem that has plagued women for ages. Yet, a lot of women continue to go to the hysterectomy clinic without having heard the words.

It's different today.

What Exactly Are Uterine Fibroids?

Before determining the best treatment for you it is important to comprehend the problem. Uterine fibroids are benign, non-cancerous tumors that form within or around the lining that line the inside of your uterus. They can range from tiny seeds to, in some instances they can be as large as similar to the size of a grapefruit. Some women suffer from fibroids for years with no signs. Other women suffer from:

• Menstrual bleeding that is extremely heavy or long-lasting bleeding

• Pelvic pressure and pain

• Frequent urination

• Lower back Pain in the lower back

• The difficulty of conceiving

According to research, as high as 80 percent of women develop fibroids before at least 50. However, there are a few who will have symptoms severe enough to warrant treatment. If they have the condition, finding the best way forward is crucial -not just for health but also for your overall health as well as fertility goals and psychological well-being.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine fibroid embolization, commonly abbreviated as UFE, is a non-surgical process carried out by an interventional radiologist. The aim is simple to cut off circulation of the blood vessels to the fibroids, which causes their size to diminish and eventually die.

Here's how the procedure is explained in plain terms.

A tiny incision which is barely as big as a pinhole located in the groin or wrist. This is where a thin flexible tube known as a catheter is inserted into uterine arteries by using real-time imaging. tiny particles, less than sand grains are released via this catheter to the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. The particles stop blood flow specifically to fibroid tissue. Without blood flow, the fibroids shrink over the next months and weeks.

The process typically takes less than an hour. The majority of women leave within the next day or following one night stay. Compare this with the time of recuperation that are associated with myomectomy or hysterectomy and the reason to consider it becomes clear.

Why Are More Women Choosing UFE Over Traditional Surgery?

The trend towards uterine fibroid embolization isn't a trend, but an actual response to the results and the real experiences of women.

The uterus remains unaltered. For women who would like to keep the uterus -- whether because of fertility issues or due to the fact that they would rather not remove their organs UFE can be a viable alternative. Traditional hysterectomy permanently removes the uterus. UFE isn't.

Recovery is quicker. Most women return to normal activities in between one and two weeks. The majority of surgical options require between four and six weeks of restraint which makes UFE more feasible for mothers who work and women who have children.

It treats multiple fibroids simultaneously. Myomectomy removes individual fibroids surgically. If a woman is suffering from multiple fibroids scattered throughout her abdomen, the surgery gets more difficult. UFE is able to treat all fibroids simultaneously regardless of the amount or their location.

Results last for a long time. Studies show that more than 85-90 percent of women see significant improvement in their symptoms following UFE. Results last several years. The regrowth of fibroids following embolization is less prevalent than women think.

Lower risk of risks and complications. Because there is no general anesthesia nor open incisions the risk profile of UFE is significantly less than major pelvic surgery.

Addressing the Questions Women Ask Most

"Will I still be able to get pregnant after UFE? "

This is the one that is most important to a lot of women, and requires an honest response. UFE is typically not the first option for women whose primary objective is to have a baby in the future, as surgeries like myomectomy are usually preferred in these situations. However, the success of pregnancies following UFE are documented. Each woman's situation is unique and a full discussion with a doctor is crucial prior to making any decisions.

"Is the procedure painful? "

During the procedure itself, local anesthesia and sedation are employed, which ensures that women feel comfortable. Following the procedure, pelvic cramps and discomfort can be expected for about a day or two -- a condition called post-embolization syndrome. It can be treated with prescribed medication and usually goes away rapidly.

"How soon will I see results? "

Fibroids do not disappear overnight. The process of shrinking takes place slowly over a period of three to six months. But, a lot of women report significant improvements in bleeding and other symptoms in the initial few menstrual cycles following the procedure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for UFE?

Uterine fibroid-related embolization can be appropriate for women with fibroids that are symptomatic and want to stay clear of surgical intervention. Most suitable candidates are women who have finished their families or who aren't currently pregnant and who wish to protect the uterus, and want a quicker recovery than surgical alternatives.

Women who have certain fibroid types or underlying vascular issues or with specific fertility goals might require a different approach. A discussion with a skilled interventional radiologist can help you determine if Uterine Fibroid Embolization is the correct choice for you.

Taking the Next Step

Fibroid-related symptoms do need to become typical. The dreadful effects of heavy periods, exhaustion and chronic pelvic pain aren't things you can continue to endure. The evidence-based, effective treatment options are available -- and uterine fibroids embolization has a place in the forefront of that discussion.

If you've been told that surgery is the only option, consider an alternative opinion. Make sure you ask specifically about Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Talk to an interventional radiologist and not the gynecological surgeon. The specialists who carry out embolization are usually the ones who are best placed to determine if you're eligible for the procedure.

Your body. Your choice. Your timeline for recovery.

Women who have gone through this process before you -those who re-entered their lives after two weeks rather than two and those who kept their uterus in check, those who stopped worrying about their menstrual cycles They didn't discover any miracle. They discovered the right data at just the right moment.