When our patients at Fibroid Institute Texas rave about their experience with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), the first thing they naturally mention is that they are symptom-free. No more irregular periods. No more debilitating cramping and a laundry list of other symptoms. They are back to living life the way they want, and they are elated to have chosen an alternative treatment option versus fibroid removal with surgery such as hysterectomy. In many ways, Kasia was no different. When we interviewed her six months after her procedure, she said the abdominal pain and pressure were gone; the same was true for her once-heavy periods. But one benefit she pointed to that doesn’t get mentioned enough was that her sex life had improved dramatically.
In a short but candid interview, Kasia revealed that her desire to be intimate with her partner had been noticeably infrequent because of her painful uterine fibroids. The act itself hurt. She also admitted to feeling less attractive because of constant bloating and a “bulge down there” that was uncomfortable. That cycle played itself out over and over, resulting in an increasingly sexless marriage.
She was confident that UFE would be her best path forward, and that faith was rewarded with a new lease on life.
“I feel wonderful—[UFE] has really changed my life. There is no question in my mind that I made the best decision for myself—not only in having the embolization done but also where to have it done. Thank you so much. This was really wonderful. I felt taken care of.”
Kasia’s Fibroid Symptoms
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Bad cramping
Bloating
Abdominal pressure
Reduced sex drive
Losing Touch With Your Sex Life Can Be a Frustrating Fibroid Symptom
Of all the ways fibroids negatively impact a woman’s life, a decreased sex drive is under-discussed yet frustrating. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. Before fibroid removal, they can grow inside, outside, and within the uterine walls. They can also grow as large as a melon and, when coupled with their location, place extreme pressure on the uterus and cause pain at the point of penetration and deep in the vagina. This is especially true if any grow close to the cervix.
- Small Fibroids — Between 1 cm and 5 cm. Basically, the size of a small seed to a cherry.
- Medium Fibroids — Between 5 cm to 10 cm. Can be the size of a lime or lemon to an orange.
- Large Fibroids — Fibroids are considered large if they exceed 10 cm. Many women and their doctors compare them to the size of a mango, grapefruit, watermelon, or even a small pumpkin.
As a result, the symptoms women experience can make their sex life painful and feel impossible. In one study, 23.5% of women with fibroids reported painful sex compared to 9.1% without the diagnosis. Beyond the painful aspects of having sex, there is also the emotional impact. Another study by Johns Hopkins University found that the psychological and social burden of the condition is comparable to that of heart disease, diabetes, or breast cancer, suggesting that fibroids affect a woman’s quality of life both physically and emotionally.
In one study, 23.5% of women with fibroids reported painful sex compared to 9.1% without the diagnosis.
Furthermore, researchers were quoted as saying that, “the condition may become a disability in terms of bodily pain, mental health, social functioning, and satisfaction with sex life.” We know this to be true since fibroids are under hormonal control and tend to grow faster during the reproductive years when hormonal levels are at their highest.
This can lead to emotional difficulties before fibroid removal, including but not limited to the following:
Body image
Some women may not want to have sex or show their body because they feel bloated and less attractive. As a result, they may go through prolonged periods of low self-esteem.
Relationships
A woman’s sex life can also be impacted because she feels nervous talking about her issues with her partner. Consequently, her partner will feel a loss of connection, leading to further strain on the relationship.
Feelings of hopelessness
When your sex life is first impacted, it is difficult to understand what is going on. As a result, it is easy to start feeling as if you have no control over your feelings, emotions, and painful symptoms.
Sexual unpredictability
Sometimes, sex is good. Other times, it’s not. Because of this unpredictability, it can be difficult emotionally to understand how their bodies and relationships will be impacted long-term.
A study by Johns Hopkins University found that the psychological and social burden of uterine fibroids is comparable to that of heart disease, diabetes, or breast cancer, suggesting that fibroids affect a woman’s quality of life both physically and emotionally.
Kasia more than verified that the emotional impact of fibroids can run deep. As her fibroid symptoms increased in intensity, and her body changed due to bloating and weight gain, she admitted to not feeling attractive. She could not stop thinking about her supposed inadequacies in terms of physical appearance.
“I have more of a sex drive now [that those feelings aren’t holding me back emotionally],” Kasia said.
UFE Could Reduce Fibroid Symptoms, Improve Sex Life
Our team at Fibroid Institute Texas believes in the UFE procedure. After all, this is what we do all day, every day. And it has led to thousands of positive outcomes for women across the country. While we cannot guarantee that your sex life will be better than it was before fibroids as a result of choosing UFE over fibroid removal, Kasia’s testimonial is proof that positive change is possible and that your sex life can return to what it was before interrupted by fibroids. After all, the goal of UFE is to cut off blood flow to all fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.
The result of UFE is no more painful or debilitating symptoms, which can, in turn, help other areas of life—emotional and physical. As opposed to fibroid removal through invasive surgical methods, interventional radiologists insert a small catheter into the radial artery at the wrist. They use X-ray guidance to locate the vessels that supply blood to your fibroids, then inject tiny particles to block blood flow to the fibroids. You have less pain and quicker recovery time than surgery, all while reducing your fibroid symptoms.
Just a few advantages of UFE at Fibroid Institute include:
- Innovative, advanced procedure
- Covered by most medical insurance
- No hospital stay
- Shorter recovery (one week in some cases)
- No blood loss or scarring
- All fibroids treated at the same time
- Dramatic reduction in fibroid symptoms
- Keep your uterus
- Concierge-level medical care
- Access to your fibroid doctor’s mobile number
UFE is the treatment of choice for our qualified patients because it treats all fibroids simultaneously. Therefore, there is no need to worry about limitations based on your unique fibroid size, location, or growth rate. We hope that by continuing to share accurate information, whether through these blog articles or in person with our current or prospective patients, we can help women stay informed in the right ways.
Fibroid Institute Believes in UFE as the Alternative To Fibroid Removal
Women with fibroids are quick to share their experiences, especially as it relates to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and longer than usual menstrual cycles. But one of the overlooked topics related to fibroids and fibroid removal is the impact those symptoms can have on a woman’s sex life, sex drive, and emotional stability. Simply put, symptoms can be life-altering—to the point where sex may be extremely painful and feel impossible. While every woman’s fibroid removal journey is different, UFE is has become the gold standard for fibroid treatment—not just because it eliminates the threat of surgery, but also because it treats all fibroids simultaneously and gives women a new lease on life.
Very few practices across the country are dedicated 100% to fibroid treatment. That is where Fibroid Institute Texas makes its mark. The concierge model at Fibroid Institute means patients get personalized and complete care from the initial consultation through post-procedure follow-ups. UFE patients can access their fibroid doctor’s mobile number to call or text with questions and concerns.
Most major medical insurance providers cover the cost of UFE. Request a free 10-15 minute phone screening to determine if you are eligible. After the screening, if you qualify for UFE, you can schedule your onsite or telehealth consultation. With multiple locations, our Dallas and Houston fibroid clinics help thousands of women avoid fibroid surgery and find relief from their fibroid symptoms.
Get started now in Dallas by calling 214-838-6440, in Houston by calling 713-903-3733, or complete the form below. We are dedicated to helping you become #FibroidFree.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Prior to starting any new treatment or if you have questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
Fibroid Institute Texas serves the Houston and Dallas metro areas including Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Frisco, Craig Ranch, McKinney, Allen, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, Arlington, Hutchins, Irving, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Cockrell Hill, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Dallas, Sherman, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Clear Lake, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
*Patient names and/or photos may be changed to protect patient confidentiality.
