Frequently Asked Questions
We hope you find these commonly asked questions helpful. If you have a question that you don’t see an answer to, please contact us.
Treating Fibroids
No, if you don’t have any symptoms from your fibroids, they can be left alone.
Yes. Some medicines can temporarily relieve symptoms. An endometrial ablation can improve heavy bleeding. And UFE can resolve many or all fibroid symptoms.
Your fibroids will continue to grow until you go through menopause. If they never cause you problems, you can ignore them. If you are a young woman (in your 30s) and already have large fibroids, it may be wise to take care of them before they get bigger and more difficult to treat.
UFE Candidates
At the first visit, the doctor or nurse practitioner will clarify your medical history from the forms you fill out before the visit. If you are at our office, we will do a quick physical exam (all your clothes stay on). We will explain how the UFE procedure goes, describe the symptoms you’ll have after the UFE, and tell you the risks involved. Then we’ll answer any questions you still have. At that point, if you are interested in having the UFE procedure, we will order an MRI to see if you are a candidate.
The initial evaluation for UFE is through a consultation with one of our fibroid experts to review your medical history and physical exam. After that, we’ll help you schedule an MRI.
If you already had your MRI beforehand, then you will have a consultation with one of the fibroid doctors.
Whether you have a consultation first or MRI first, either way you must have MRI results before your we schedule your UFE procedure.
Yes, UFE will treat every fibroid in the uterus at once.
Fibroids and Pregnancy
Most women with fibroids are easily able to get pregnant and have babies without any problems. However, large or multiple fibroids can be a source of infertility.
It is possible to have a normal pregnancy, normal delivery, and normal baby after having the procedure. There is a small amount of evidence that suggests a slightly higher miscarriage rate if you have a UFE. If eligible to have another treatment for your fibroids, that may something to consider until further data is available about pregnancy after UFE. However, if a woman has been told that hysterectomy is her only treatment option and she wants to avoid fibroid surgery, we are available to discuss the possibility of UFE with her.
UFE Success
UFE relieves fibroid-related symptoms 90% of the time.
UFE blocks blood flow to the fibroids and causes them to shrink over several months. You can expect to see the full effect within 3 to 6 months of the procedure.
Once you have a UFE, your fibroids will shrink and won’t return. But you could form new fibroids. If you’re in your 30s and have 20 years before menopause, it’s possible to grow new fibroids. If you’re close to menopause due to your age, it’s very unlikely you will develop a big enough fibroid that would cause symptoms.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a surgery in which the fibroids are removed but the uterus is left in place.
Myomectomy is the procedure of choice for a woman who wants to get pregnant in the future.
Watch the short videos below for common questions answered by our Founder and Medical Director, Dr. Suzanne Slonim, a top Dallas fibroid doctor: