Menstrual disorders are not just about suffering from a hard cycle. There are some cases where the flow is so abundant that it affects women’s performance at work, sleep cycles, and activities. Moreover, there is iron deficiency, and anemia can be caused by excessive bleeding. One of the factors that can result in heavy menstrual flow is the formation of uterine fibroids – benign growths that develop in or on the uterus.
Uterine fibroids are common, but most women have them without experiencing any signs. In case of symptoms, the most common ones are heavy or prolonged menstrual flow. Fibroid embolization for heavy periods is a modern option for this problem. It is an effective procedure for women suffering from heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Also called uterine artery embolization or UAE, it can bring relief for those who have other related problems with fibroids.
But it might not be suitable for everyone, and this kind of procedure involves certain factors like the fibroids’ size, location, symptoms, age, and possible pregnancy. This article explains fibroid embolization in detail and how it treats the heavy bleeding problem in women.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous tumors mainly made up of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue. They can occur in various sites within the uterus. Major symptoms of fibroids are:
- Heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Cramping and pelvic pain
- Bloating and enlargement of abdomen
- Frequent urination when a fibroid presses on the bladder
- Pain during intercourse in some women
- Fertility problems
According to NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), it is essential to evaluate not only the volume and duration of the bleeding but also other symptoms and the influence of the condition on the quality of life.
What Is Fibroid Embolization?
Fibroid Embolization is a treatment procedure used to reduce the blood flow to fibroids. In this process, an interventional radiologist enters a thin catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. Small particles are then delivered into these blood vessels.
These particles decrease the blood supply to the fibroids and lead to a reduction in their size. It is a good alternative for women who require an intervention without removing the uterus. Here is a simple treatment outline of fibroid embolization for heavy periods:
Fibroid → Reduced blood supply → Fibroid gradually shrinks → Symptoms may improve
The procedure is generally performed through a blood vessel accessed near the groin or wrist, depending on the technique used by the treating specialist.
Does Fibroid Embolization Actually Reduce Heavy Bleeding?
According to recent research, uterine artery embolization has demonstrated considerable improvement in reducing the symptoms of heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, with success rates ranging from 79% to 98.5% of cases.
For women suffering from fibroids 3 cm or larger, a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment. Depending on the individual case, this may include medication, uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy. In some cases, additional investigations, such as a biopsy test, may be recommended to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding and rule out other underlying conditions. When choosing a treatment modality, factors such as the size, number, and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s preferences should be considered.
Compared with other treatment options, fibroid embolization for heavy periods is relatively simple, minimally invasive, and generally associated with less pain. The table below compares different treatment options with fibroid embolization.
| Treatment | What it does | Uterus retained? |
| Medication | Controls bleeding and/or hormonal activity | Yes |
| Fibroid Embolization (UAE) | Reduces blood supply to fibroids | Yes |
| Myomectomy | Surgically removes fibroids | Yes |
| Hysterectomy | Complete removal of the uterus | No |
Benefits of Fibroid Embolization
For appropriately selected patients, Fibroid Embolization offers several potential advantages:
- It is minimally invasive compared with major surgery.
- The uterus is retained.
- Multiple fibroids can be treated during one procedure.
- It can improve heavy bleeding as well as pressure and pain symptoms.
- Recovery can be quicker than with some major surgical procedures.
- It provides an alternative for women who do not want hysterectomy.
Evidence comparing fibroid embolization with surgery has also found short-term advantages such as shorter hospital stays and quicker return to work.
How Quickly Does Fibroid Embolization Reduce Heavy Bleeding?
Fibroid embolization for heavy periods typically does not immediately stop heavy menstrual periods. As the procedure lowers the amount of blood supply to the fibroids, they slowly start shrinking. Patients begin noticing that their periods become lighter within the first menstrual period, but this depends on the number, size, location, and severity of the fibroids.
This process usually takes time; some women may take longer before they begin seeing results from the treatment, while some will see results soon after the procedure. If the woman does not start noticing improvement in her heavy periods even after the procedure, she should seek medical attention.
Precautions and Possible Limitations
Although Fibroid Embolization for heavy periods is considered effective treatment for reducing symptoms, it shouldn’t be considered a procedure without risks. While undergoing the process of treatment, certain problems can occur, such as pelvic disruption and cramping, infection, complications at the catheter entry point, as well as effects on adjacent tissues.
Patients need to know that the symptoms may not be completely alleviated and therefore careful consideration should be taken.
Important precautions before treatment
- Do proper imaging: Before moving towards treatment procedures, an ultrasound evaluation of the uterus or fibroids should be done, and an MRI may also be utilized to detect the fibroid size and location of the fibroids.
- Consulting about fertility: Women who are considering future pregnancies should discuss it with healthcare providers and then plan it according to their condition.
- Evaluate fibroid features: The quantity, size, and placement of fibroids can affect the suitability of embolization as a treatment option.
- Explore alternatives: A gynecologist and interventional radiologist can assist in comparing fibroid embolization with medication, myomectomy, or other treatment options.
Conclusion
The use of fibroid embolization for heavy periods is highly useful treatment option, and the current evidence supports this form of treatment as an effective and minimally invasive treatment for women with excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. Nonetheless, treatment decisions should not be based solely on symptoms. Factors such as the size, location, and number of fibroids, overall health, past treatments, and particularly future pregnancy intentions must all be taken into account.
Fibroid embolization can serve as an effective alternative to surgical options for heavy periods, but the most reliable course of action is to explore all available choices with both a gynecologist and a skilled interventional radiologist.
