Non-Surgical Uterine Fibroid Treatment (UFE) in Cary, NC

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that form in the muscular tissues of the uterus. While fibroids are not life-threatening, they can cause significant symptoms, including:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Bloating
  • Fertility issues

Fibroids are extremely common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50, although not all women experience symptoms. For those who do, untreated fibroids can grow over time, leading to more severe symptoms.

Various types of uterine fibroids, including submucosal, subserosal, and intramural fibroids structure diagram.

Why Choose Vascular Tree for UFE?

  • 60+ years of combined clinical experience
  • Leaders in UFE for 16+ years – First free-standing outpatient UFE center
  • Minimally invasive – 30-minute procedure, one small bandage
  • Over 95% success rate
  • Preserves fertility – A non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy
  • Effective for postmenopausal fibroid pain – UFE provides lasting relief
looking at fibroids through microscope
Fibroids
looking at Uterine fibroid left through microscope
Uterine fibroid left

What causes uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but factors believed to play a role include:

Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations may stimulate fibroid growth.

Genetics

A family history of fibroids increases your risk.

Unfortunately, these factors are largely beyond individual control.

Who is at risk for uterine fibroids?

Several factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing uterine fibroids, including:

Age

Most commonly diagnosed between ages 30 and 50. 

Weight

Obesity raises the likelihood of developing fibroids.

Ethnicity

African-American women are more likely to experience fibroids than women of other ethnicities.

Diet

High red meat consumption may increase risk, while leafy greens and fruits can help lower it.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Common symptoms of fibroids include:
  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Recurring pelvic pain, often mistaken for menstrual cramps
  • Bloating in the lower abdomen
  • Frequent or sudden urge to urinate
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Lower back pain
  • Fertility problems or pregnancy complications

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids can develop in different parts of the uterus, and their location determines the type:

Pedunculated Fibroids

Grow on a stem-like structure attached to the uterus.

Subserosal Fibroids

Develop along the outer wall of the uterus.

Intramural Fibroids

The most common type, growing within the uterine wall.

Submucosal Fibroids

Develop within the uterine wall’s submucosal layer and may impact the uterine cavity.

Illustration of uterine fibroids, myoma, uterine leiomyomas. There are cervical canal, cervix, vagina, pedunculated, intracavitary, submucosal, subserosal fibroid.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Uterine fibroids are often discovered during a routine gynecological exam, as recommended annually by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). If fibroids are suspected, diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound or pelvic MRI may be used to confirm their presence and assess their size and location.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

There are several options for treating uterine fibroids. The goal is to eliminate symptoms like heavy bleeding, cramping, infertility, or pelvic pain.

If you suspect you may have a fibroid, your provider will evaluate you through an ultrasound or MRI and talk about your situation. It is helpful to be on the same page, especially if you need to monitor the growth and location to curb any side effects.

You don’t have to choose between the pelvic pain caused by fibroids and expensive or invasive surgery. In fact, most treatment for fibroids is nonsurgical.

Nonsurgical Fibroid Treatment Options

  • Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Birth control pills
  • Heating pads, ice packs, pain relievers
  • Warm baths or showers

Surgical Treatment Options

  • Myomectomy – removal of the fibroids but retaining the uterus
  • Hysterectomy – removal of all or part of the uterus

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

One popular non-surgical treatment option is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). You may be a candidate if you are experiencing uterine fibroids and want to retain your uterus. It is a less-invasive procedure than surgery and has proven very effective in shrinking fibroids.

Once in place, microsphere particles or beads are injected into the small arteries supplying the fibroids. This effectively cuts off the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to die and gradually shrink. This is called embolization and is a global treatment, meaning it targets all fibroids regardless of their number or location.

Medical illustration showing Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) with a catheter inserted in the femoral artery to the uterine artery, delivering particles to block blood flow to fibroids in the uterus.

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization Process

  • You will receive medication help you relax
  • Our specialist will numb your skin
  • A tiny catheter is placed into the uterine artery
  • Small beads are placed into the fibroid artery
  • The catheter is removed
  • Bandage is applied
  • Rest and recover at home

UFE is also an option if your doctor thinks you are a poor candidate for surgery due to obesity or other risk factors. UFE can help you get your life back without any scarring, surgical risk, general anesthesia or hospital stay.

Benefits of UFE

  • No scarring
  • No surgical risk
  • No general anesthesia
  • No hospital stay
  • No stitches
  • No bleeding
  • Retain fertility
  • Relieve pain symptoms
  • Return to activities in two to seven days.

According the California Fibroid Center, 90 percent of women do not need surgery after UFE.

When should I seek help?

We are highly trained to meet your needs. We know how difficult it can be to live with fibroids. You can trust us to properly diagnose, manage symptoms, and treat your fibroids. Women from all over the area have come to us to get relief.

We can help you understand your imaging and labs and discuss which options are best for you. Pelvic pain and fibroids can be a burden on you and those you love. It can be confusing and feel like a burden, but with a few steps, you can start getting the relief you deserve.

With so many treatment options available, you can get the outcomes you deserve. We will talk with you to find the right one for you.

Give us a call to talk to our specialists. We can help you get the relief from fibroids you deserve.