At Vascular Tree, Cary’s premier center for advanced vascular care, we believe in empowering women through access to knowledge, choice, and compassionate, minimally invasive treatments. Uterine fibroids, though extremely common, are often under-discussed. That’s why July—Fibroid Awareness Month—is so important.
By the age of 50, up to 70% women will develop fibroids. While many women have no symptoms, others face disruptive challenges like pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, infertility, and fatigue. For some, fibroids interfere with work, relationships, and everyday life.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus, made up of muscle and connective tissue. They can vary in size—from a few millimeters to the size of a grapefruit—and grow in different parts of the uterus. Symptoms vary but commonly include:
- Heavy, prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination or urinary incontinence
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation or bloating
- Infertility or miscarriage
If you’re experiencing any of these, you’re not alone—and you have options.
A Minimally Invasive Alternative: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Traditionally, treatment options for fibroids included hormone therapy, myomectomy (surgical fibroid removal), or hysterectomy. But for many women, especially those seeking to avoid surgery, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive alternative.
At Vascular Tree, UFE is performed by our board-certified vascular interventional radiologists, Dr. Stephen Loehr, Dr. William Pechter, and Dr. Peter Bream, Jr. This outpatient procedure uses advanced imaging to guide a catheter into the uterine arteries, where tiny particles are injected to block the blood flow feeding the fibroids, causing them to die and shrink.
Why Women Choose UFE at Vascular Tree:
- No surgery or stitches
- Quick recovery—typically back to normal activity in under a week
- Performed under light sedation
- Preserves the uterus
Get Involved: Support Fibroid Awareness
Fibroid Awareness Month is not only about education—it’s about advocacy and community. One leading organization, The White Dress Project, is fighting to raise awareness, support legislation, and increase research funding for fibroid care. You can get involved by:
- Following advocacy groups on social media
- Participating in local or virtual fibroid awareness events
- Sharing your story to help others feel less alone
- Encouraging loved ones to explore all their treatment options
Ask the Right Questions
Women are often told that hysterectomy is the only solution—but that’s no longer the case. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, don’t hesitate to ask:
- Is surgery my only option?
- Am I a candidate for UFE?
- What are the recovery times for different treatments?
- Will this affect my fertility or hormone levels?
At Vascular Tree, we’re here to answer those questions honestly and help guide you toward the right solution for your body and your goals.
Let’s Raise Awareness—Together
Together, we can make sure women nationwide know that minimally invasive options like UFE exist—and that they deserve to be heard, supported, and respected in their treatment journey.
Contact Vascular Tree in Cary, NC today to speak with a member of our compassionate care team.
