Do You Really Need a Hysterectomy for Fibroids?

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, chances are your doctor may have mentioned hysterectomy as a treatment option. While this surgical procedure can eliminate fibroids by removing the uterus entirely, it’s not the only choice, and for many women, it may not be the best one. Understanding your options, including non-surgical treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), is essential when making decisions about your reproductive health.

What Are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, and frequent urination. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 70% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, with African American women experiencing them more frequently and severely.

The Truth About Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. Each year, more than half a million hysterectomies are performed for uterine fibroids alone, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, it’s a major surgery that comes with risks, a lengthy recovery period, and permanent loss of fertility. For women seeking to preserve their uterus or avoid surgery altogether, a hysterectomy may feel like an extreme solution.

Younger patients have higher rates of regret when it comes to hysterectomy MedPage Today (9/23, Robertson) reports, “Patients who had a hysterectomy at age 30 or younger had higher rates of regret compared with those who had the procedure after 30, a survey-based retrospective cohort study found.”

Hysterectomy Alternative: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Fortunately, there’s a hysterectomy alternative that is both safe and effective: uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). An interventional radiologist performs this minimally invasive procedure, which blocks the blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.

Clinical studies support the effectiveness of UFE. A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 85% to 90% of women experienced significant symptom relief after undergoing UFE. The recovery time is typically 7 to 10 days, compared to the 6 to 8 weeks required for a hysterectomy.

Benefits of UFE Over Hysterectomy

• Minimally invasive: No major surgery, stitches, or hospital stay required
• Uterus-sparing: Ideal for women who wish to preserve their fertility
• Faster recovery: Get back to normal life within days, not weeks
• Lower risk: Fewer complications and a reduced risk of infection

Is UFE Right for You?

Many women with fibroids are candidates for UFE, but many never hear about it. If you’ve been told that hysterectomy is your only option, consider getting a second opinion from a specialist in interventional radiology. You deserve to know all of your options.

When it comes to treating fibroids, a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. While hysterectomy may be appropriate in some cases, many women find relief through less invasive methods. If you’re searching for a hysterectomy alternative, uterine fibroid embolization offers a proven, uterus-preserving solution worth exploring.

If you have fibroids, contact North Star Fibroid Clinic and discover why we are among Minnesota’s leading specialists in the treatment of fibroids.