Soris Pain & Vascular Institute

Uterine Fibroids

Heavy periods, pelvic pressure, and frequent bathroom trips from uterine fibroids affect daily life for women across the United States. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute offers uterine fibroid embolization as a uterus-preserving alternative to hysterectomy.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

How Fibroids Affect Daily Life

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of smooth muscle and connective tissue that develop within or on the wall of the uterus, ranging in size from microscopic seedlings to large masses that distort the uterine cavity and compress surrounding organs.

Heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks through pads every hour, periods lasting longer than 7 days, and iron-deficiency anemia from chronic blood loss are the most disruptive symptoms. Pelvic pain, bloating, frequent urination, and constipation develop as fibroids press on the bladder and rectum.

Fibroid Location Determines Symptoms

Submucosal fibroids projecting into the uterine cavity cause the heaviest bleeding. Subserosal fibroids on the outer uterine surface create pelvic pressure. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute uses pelvic MRI to map fibroid size, number, and location before recommending treatment.

Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids

Who Develops Fibroids

Fibroids affect up to 70 percent of women by age 50. African American women develop fibroids at higher rates, at younger ages, and with more severe symptoms than other groups.

Family history of fibroids, early menarche, obesity, and vitamin D deficiency each increase risk. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute evaluates patients with symptomatic fibroids regardless of size.

Treatment

Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) delivers microscopic particles through a catheter inserted at the wrist or groin to block the uterine arteries feeding each fibroid. Deprived of blood supply, fibroids shrink over the following months.

Our physicians perform UFE at Soris Pain & Vascular Institute as an outpatient procedure. Recovery takes 1 to 2 weeks compared to 6 weeks for hysterectomy. The uterus remains intact.

Medical Management

Hormonal therapies including oral contraceptives, progestin IUDs, and GnRH agonists manage bleeding symptoms. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute recommends UFE when medication fails or when patients want a nonhormonal option.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Related Conditions

Uterine fibroids share pelvic symptoms with pelvic congestion syndrome, endometriosis, and adenomyosis. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute differentiates these conditions with MRI and clinical evaluation.

Heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids can lead to iron-deficiency anemia requiring treatment before and after UFE. Hemoglobin monitoring is part of the Soris evaluation protocol.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

FAQ

Common Questions About Uterine Fibroids

Does UFE preserve fertility?

UFE preserves the uterus, and some patients conceive after the procedure. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute discusses fertility goals during the consultation to ensure UFE is the right choice.

How much do fibroids shrink after UFE?

Fibroids typically reduce 40 to 60 percent in volume within 3 to 6 months. Symptom relief begins within the first menstrual cycle after UFE for most patients at Soris Pain & Vascular Institute.

Is UFE painful?

Patients experience cramping for the first 24 to 48 hours after UFE. Soris Pain & Vascular Institute provides a pain management protocol that controls discomfort during recovery at home.