WHAT ARE UTERINE FIBROIDS?
Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas) are benign (non-cancerous) tumours, that can be found in the smooth muscle layer (myometrium) of 20 to 40 per cent of women aged 35 and older. These tumours are in most cases asymptomatic, but can in extreme cases lead to a number of symptoms, including:
Heavy periods
Painful periods
Issues with urinary frequency and retention
Fertility and pregnancy problems
Abdominal discomfort and bloating
Constipation
Backache
Painful sexual intercourse
Many women with fibroids are advised to have a hysterectomy. Now, however, women have another option – Uterine Fibroid Embolisation. This uterus-sparing procedure selectively targets the fibroids, without affecting the uterine muscle and ovaries. It is internationally recognised as a highly effective and scientifically established permanent treatment for fibroids.
The Uterine Fibroid Embolisation Procedure
Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE) is a medical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist to block the blood supply to fibroids that have formed in the uterus. This procedure is minimally invasive and also known as Uterine Artery Embolisation or UAE.
Please Note: Other common names used to refer to this condition include uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma, and fibroleiomyoma.
