Uterine Fibroids

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Patients Fibroids are benign, non-cancerous growths in or on the walls of the uterus, or womb. They can range in size from less than an inch to more than six inches. African-American women and those with a family history are more likely to develop fibroids.

Fibroids that cause no symptoms probably do not require treatment. However some women experience symptoms that may include:

  • Heavy, prolonged monthly periods, sometimes with clots
  • Anemia (resulting in fatigue due to low red blood count)
  • Pain or pressure between the hip bones or in the back of the legs
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Constipation or bloating
  • An enlarged belly

Watch our video about UFE

If you have symptoms, several options are available.

Medical Treatments

Birth control pills can be used to decrease heavy bleeding.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

This minimally invasive procedure is performed by interventional radiologists, it preserves the uterus and offers faster recovery time and fewer potential complications compared to surgical treatments. Our practice performs the procedure at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital or Inova Loudoun Hospital.

To determine if you are a candidate for UFE, a consultative visit at our Interventional Outpatient Office is needed.

Surgical Treatments

Options include hysterectomy, which is removal of the uterus, and myomectomy, the removal of just the fibroids.

Endometrial ablation

This a treatment is sometimes suggested for heavy, prolonged monthly periods, may cause some confusion as it sounds similar to “embolization” which is used for UFE. Endometrial ablation only treats the endometrial lining and not specifically treat fibroids. It is best performed for women who do not have fibroids but are suffering with heavy bleeding for other reasons and who do not desire future fertility.

Learn more about our interventional radiologists

To schedule an appointment to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, contact our Outpatient Office at (703) 698-4475.

Other Vascular Services / Conditions

For more information on these as well as other interventional radiology procedures, please visit www.sirweb.org/patients/

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