Surgery isn’t your only option for treating fibroids. In fact, more and more women are finding relief without it.
That’s because there’s a minimally invasive alternative that doesn’t require incisions, a hospital stay, or the removal of your uterus. It’s called uterine fibroid embolization – and it’s changing the way fibroids are treated.
But before we explore why so many women are choosing this option over surgery, let’s start with the basics: What are fibroids, and how do they affect your body?
Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Causes, Types, and Symptoms
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They’re incredibly common – especially among women in their 30s and 40s – and while some people never notice them, others experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and even fertility challenges or changes to their sex life.
We don’t always know exactly what causes fibroids, but research suggests a strong link to hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels. Genetics, race, and lifestyle factors can also play a role. Black women, for example, are disproportionately affected and often experience more severe symptoms at younger ages.
Click play below to hear Dr. Kovaleski explain what fibroids are, why they develop, and how they’re treated.
Common Fibroid Symptoms
Fibroids can vary widely in size and number, which means symptoms range from nonexistent to disruptive. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder
- Pain during sex
- Unexplained weight gain
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty getting pregnant
If you’re wondering how to check for fibroids at home, take stock of these symptoms. While a physical exam or imaging is needed for a diagnosis, your body may already be telling you something’s off.
Types of Fibroids
There are several different types of fibroids, and each can affect your health in unique ways:
Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common.
Submucosal fibroids develop just beneath the uterine lining and can lead to heavy bleeding and fertility issues.
Subserosal fibroids extend outward from the uterus and may cause bloating or pressure on nearby organs.
Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk, which can twist and cause pain.
Knowing the type of fibroids you’re dealing with can help you make the best decision for your health. The good news? There’s a minimally invasive treatment that works across the board (keep reading to learn more).
How Are Fibroids Treated?
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids – or you suspect they’re the cause of your symptoms – you might feel like your only option is surgery. But that’s no longer the case.
Today, women have more control than ever over how they treat fibroids, with options that range from major procedures to non-surgical, outpatient solutions.
Here’s a quick look at the most common treatments:
- Hysterectomy – A hysterectomy is the complete removal of the uterus. While it eliminates fibroids for good, it also ends your ability to get pregnant or menstruate – an irreversible and often emotional loss. It’s major surgery with a long recovery and risks like infection, blood loss, and early menopause. In some cases, it may be necessary – but it shouldn’t be the first option offered.
- Myomectomy – A myomectomy surgically removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact, which can be important for women trying to preserve fertility. But it’s still invasive, requires weeks of recovery, and may not work if you have many fibroids or hard-to-reach ones. Even after surgery, fibroids often come back – meaning your symptoms might too.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) – Also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE), this minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. UFE is performed through a tiny incision, with no general anesthesia, no hospital stay, and no scarring. Most women return to normal activities within a week. UFE treats all types of fibroids, including large or multiple ones, and lets you keep your uterus and your options. For many women, it’s the safest, fastest, and most effective path to lasting relief.
No two bodies – or fibroids – are the same. But for many women, uterine fibroid embolization offers a powerful middle ground: fast relief, no surgery, and long-term results.
5 Reasons More Women Are Choosing Uterine Fibroid Embolization Over Surgery
When you’re dealing with painful, disruptive fibroid symptoms, it can feel like surgery is the only way out. But uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) offers a powerful alternative – one that treats the problem without taking away your uterus or your future.
Here’s why more and more women are choosing UFE:
1. It's Minimally Invasive
No scalpels. No stitches. UFE is performed through a tiny incision, using image guidance to treat fibroids from the inside out. Patients go home the same day.
2. You Keep Your Uterus
UFE treats fibroids without removing your uterus or affecting your hormones. That means you keep your fertility, your hormones, and your autonomy.
3. No Scars, No Long Recovery
Because UFE doesn’t require open surgery, there are no large incisions – and no long, tedious recovery times. Most women are back to their normal routine in a matter of days.
4. Fast, Long-Lasting Relief
Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in symptoms within the first month. And because UFE treats all types of fibroids (including large or multiple ones) the results last.
5. It Works - Without the Risk of Major Surgery
UFE is a safe, well-studied procedure with a success rate over 90%. Does it really work? Absolutely. And it does so without the risks of blood loss, anesthesia, or permanent changes to your body.
Bonus: It's Covered by Insurance
One of the biggest misconceptions about UFE is that it’s some kind of elective or experimental procedure. It’s not.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a well-established, FDA-approved treatment that’s recognized by most major insurance providers. If fibroids are interfering with your health, your daily life, or your ability to function, UFE is medically necessary – and typically covered.
At ECCO Medical, our team works directly with your insurance provider to confirm coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs. We believe every woman deserves access to real relief – without unnecessary barriers.
Is UFE Right for You?
If you’re tired of living with fibroids – and even more tired of being told surgery is your only option – it’s time to explore something different.
Uterine fibroid embolization is safe, effective, and designed to fit your life – not disrupt it. But don’t just take our word for it – hear it from our patients!
Whether you’re dealing with heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or you’re just looking for answers, our team is here to help.
Take our short quiz to see if you’re a candidate, or schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward relief – on your terms.
