UFE Recovery

While uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is the least invasive fibroid removal procedure you can get, you still have to plan on taking it easy for a couple weeks after the treatment. Dr. George Bolotin at the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists in Brooklyn, NY and Bronx, NY spells out what you can expect following UFE. It’s far less than you’d have to endure if you have more traditional treatments. And there are far fewer risks. One of the most attractive benefits is the reduced recovery time you need after getting rid of those bothersome uterine fibroids. Call the practice today to make an appointment.

What Happens During UFE?

UFE, clinically called a uterine fibroid embolization, is an alternative treatment for uterine fibroids that’s minimally invasive. Left untreated, fibroids can debilitate your life with severe symptoms that can have a physical and emotional impact on your life, such as:

• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Weight gain
• Pain during sex
• Severe menstrual cramping
• Heavy periods
• Excessive bleeding
• Infertility

During the UFE procedure, an Interventional Radiologist who specializes in fibroids introduces embolic agents into the blood vessels that are supplying blood to the uterine growths. Fibroids, like all cells, rely on blood for nutrients. When the supply is cut off, the muscular growths shrink and die.

In Brooklyn and Bronx, Dr. George Bolotin diagnoses your condition through a pelvic exam and extensive imaging tests, such as an MRI and fibroid ultrasound. At his practice, Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists, he offers the best fibroids UFE treatment by leveraging the latest technology, and UFE is a safe, endovascular procedure.

How Long Does Recovery from UFE Take?

If you plan to undergo uterine fibroid embolization, ask all your questions before agreeing to the procedure. The UFE recovery process takes an average of 10 post-procedure days. Dr. Bolotin prepares you for what to expect after your UFE, such as:

• Release. Since the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, you don’t need a hospital stay with the UFE procedure, and you can go home after a brief time for observation.
• Bleeding. After UFE, Dr. Bolotin advises you to lie down for the rest of the day to prevent bleeding from the catheterization site. You also need to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks to avoid bleeding.
• Vaginal discharge. Discharge from your vagina is normal, but should decrease in a few days. You shouldn’t have intercourse or use tampons or any other device in your vagina for two weeks.
• Pain. Within six to 12 hours of the procedure, you may experience some pain because of uterine cramping. Your doctor gives you a few days of prescription pain relievers in case you experience such pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be all you need.
• Physical activities. You have to limit rigorous physical activities for two weeks to allow a full recovery.
• The risks. There are some risks you may have to deal with, such as hematoma, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm or contrast allergy. When you rely on an expert in the field, however, those risks decrease substantially.
• Post-embolization syndrome. With no supply of blood, fibroid degeneration can happen as the tumors die. They release chemicals that can cause pain, nausea and low fever. You may need another procedure to remove them if they don’t dissolve on their own.

Is UFE Recovery Easier Than Other Fibroids Treatments?

UFE is a safer and more effective alternative to fibroid surgeries. With UFE, recovery is faster because it’s a less invasive procedure. To appreciate why UFE recovery is better, consider these surgical fibroids treatments:

• Myomectomy. This is a surgical fibroid removal to preserve the uterus. It can involve an incision in the abdomen, but is often performed laparoscopically or hysteroscopically through your vagina and cervix. Because of the extensive process required, myomectomy requires a lot of preparation and the recovery time lasts longer.
• Hysterectomy. This is an invasive surgical procedure that involves complete removal of your uterus. It can also involve removing your cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes. This is a life-altering surgery, and your doctor has to prepare you for it. Recovery time lingers for more than a month and you need a hospital stay for close observation.

These fibroid treatments are high risk. While a myomectomy may compromise your capacity to bear children, a hysterectomy takes that option away completely. What’s more, the downtime involved is longer, and you feel the effects more. Recovery time for UFE is two weeks maximum, while for myomectomy, it’s two to four weeks. Hysterectomy has a six-week recovery time, which means you miss more works days, and it affects your normal lifestyle longer.

What Can I Expect After UFE Recovery?

Uterine fibroid embolization changes your life for the better, and it doesn’t compromise your ability to have children. After recovery, you also enjoy more benefits that include:

• Better quality of life. UFE alleviates fibroids symptoms, such as bleeding and pain that can devastate your life.
• Better sex life. When you overcome the pain you may have experienced during sex, you can enjoy more satisfying sex.
• Emotional well-being. Fibroids can affect your self-esteem and make you feel less attractive. UFE treatment boosts your self-worth and helps you enjoy life more.

If you receive a diagnosis of fibroids, don’t panic. The multiple UFE benefits and the easy recovery helps restore your life. Dr. Bolotin minimizes the UFE risks while improving your UFE recovery period. Contact the experienced team at the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists in Brooklyn and Bronx today for an appointment.