Not All Fibroids Are Alike

If you suffer from cramps, heavy periods, or other troublesome female symptoms, Dr. Andrew Doe at Alate Health Interventional Radiology Clinic in Houston, TX can help. A common malady that produces these and other similar symptoms in women is uterine fibroids. 

It is unknown exactly how many women live with uterine fibroids. Some women are asymptomatic and never require treatment while other women show many symptoms and are anxious to explore treatment options to return to a better quality of life. 

While fibroids are common, with some estimates saying that up to 50% of women have them, the symptoms and experiences of women who live with fibroids vary drastically and not all fibroids are alike. 

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids can be any of four types of non-cancerous masses in or around the uterus. These masses are commonly called myomas or leiomyomas. The most common type of fibroid, the intramural, resides in the muscle of the uterus. Other types of fibroids include: 

• Subserosal
• Submucosal 
• Pedunculated  

While these types of fibroids are less common, they are named for their distinct placement within the uterus. The submucosal, for example, are fibroids on the outermost wall of the uterus, as opposed to pedunculated fibroids which are more stalk-like and fibrous growths.  A fibroid may have traits of more than one of these classes.

While the treatment and symptoms are the same, it may become important in the process of treatment for your doctor to consider the size and placement of your myoma. 

Symptoms

Often a woman can have fibroids for many years and be asymptomatic. However, when symptoms appear, they often include periods that are heavier or last longer than usual. These periods may be accompanied by more severe cramping. Outside of menstruation, fibroid symptoms may include increased frequency of urination, constipation, discomfort in the uterus or stomach, pain, pressure, or bloating. In some cases, fertility issues may present as a symptom of fibroids. 

Treatment

Gone are the days when a woman’s two choices were hysterectomy or continuing to live with uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a cutting-edge option that is both noninvasive and successful in over 90% of patients. 

This is where Dr. Andrew Doe of Aleta Health can help women in the greater Houston area. Dr. Doe is both board-certified in Interventional Radiology and has trained under some of the foremost renowned leaders in Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedures. 

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UTE) procedure

When Dr. Doe performs the Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UTE), he will use a catheter through a tiny incision in the groin to insert particles into the blood vessels that feed the fibroid. This method ‘starves’ the fibroid by stopping the supply of blood that encourages and allows growth. 

Recovery after a UTE typically takes about a week. At the end of that time, you may return to work, exercise, and other day-to-day activity. For more information about UTE and how 

Dr. Doe can help, reach out to Aleta Health at 713-255-8351.