If you have mild uterine fibroids, then you may be able to only treat the symptoms. This usually includes pain management and hormone suppression therapy to inhibit the progressive growth of the fibroids. In many cases, this type of treatment only delays an inevitable surgical removal of tumors, hysterectomy or embolization.



Surgery is used to remove tumors from the uterus one at a time. The procedure is called a myomectomy and is usually preferred over a hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids used to almost always mean a hysterectomy where the entire uterus is removed. Surgical advances have made it possible for many women to only need a myomectomy. Sometimes tumors can grow back and more than one surgery may be necessary. Myomectomy is almost always used over a hysterectomy if the woman is of a reproductive age. Uterine fibroids can interfere with fertility, but with treatment, having children is generally not out of the question.

Uterine artery embolization is the newest form of treatment for uterine fibroids. This is a non-surgical procedure and is far less invasive than previous forms of treatment. Tumors are like living extensions of your uterus. They need a blood supply to thrive and grow. Uterine artery embolization cuts off that blood supply.

X-rays are generally taken to identify arteries that supply the uterine fibroid tumors. Then a needle is injected into the artery. The needle is used to inject small particles into the artery. This inhibits blood flow and cuts off the tumor's blood supply. The tumor should shrink over time and the embolization can also stop dangerous bleeding inside of your uterus.

If you choose to have the uterine artery embolization procedure, you can expect that the procedure will be fairly easy and painless. You will most likely be given a sedative and the procedure itself should leave no visible scars. However, as the tumors die off, they release toxins. This can cause severe pain that can last for several days. You may choose to stay in the hospital overnight for pain management after the procedure. Most people can go home after that first night and manage their own pain with medications at home.