UFE and the Modern Woman: Taking Control Without Slowing Down

menu
Call us - 469-458-9800
request a consultation
UFE and the Modern Woman: Taking Control Without Slowing Down

Life doesn’t slow down for anyone—not even for pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or the unrelenting pressure of uterine fibroids. For today’s modern woman juggling careers, families, and personal goals, the idea of major surgery and weeks of recovery can feel impossible. That’s where Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) enters the conversation as a life-changing option that fits into your schedule—not the other way around.

A New Era in Women’s Health

The truth is, millions of women suffer in silence with fibroids. The heavy periods. The bloating. The fatigue. It’s disruptive, frustrating, and often misunderstood. For decades, many were told that hysterectomy was their only real solution. But that’s no longer the case.

UFE is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that treats fibroids by blocking the blood supply feeding them, causing them to shrink over time. There’s no incision, no general anesthesia, and best of all—most women are back to work and life within a week.

Designed for the Woman Who’s Always On the Go

Whether you’re running a business or chasing toddlers, most women don’t have the luxury of stepping away from life for a 6-week surgical recovery. That’s why UFE is becoming the preferred choice for those who need relief without downtime.

What makes UFE ideal for a modern lifestyle?

  • Same-day discharge (no hospital stay)

  • Small incision—just a nick on the wrist or groin

  • Minimal recovery time

  • Low complication rate

  • Preservation of the uterus and fertility potential

“I was back at my desk in five days,” says Brianna, a 36-year-old UFE patient and marketing director. “The best part was not having to take a leave of absence or miss my daughter’s dance recital.”

Empowerment Through Options

Women today are more informed and involved in their healthcare decisions than ever before—and rightly so. UFE gives women an opportunity to treat fibroids on their terms, without compromising their bodies, their goals, or their futures.

Still considering children? UFE preserves the uterus. Want a solution that works with your packed schedule? It’s outpatient. Seeking relief but avoiding the risks of surgery? UFE checks that box, too.

The key is awareness. At MTVIR, we’re passionate about educating women on all their options—not just the ones that have been pushed for decades.

Know What to Ask

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and told hysterectomy is your only option, ask your doctor the following:

  • “Am I a candidate for UFE?”

  • “Can I get a referral to an interventional radiologist?”

  • “What are the risks and recovery differences between UFE and surgery?”

If you don’t get the answers you need—call us. We specialize in walking women through the UFE process and helping them reclaim control over their health.

Bottom Line:

UFE is a modern solution for the modern woman—minimally invasive, time-sensitive, and focused on preserving what matters most. You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your life. With UFE, you don’t have to.

Reach out to MTVIR today to find out if UFE is the right fit for your fibroid journey.

UFE and Fertility: Separating Fact from Fiction

Uterine fibroids can bring a storm of symptoms—pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue. For many women, these symptoms can feel like a full-time job. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a non-surgical, effective way to treat fibroids—but what about women who still want to grow their family?

Let’s clear the air on how UFE affects fertility and what women need to know before making a decision.

Understanding UFE

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny catheter is used to deliver particles that block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s done without major surgery, general anesthesia, or long recovery times.

But the key question remains: Can women still get pregnant after UFE?

The Answer: Yes, It’s Possible

While UFE is not specifically a fertility treatment, many women have become pregnant and delivered healthy babies after UFE. The procedure preserves the uterus, which is often a deciding factor for women who are not ready for more invasive options like hysterectomy.

Several studies, including those published in Obstetrics & Gynecology International, have documented successful pregnancies post-UFE. However, fertility outcomes can depend on several factors:

  • Age and baseline fertility status

  • Location and size of fibroids

  • Any previous uterine surgeries

UFE vs. Myomectomy

Myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids, is often offered to women trying to conceive. However, it comes with its own risks—such as uterine scarring and longer recovery. UFE is a less invasive option that avoids many of these concerns, but not all patients will be ideal candidates for conception post-procedure.

The best route? A consultation with both an interventional radiologist and a fertility specialist before making a decision.

Real Talk: Weighing Your Goals

If preserving fertility is important to you, don’t assume your only options are surgery or living with pain. UFE may be a viable path—but it requires a personalized discussion with your care team.

Some women choose UFE to buy more time before considering future fertility plans, while others use it to stabilize their health before undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments.

Bottom Line:

UFE offers real relief from fibroids without removing the uterus—and yes, pregnancy is possible afterward. While not guaranteed, it’s a safe, fertility-sparing option for many women. At MTVIR, we’re here to help you make the decision that best fits your body, goals, and future.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn if UFE is right for you.

Fibroids and Confidence: How UFE Can Help You Feel Like Yourself Again

Uterine fibroids are like uninvited guests at a party—they show up unexpectedly and can cause a scene. From heavy periods to pelvic pain, these benign tumors can take a toll not just on your body, but also on your self-esteem and confidence.

The Emotional Weight of Fibroids:

Dealing with fibroids can make you feel self-conscious, limit your clothing choices, and even affect your social life. The constant worry about symptoms can overshadow your daily activities and personal relationships.

Enter Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE):

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Benefits include:

  • Symptom Relief: Reduction in heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

  • Quick Recovery: Most women return to normal activities within a week.

  • No Scars: The procedure requires only a small incision, leaving no visible marks.

mtvir annoyedwoman

Regaining control over your body can lead to a significant boost in confidence and overall well-being. At MTVIR, we’re dedicated to providing solutions like UFE to help you feel like yourself again. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your journey to better health.

If you’d like to read more about our Utereine fibroid emoblization procedure, you can follow us over to the UFE page here.

Breaking the Silence: Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Your Treatment Options

Uterine fibroids are more common than many women realize, affecting up to 70% of women by the age of 50. Yet, they’re often overlooked in conversations about women’s health. These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination, disrupting daily life. The good news? Innovative treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are helping women regain control of their health without invasive surgery.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are growths that develop in or around the uterus. While they’re not cancerous, they can vary greatly in size and location, leading to a range of symptoms such as:

  • Heavy or prolonged periods.
  • Pelvic pressure or pain.
  • Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Fertility challenges in some cases.

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, yet the conversation around them often remains silent. If heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fatigue are interfering with your life, know that you have options. Innovative treatments like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offer relief without surgery—helping you take back control of your health and well-being.

Traditional Treatments vs. Modern Solutions

Historically, fibroid treatment often involved major surgery like hysterectomy. However, advancements in medical technology have introduced less invasive options like:

  • Medications: To manage symptoms but not eliminate fibroids.
  • Myomectomy: A surgical option to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus.
  • Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

Why UFE Is a Game-Changer

UFE offers several advantages over traditional surgery:

  • Preserves the Uterus: Ideal for women who want to maintain fertility or avoid hysterectomy.
  • Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a week.
  • Effective Symptom Relief: Studies show UFE significantly reduces symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain.

If you’re living with uterine fibroids, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to suffer in silence. At MTVIR, we specialize in uterine fibroid embolization, offering women a minimally invasive option for relief and renewal. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options. Call (469) 458-9800 or click here to schedule a consultation.

Preparing yourself for a UFE Procedure

Uterine fibroids don’t always cause a problem, but when they do, those fibroids that were once of no concern quickly cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and frequent urination. You won’t want to endure these symptoms long-term, which makes the minimally invasive uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), with its easier recovery compared to other fibroid treatments, appealing.

Still, any procedure, even one that is minimally invasive, can cause some anxiety. This is a natural reaction, but one way to lessen your worries is by making sure that you are adequately prepared.

How To Prepare for A UFE Procedure

For those wondering what to do before their UFE procedure, the following are some key ways to prepare:

Pass Along All Information

When it comes to any procedure, you want to ensure that you provide your doctor with any information they should know. In particular, you want to make sure that they know of any medications you take, allergies you have, and illnesses you currently have (or have had).

Armed with this information, your care team can minimize the risk of allergies and monitor for any complications based on your medications or health conditions. So, to help ensure a smoother procedure on the day off, make sure that you provide all this information beforehand.

Come Prepared

Often, one of the biggest sources of anxiety for those receiving a procedure is not knowing what to expect, which is why reading through all information provided on your procedure can help ease some of your concerns. While you may think that knowing the ins and outs of the procedure will make you more nervous, many people find that they instead feel less anxious when they know what will occur.

Along these same lines, reading all instructions your doctor and their office provides is essential. These can include when to arrive, what to do before arriving, and any other instructions they have leading up to the procedure that will help prepare your body.

Get Your Room Ready

While there are no restrictions after your procedure, you can expect to feel some pelvic pain and pressure in the first few days. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and decreased energy levels.

Knowing this, you will likely want to take it easy for a few days, especially when you first come home. You can prepare for this ahead of time by deciding where you want to make your resting spot (e.g., your bedroom, the living room) and gathering anything you may want, such as comfortable clothes, a cellphone charger, a heating pad, the TV remote, tissues, etc. This way, when you come home, you only have to worry about getting comfortable.

Arrange Transportation

You won’t be able to drive yourself home after your UFE procedure because of the sedative given to keep you comfortable. So, arrange for someone to take you and bring you home ahead of time so that it does not have to be a concern on your mind.

It’s even more ideal if you can have someone stay with you throughout the day and for the first night as well. This way, they can help grab anything you may need, and you can limit the activities you need to do.

Preparing For Your UFE Procedure with MTV IR

Any procedure can be nerve-wracking, even one that is as minimally invasive as UFE. Still, completing the above tasks before your treatment can ensure a smoother procedure on the day of and help set you up for a successful recovery.

Tackle uterine fibroids and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms with UFE, offered by MTV IR.

Can Fibroids Regrow After Surgery?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often develop in women between the ages of 35 and 54, although women under 35 can still develop fibroids. They’re very common, with estimates placing this issue as something that affects 75% of women throughout their lifetime. For those who experience symptoms from their fibroids, surgery is available to remove the fibroids and relieve their unpleasant symptoms.

 

Many people who receive surgery to remove their uterine fibroids may be concerned about the possibility of them regrowing. While unlikely, it is possible for uterine fibroids to regrow after surgery, but this risk is much lower with certain surgical procedures and alternative treatment methods, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Fibroid Regrowth Risk After Surgery.

Surgery offers a way to remove fibroids, with surgical options including hysterectomy (removing all or part of the uterus) or myomectomy (removing only the symptom-causing fibroids). Myomectomy is often preferred to hysterectomy because it does not remove the entire uterus, resulting in a quicker recovery, although it can still last 2-6 weeks.

 

A downside to myomectomies, though, is that it is possible for fibroids to regrow, potentially requiring additional surgeries in the future. One study on myomectomy patients found that 20% of the participants saw fibroid regrowth in the first few years after their initial procedure, and this risk of regrowth is higher the younger you are when you have the surgical procedure or the more fibroids you have.

As for hysterectomy, it is essentially unheard of for fibroid regrowth to occur since the uterus is no longer present, and it is also rare for a fibroid to grow near where the uterus was. These results are seen in cases of both partial and complete hysterectomies.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Balancing the Extremes

Compared to the surgical treatment options, UFE offers a solution combining the benefits seen in both surgical options.

 

Instead of removing the uterine fibroids, UFE eliminates their blood supply, naturally causing them to shrink and die. This means that, while surgery removes the fibroid, UFE instead treats the fibroid at its source.

 

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no hospital stay and no incision, leading to a quicker recovery period that typically lasts only a week. There is also no uterus removal and no requirement for hormone therapies, which those who receive a hysterectomy often need. Compared to both surgical options, the recovery for UFE is much easier.

 

Additionally, while possible, it is rare for a woman to experience fibroid regrowth after the UFE procedure. This offers similar results as a hysterectomy without having to undergo major surgery and loss of the uterus.

Try UFE for Uterine Fibroids Today

For those with uterine fibroids looking to avoid complicated surgery, long recoveries, and the potential for uterine regrowth, UFE is an ideal solution. Treating the fibroids at the source, UFE offers a minimally invasive treatment with no incision, no scarring, and no hospital stay.

Relieve your fibroid symptoms and take back control of your life with UFE, offered by MTVIR.

References

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Uterine fibroids: Surgery. 2014 Oct 22 [Updated 2017 Nov 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279531/

How Uterine Fibroids Can Impact Pregnancy

For those trying to become pregnant, it can be frustrating to see negative pregnancy test after negative pregnancy test. This often leads to many doctors visits to try and determine the cause behind this struggle, sometimes with no answer.

Fibroids are common noncancerous tumors in the uterus. Because of their placement, they can change the shape or size of the uterus and, in some cases, the cervix. Additionally, women with fibroids typically have more than one, further altering the shape of the uterus.

This can cause many women to wonder if fibroids are behind their infertility.

Can Fibroids Cause Infertility?

Fibroids are found in 5-10% of infertile women, with the size and the location of the fibroids a significant factor in whether or not the fibroids affect fertility. Some examples of fibroids that affect fertility include very large fibroids (>6 cm in diameter) in the wall of the uterus or fibroids inside the uterine cavity.

Because only a small percentage of infertile women have fibroids, assessing other fertility problems before treating fibroids is important.

However, for those with fibroids, there are many ways in which they can impact fertility:

  • changing the shape of the uterus, interfering with the movement of the sperm or embryo
  • changing the shape of the cervix, affecting the number of sperm able to enter the uterus
  • impacting the size of the uterine cavity lining
  • blocking the fallopian tubes
  • affecting the blood flow to the uterine cavity, making it harder for the embryo to implant in the uterine wall or develop
Uterine Fibroids - MTVIR Dallas, Tx

Can You Get Pregnant with Fibroids?

While fibroids can cause problems with fertility in some women, many women are still able to become pregnant with fibroids, and they are found in 2-12% of pregnant women.

For pregnant women with fibroids, though, there are some concerns to monitor throughout the course of the pregnancy. For example, fibroids can outgrow their blood supply, causing pain, or change the baby’s position, increasing the risk of miscarriage, cesarean section, or preterm delivery.

Treating Uterine Fibroids

For women who are trying to become pregnant, but have fibroids impacting this ability, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is an appealing treatment method.

One of the most common treatments for fibroids is hysterectomy, but for women who want to become pregnant, this is not a favorable treatment as it means they will never be able to become pregnant.

UFE has the advantage of preserving the uterus, making it so women can still become pregnant. A study on patients who had tried to get pregnant for two years unsuccessfully and had no reason for their infertility besides fibroids were given UFE. Around 30% of the women included in the study became pregnant a year after the procedure, and the numbers rose to 40.1% after two years.

There’s more that’s appealing about UFE besides its ability to keep pregnancy an option, though; it is also minimally invasive and does not require a hospital stay. Compared to the major surgery of hysterectomy, this means that recovery is much easier and much less painful because there is no incision.

If you are experiencing problems becoming pregnant, visit your local physician to discuss the possibility of uterine fibroids. For those diagnosed with uterine fibroids, consider Uterine Fibroid Embolization with MTV IR to take action against your uterine fibroids and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

 

References
Guo XC, Segars JH. The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012 Dec;39(4):521-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005. PMID: 23182558; PMCID: PMC3608270.

Fibroids and Fertility. (2022). Retrieved 2 July 2022, from https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/fibroids-and-fertility/

Mara, M., Maskova, J., Fucikova, Z., Kuzel, D., Belsan, T., & Sosna, O. (2007). Midterm Clinical and First Reproductive Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Myomectomy. Cardiovascular And Interventional Radiology, 31(1), 73-85. doi: 10.1007/s00270-007-9195-2

Successfully Treating Uterine Fibroids With UFE

Uterine fibroids are common in women, with 20 to 80% of women developing them by the time they reach 50. Some women are lucky and develop uterine fibroids but experience no symptoms; however, for others, the symptoms can be debilitating. For women in the latter situation, uterine fibroid embolization is a less invasive treatment option that can help relieve them of the unpleasant symptoms caused by uterine fibroids.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the walls of the uterus. While tumors often bring someone’s mind to cancer, the good news is that fibroids are almost always non-cancerous.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Not all women with uterine fibroids have symptoms. However, those with symptoms often find them debilitating and hard to live with.

The potential symptoms of fibroids include:

  • heavy bleeding
  • frequent urination
  • a feeling of fullness in the lower stomach
  • painful periods
  • enlargement of the lower abdomen
  • lower back pain
  • pain during sex
  • complications during pregnancy and labor
  • infertility, although a very rare symptom

Risk Factors for Fibroids
Many factors can increase your chance of developing fibroids, including:

  • increasing age: fibroids are most common during a woman’s 30s and 40s and through menopause.
  • family history
  • being African American
  • obesity
  • eating a lot of red meat and ham

Fibroid Locations

Most fibroids grow in the uterine wall, but they are placed into three groups based on their specific location. Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity. Fibroids growing within the wall of the uterus are called intramural fibroids, and those growing on the outside of the uterus are called subserosal fibroids.

UFE as a Treatment

One method of treating uterine fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). For this procedure, a thin tube is threaded into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid. Once in place, small gel or plastic particles are inserted into the blood vessel, preventing blood from reaching the fibroid. When the fibroid no longer has a blood supply, it begins to shrink.

As with all procedures, there are certain patients who will see the best results. For UFE, those who are the best candidates include women who:

  • have fibroids that cause pressure or pain on the bladder or rectum
  • have fibroids that cause heavy bleeding
  • do not want to have a hysterectomy

Compared to other procedures for uterine fibroids, such as hysterectomy, UFE offers many advantages. One of its biggest advantages is that it is a minimally invasive procedure with a much shorter recovery time, with many women resuming normal activities within seven to ten days.

UFE for Uterine Fibroids

Not all women with uterine fibroids experience symptoms, but they can be debilitating for those who do. UFE offers a safe and effective procedure that can shrink fibroids without the need for a highly invasive procedure, allowing you to get back to normal sooner.

If you have any of the symptoms of uterine fibroids, visit your local physician. For those who have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, talk to your physician about Uterine Fibroid Embolization with MTV IR; it’s time to take action against your uterine fibroids.

9101 North Central Expressway,
Suite 550
Dallas, Texas 75231
469-458-9800
469-458-9900 – fax
Map / Directions

About MTV IR

MTV IR is a leading interventional radiologist in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. With decades of experience Dr. Travis Van Meter has developed one of the most advanced IR clinics in Texas with leading edge technology. Specializing in Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Liver Cancer Therapies, you can feel safe with the most trusted and knowledgeable physicians in DFW.

©  MTVIR / All Rights Reserved / Privacy Policy