Personal stories about uterine fibroid embolization for uterine fibroids

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Personal stories about uterine fibroid embolization for uterine fibroids

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Marlena, age 43: I have had pain before and during my period for years. In the past year or so I started having really heavy bleeding, and my periods were lasting longer than usual. I tried nonprescription and prescription medicines to control the bleeding. Nothing was working. My doctor suggested a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization. I had the procedure, and my doctor was able to treat the fibroids. It didn't hurt too much, and I was surprised at how quickly I recovered. It has been 6 months now, and I no longer have those days of heavy bleeding. I am glad I had uterine fibroid embolization.

Angie, age 44: Over the past 3 or 4 years, my periods have been getting heavier and heavier. My doctor did a bunch of tests and thought that uterine fibroids may be causing my symptoms. He suggested that I have a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization to control my bleeding. The procedure sounded scary, so I asked if waiting a few months would be dangerous. He said waiting would be fine. After a few months, my periods eased up. I am glad I decided to wait and see if my bleeding decreased before having the procedure.

Raquel, age 32: About 3 years ago my menstrual periods really changed for the worse. I began having cramps and my periods were heavy with clotting and lasted for 2 weeks. I thought, no way was that a totally normal period and I made an appointment with my doctor. I tried a bunch of different medicines and nothing seemed to make much difference. After lots of further testing and discussion I had uterine fibroid embolization. I figure that since I don't want any more kids, any risk of losing my fertility is okay. The procedure was quick and I was completely recovered in about 3 days. I had some pretty severe cramping afterwards but it only lasted for about 12 hours and got better with ibuprofen. The embolization worked but I still have some odd cycles in that I bleed too many days per month, I get clotting some cycles, and some of my periods are heavier. My doctor says I may have to have another embolization, but I think it will be worth it.

June, age 38: A couple of years ago I started having heavy, painful periods. My doctor said she thought I might have something I had never even heard of called uterine fibroids. Apparently they are pretty common as you get older. My doctor outlined all the different treatments I could try, including something called uterine fibroid embolization, if it ever got really bad. She said I might consider starting with birth control pills, as well as ibuprofen for a few days right before my period starts and then for several days during my period, to help control the bleeding. The embolization sounded pretty risky—I don't know if I could ever do that. Lucky for me, the birth control pills and ibuprofen have helped a lot. In fact, my doctor says that means the bleeding was more of a menstrual problem than a fibroid problem!

Credits

Last updated:	August 16, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman