Fibroid Embolization in Pasadena, TX

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids — also known as leiomyomas or myomas — are non-cancerous tumors that develop within the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are among the most common gynecologic conditions, affecting up to 70–80% of women by the age of 50. Fibroids can vary widely in size, number, and location within the uterus, and are generally classified into three categories based on where they develop:

• Intramural fibroids: The most common type, growing within the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids: Developing on the outer surface of the uterus, sometimes growing large enough to press on surrounding organs.
• Submucosal fibroids: Growing just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and most commonly associated with heavy menstrual bleeding and fertility concerns.

Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, they can significantly impact quality of life and may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, bloating, pain during intercourse, and in some cases, complications with fertility or pregnancy. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 for a consultation in Pasadena, TX .

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but research points to a combination of hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors. Key contributors include:

• Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone — the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle — appear to promote fibroid growth. Fibroids tend to grow during reproductive years when hormone levels are highest and typically shrink after menopause.
• Genetics: Women with a family history of fibroids are at significantly higher risk of developing them. Certain genetic mutations have also been identified in fibroid tissue.
• Growth factors: Substances that help the body maintain tissues — such as insulin-like growth factor — may play a role in fibroid development.
• Risk factors: Obesity, early onset of menstruation, vitamin D deficiency, a diet high in red meat and low in green vegetables, and African American heritage are all associated with a higher incidence of fibroids.

Why Should Fibroids Be Treated?

While not all fibroids require treatment, those causing significant symptoms can have a serious impact on a woman’s physical health and quality of life. Reasons to seek treatment include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding: Excessive blood loss from fibroids can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Chronic pelvic pain: Persistent pain and pressure from fibroids can interfere with daily activities, exercise, and sexual health.
• Urinary or bowel symptoms: Large fibroids can press on the bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, constipation, or difficulty with bowel movements.
• Fertility and pregnancy concerns: Depending on their location, fibroids may interfere with conception or increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
• Emotional well-being: Chronic fibroid symptoms take a toll on emotional health and overall well-being, making timely treatment worthwhile.

Our team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas works closely with your OB/GYN and other specialists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your individual situation. Call us at (832) 583-2246 to get started.

What Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by our interventional radiologists that treats fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. Without adequate blood flow, fibroids shrink significantly — typically by 40–60% within the first few months — and the associated symptoms diminish or resolve entirely.

The procedure works by threading a thin, flexible catheter through a small puncture in the skin — usually in the wrist or groin — and guiding it under fluoroscopic (X-ray) imaging to the uterine arteries. Tiny embolic particles are then injected through the catheter into the arteries feeding the fibroids, blocking blood flow to the abnormal tissue while preserving the healthy uterus. Watch a video of the UFE procedure here.

UFE has been performed since the late 1990s and is now recognized as a safe, effective, and well-established treatment option supported by a substantial body of peer-reviewed clinical research. Numerous studies demonstrate significant improvements in bleeding, pain, and quality of life for women who undergo UFE. Importantly, our interventional radiology team also works alongside OB/GYN colleagues to perform UFE immediately before surgery to minimize intraoperative bleeding, or emergently following surgery in cases of uncontrolled hemorrhage.

How Is UFE Different From Surgery?

Traditional surgical options for fibroids — such as myomectomy (surgical removal of individual fibroids) or hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus) — require general anesthesia, larger incisions, significant blood loss, and a recovery period of four to six weeks or more. UFE offers a compelling alternative with several meaningful advantages:

• No general anesthesia required: UFE is performed under conscious sedation, significantly reducing anesthetic risk.
• No surgical incisions: Only a small nick in the skin is needed to access the artery — no large cuts, no stitches, and no significant scarring.
• Uterus is preserved: Unlike hysterectomy, UFE treats the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact — an important consideration for women who wish to preserve their reproductive options.
• Shorter recovery: Most patients return home the same day or after a brief overnight stay and resume normal activities within one to two weeks, compared to weeks of recovery following open surgery.
• Treats all fibroids simultaneously: UFE treats all fibroids in the uterus at once, whereas myomectomy may only address fibroids that are surgically accessible at the time of the procedure.

What Is Recovery Like After UFE?

Most patients at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas experience mild to moderate discomfort during the UFE procedure, effectively managed with conscious sedation and pain medication. Following the procedure, it is common to experience cramping, mild pelvic discomfort, and fatigue for one to two weeks as the fibroids begin to shrink — a normal response known as post-embolization syndrome, which may also include low-grade fever and flu-like symptoms. These effects typically resolve within a few days to a week.

Most patients are discharged the same day or the following morning and can return to light daily activities within a few days. Full recovery and return to work typically occur within one to two weeks. Our team provides complete aftercare instructions and is available to answer any questions during your recovery. Call (832) 583-2246 with any concerns following your procedure.

What Are the Risks and Potential Complications of UFE?

Uterine fibroid embolization has an excellent safety record and is considered a low-risk procedure. However, as with any medical intervention, some risks exist. These include:

• Post-embolization syndrome: Temporary pain, cramping, low-grade fever, nausea, and fatigue as the body responds to fibroid shrinkage. This is expected and managed with medication.
• Infection: Rare but possible; treated with antibiotics if it occurs.
• Reaction to contrast dye: A small number of patients may experience an allergic reaction to the fluoroscopic contrast agent used during the procedure.
• Arterial injury: Less than 1% risk of injury to the artery at the access site.
• Fibroid expulsion or infection: Less than 1% risk of a fibroid passing vaginally or becoming infected post-procedure.
• Pain requiring readmission: Approximately 1–2% of patients may require a brief readmission for pain management.

Our interventional radiology team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will review all risks and benefits in detail during your consultation and take every precaution to minimize your risk. We also work in close collaboration with our OB/GYN colleagues to ensure a coordinated, comprehensive approach to your fibroid care. Contact us at (832) 583-2246 to learn more.

What Are My Alternatives to UFE?

At Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, we believe in empowering patients with a full understanding of their options. Alternatives to UFE include:

• Watchful waiting: For women with mild or no symptoms, monitoring fibroids over time without immediate intervention may be appropriate.
• Hormonal medications: GnRH agonists, progestin-releasing IUDs, or other hormonal therapies can temporarily reduce fibroid size or manage bleeding symptoms, but do not permanently eliminate fibroids.
• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of individual fibroids while preserving the uterus. May be preferred for women seeking surgical intervention who wish to maintain fertility.
• Hysterectomy: Complete surgical removal of the uterus — the only permanent cure for fibroids. Appropriate for women who do not wish to preserve their uterus.
• Endometrial ablation: Destroys the uterine lining to reduce heavy bleeding; suitable for certain patients but does not treat the fibroids directly.

We work closely with OB/GYN colleagues throughout Pasadena, TX and with each individual patient to determine the most appropriate treatment path. Our team also manages related conditions including pelvic congestion syndrome and chronic venous disease. Call Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Fibroid Embolization