Safe Treatment of Uterine Fibroids at USA Vascular Centers

1. Safe Treatment of Uterine Fibroids at USA Vascular Centers Uterine Fibroids, the most common form of tumors that develop in women, are typically benign and may go months without showing any symptoms. However, once further developed, uterine fibroid tumors become extremely painful and cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, and even urinary and bowel complications. Left untreated, uterine fibroids may lead to more severe complications and require surgical operations, such as a hysterectomy. At the USA Vascular Centers, we actively diagnosis and treat our patients who suffer from uterine fibroids with our effective non-surgical fibroid treatment options. Fibroid non-surgical treatment options include simple lifestyle changes, medication, and for more advanced fibroid tumors, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Currently, the exact causes for uterine fibroids remain unclear. However, genetics and “Reed’s Syndrome” are suspected to be the leading causes. Affecting over 40% of women in the United States over the age of 50 who are still menstruating, uterine fibroids represent one of the most dependent factors in pregnancy complications, heavy periods, and cause of hysterectomies. Treating uterine fibroids can be simple and easy if starting early. This is why a proper, in-depth diagnosis is so valuable. When you arrive at any number of our clinics for your first consultation, our medical staff will examine the extent of your fibroid tumors, your symptoms, and what treatment options best suit your diagnosis. For those who catch their fibroid tumors early, medication may be prescribed to ease symptoms and reduce the size of the

2. tumors. If medication alone is not enough, we recommend our most advanced non- surgical fibroid treatment, UFE. UFE is a simple, outpatient procedure, performed in our medical offices, with little to no complications. Compared to other fibroid non-surgical treatment options, uterine fibroid embolization is ideal for women who do not plan to become pregnant in the future, do not require a hysterectomy, and have not reached menopause. Performed by one of our skilled vascular surgeons, the UFE operation restricts blood flow to the uterine fibroid, decreasing the size by over 50% and ultimately removing the tumor. Additionally, your symptoms can be expected to improve within weeks following the treatment with nearly 80% of women not requiring additional procedures. The treatment itself is relatively quick and simple. First, you will be lightly sedated in our clinic by one of our medical personnel who will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. Then, an ultrasound is used to find the exact location of the fibroid tumor. Once located, a small catheter is inserted via your upper thigh to the fibroid, releasing blocking agents to the tumor, restricting blood flow. After 90 minutes, the procedure is completed and you will be released after your sedative has worn off. Typically, patients experience moderate pelvic pain in the days following the procedure, with few cases of vaginal bleeding. However, our vascular specialists continue to perfect this fibroid treatment option daily, ensuring that we can offer you the absolute best treatment for your uterine fibroid tumor.