Questions to Ask Your OB-GYN About UFE

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and are tired of the pain and heavy bleeding you’re experiencing, it’s time to take action.

With many treatment options available, it’s important to find the right one for you. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive, nonsurgical procedure that blocks off the blood supply to the fibroids, is one option. While UFE may be right for you, it is first a good idea to talk with your OB-GYN. He or she can be a very useful resource in diagnosing your fibroids and guiding you to the best course of treatment.

Make an appointment with your OB-GYN to discuss whether you might be a candidate for UFE. The questions below will help you better understand the fibroid treatment options available.

Questions about fibroid treatments:
• How do you typically treat symptomatic fibroids? What are the risks and benefits of each of these treatments?
• What are the surgical, and less-invasive, options for treating my fibroids?
• What are the advantages, risks, and benefits of each of the fibroid treatments?
• Have all of the necessary diagnostic tests been performed? Trans-vaginal ultrasound or MRI? Endometrial biopsy? Blood tests? Why or why not?
• If I want to retain my uterus, what alternatives to hysterectomy are available?

Questions about more invasive surgical options:
• Do I need to have surgery? Will my ovaries be removed? If so, why? Will my cervix be removed? If so, why?
• What are the risks associated with surgery?
• Will I experience earlier menopause? Can the symptoms of menopause be treated?
• What are the risks and benefits of treatment for the symptoms of menopause?
• What are the limitations of surgery?
• Will surgery cure my uterine fibroid tumors?

Questions about UFE:
• Do you refer patients for UFE? If not, why?
• How many patients have you referred for UFE, and how many have chosen UFE to treat their fibroids?
• Will you refer me to an interventional radiologist for a consultation?

If your OB-GYN determines that you are a good candidate for UFE, ask for a referral to a specialist. The interventional radiologists at Indiana Fibroid Center are some of the most experienced in the Midwest at UFE, and we would be happy to speak with you about your specific symptoms and treatment plan.