UFE vs. Hysterectomy: Weighing Options for Uterine Fibroid Treatment
Life can feel like a constant balancing act when you’re dealing with uterine fibroids—juggling symptoms like pain, heavy periods, and the uncertainty of how to move forward. If that sounds like you, you’ve likely been considering your treatment options, and it’s overwhelming, to say the least. But know that you’re not alone, and you have options.
Many women wonder whether a hysterectomy (the complete removal of the uterus) is their only fibroid treatment option. The good news is that it’s not. There’s a much less invasive option known as that could spare you from major surgery while effectively treating your symptomatic fibroids: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE).
Let’s consider the differences between these two fibroid treatments so you can more clearly understand which might be best for your body, lifestyle, and future.
A Quick Look at UFE vs. Hysterectomy
At their core, both UFE and hysterectomies are effective treatments for uterine fibroids, but the experiences, recovery times, and impact on your body vary significantly. When comparing the two, it’s important to consider how each fibroid treatment works to remove fibroids.
What is UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to shrink fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. UFE can treat multiple fibroids in one procedure and large fibroids, making it suitable for women with various sizes and numbers of fibroids.
What is a Hysterectomy?
A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and in some cases, the cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. There are different types of hysterectomies depending on the size and location of the fibroids and your overall health:
- Abdominal: Requires a large incision in the lower abdomen.
- Vaginal: Removes the uterus through the vagina.
- Laparoscopic: Uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery for a less invasive approach than an abdominal hysterectomy.
How UFE vs. Hysterectomy Compare
Choosing between UFE and hysterectomy goes beyond just deciding on a uterine fibroid treatment option. You also need to weigh the impact on your body, recovery, and future.
These treatments differ in terms of recovery, risks, impact on fertility, and long-term outcomes. Understanding how they compare will help you feel more empowered to make the right choice for your unique situation.
Procedures
UFE
The Uterine Fibroid Embolization procedure is minimally invasive, typically taking about one to two hours, and patients remain awake but sedated throughout. One of the major advantages of UFE is that it doesn’t involve removing any organs, allowing you to preserve your uterus while effectively treating fibroid symptoms.
Hysterectomy
In contrast, a hysterectomy is a much more invasive surgical procedure where either part or all of the uterus is removed. However, regardless of the method, it requires general anesthesia and a breathing tube, a hospital stay, and a longer surgical time.
The Recovery Time and Process
UFE
One of the biggest draws of UFE is that it is an outpatient procedure with a relatively short recovery time. Most women can go home the same day after the UFE procedure, and many return to normal activities within one to two weeks. There is usually some cramping and discomfort as the fibroids shrink, but this is typically manageable with pain medication.
Since UFE involves only a small needle stick, there’s little risk of infection and a much quicker healing time compared to a major surgery. Unlike hysterectomy, there are no incisions to heal. You also avoid the lengthy hospital stay associated with more invasive procedures so you can get back to your routine faster.
Hysterectomy
Conversely, a hysterectomy requires a much longer recovery period. Depending on the type of hysterectomy, patients may stay in the hospital for a few days and need six to eight weeks to fully recover. Physical activities are restricted during this time.
Pain or discomfort is also more significant than after UFE. While a hysterectomy completely resolves fibroid symptoms, the extended downtime and recovery can be a major consideration if you want to return to your normal life quickly.
The Risks and Complications
UFE
As with any medical procedure, Uterine Fibroid Embolization comes with potential risks and complications—though they are relatively rare compared to more invasive options like hysterectomy. Here are some to consider:
- Mild pelvic pain or cramping
- Mild fatigue, fever, and nausea in the first few days following the procedure
- A low risk of infection at the site where the catheter was inserted
- A small chance of entering menopause when over 45 years old
Since the UFE procedure doesn’t involve major surgery or large incisions, it reduces the risk of serious complications like infection, bleeding, and organ damage.
Hysterectomy
Potential risks and complications are higher with a hysterectomy since it’s a more invasive surgical procedure. Some of the most common issues associated with this surgery include:
- A risk of bleeding, blood clots, and infection
- Damage to nearby organs such as the bladder, ureters, or intestines
- Potential postoperative complications, like incisional infections or hernias
- Possible internal scarring or adhesions, which could lead to bowel obstruction or chronic pain
How Each Impacts Hormones and Fertility
UFE
One of the key benefits of UFE is that it’s a fertility-sparing procedure, meaning that most women retain their fertility post-treatment. Since UFE only targets the fibroids and leaves the uterus intact, many women go on to conceive naturally after the procedure. That makes it an excellent option for women who want to avoid major surgery and preserve their ability to have children in the future.
Hysterectomy
By contrast, a hysterectomy results in the permanent loss of fertility since it involves the complete removal of the uterus. This means that it is impossible to conceive naturally after a hysterectomy. Additionally, depending on whether the ovaries are removed, hormonal changes such as the onset of early menopause may occur.
Removing the ovaries can also result in decreased estrogen levels, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Because of this, many women who are not yet in menopause may opt for a partial hysterectomy to preserve their ovaries while removing the uterus.
Long-Term Effects
UFE
UFE offers several long-term benefits for women seeking relief from symptomatic uterine fibroids without undergoing major surgery, including:
- A significant reduction in symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure within a few months after the procedure.
- A lasting improvement in symptoms for years after UFE for over 85% of women.
- High satisfaction rates with minimal chances of fibroid recurrence.
Hysterectomy
The long-term effects of hysterectomies differ greatly from UFE due to their permanence. Women no longer experience fibroid-related symptoms or menstrual cycles since the uterus is removed, eliminating any possibility of a recurrence.
However, patients may experience hormonal changes like early menopause if the ovaries are removed. Some studies also find a potential increase in long-term health risks such as cardiovascular disease, particularly in women who have both their uterus and ovaries removed before natural menopause. Additionally, studies have found women who have had hysterectomy have higher rates of depression and developing dementia.
Ideal Candidates
UFE
Uterine Fibroid Embolization is an ideal option for women who:
- Want to preserve their fertility.
- Seek a quicker recovery.
- Prefer to avoid surgery and general anesthesia.
- Suffer from multiple or large uterine fibroids.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy, on the other hand, is generally recommended for women who:
- Do not plan to have more children.
- Symptoms are severe and haven’t responded to other treatments
- Have uterine fibroids that are extremely large or too numerous for other treatments to be effective.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief with VIP Fibroid Center
Dealing with fibroids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your quality of life or facing overwhelming decisions alone. Whether you’re leaning toward UFE for its minimal invasiveness and fast recovery or a hysterectomy for more permanent results, the most important thing is that you’re making an informed choice that suits your body and your goals. With the right care, relief is within reach.
At VIP Fibroid Center, we understand that every woman’s journey with fibroids is different. That’s why we offer personalized, compassionate care to help you explore all your options. Our team is here to answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and provide you with the most advanced, minimally invasive treatments like UFE so you can feel confident in your decision.
Are you ready to take control of your health? Request your consultation or contact our staff today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how VIP Fibroid Center can help you reclaim your life without the need for surgery.