Uterine Fibroid Embolization Specialist
-
- Tweet
Endovascular and Interventional Associates
Mobolaji Odelowo, MD
Vascular & Interventional Radiology & Vein Center located in Conroe, TX
When uterine fibroids are the cause of pelvic pain, your doctor may recommend surgery. But you have another safe and highly effective option called uterine fibroid embolization. At Endovascular and Interventional Associates, Mobolaji Odelowo, MD, specializes in this minimally invasive treatment that eliminates fibroids while preserving your uterus. An embolization procedure also works well for treating pelvic congestion syndrome. To learn more about your treatment options, call the office in Conroe, Texas, or request an appointment online today.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Q&A
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the wall of your uterus. Though not as common, they can also appear inside the uterine cavity or on the outer wall of your uterus. You may have one or many fibroids, and each one may grow to a different size.
What symptoms indicate I may need uterine fibroid embolization?
If your fibroids get large enough, you may experience:
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Long menstrual periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Menstrual cramps
- Abdominal bloating
- Urinary frequency
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
Many women with uterine fibroids have severe pelvic pain.
What is uterine fibroid embolization?
The conventional treatment options for uterine fibroids include hormone medication and surgery to remove the fibroids or your entire uterus. Uterine fibroid embolization gives you another option.
A minimally invasive embolization eliminates fibroids by cutting off their blood supply. With an embolization, you can:
- Preserve a healthy uterus
- Avoid hormonal treatments
- Have less bleeding compared to surgery
- Have a faster recovery compared to surgery
Uterine fibroid embolization also doesn’t leave a scar.
What happens during uterine fibroid embolization?
During your procedure, Dr. Odelowo makes a tiny pinhole incision in a leg artery. Then he inserts a catheter and uses real-time imaging to guide the catheter to the vessels delivering blood to the fibroid.
Once the catheter is in the vessel, Dr. Odelowo releases tiny particles, called embolic agents. The particles stick to the artery, blocking it and stopping blood from reaching the fibroid. Without blood, the fibroid shrinks and dies.
What causes pelvic congestion syndrome?
Pelvic congestion syndrome affects the veins carrying blood from your ovaries. This condition occurs when valves inside the veins fail, causing blood to build up in the vein. As a result, you end up with varicose veins in your pelvic area.
Chronic pelvic pain is the top symptom of pelvic congestion syndrome. Most women find that their pain feels worse when they walk, stand for a long time, during sexual intercourse, and before and after their menstrual periods.
How is pelvic congestion syndrome treated?
At Endovascular and interventional Associates, Dr. Odelowo treats pelvic congestion with a procedure called ovarian vein embolization. He guides the catheter through your blood vessel to the diseased ovarian vein. Then he uses one of several methods to seal the vein, effectively eliminating the varicosity and your symptoms.
If you need treatment for uterine fibroids or pelvic congestion syndrome, call Endovascular and interventional Associates, or book online today.
