Debbie had been suffering from heavy, painful periods for far too long. It turns out that uterine fibroids were not only causing her pain, but they were also affecting her marriage. Cramping, pain, heavy bleeding, and fatigue made sex difficult and uncomfortable. She wanted to learn more about UFE, a fibroid treatment without surgery. She was excited to learn that after her UFE recovery she would find relief from heavy periods and fibroid pain. Plus, she was hopeful to resume more intimacy with her husband.
Debbie’s Fibroid Symptoms
- Very heavy periods
- Severe cramping and pelvic pain
- Urinary frequency and urgency
- Pain during intercourse
- Anemia requiring blood transfusions
- Swollen abdomen
What Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs), are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Fibroids can have a significant impact on a woman’s quality of life. They can be exceedingly painful and disruptive to work and social life, causing physical and emotional distress.
Like Debbie, many women with fibroids experience issues with sexual intimacy. The symptoms are both physical and emotional.
- Pain during or after sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Decreased sex drive (libido)
- Periods that last longer than a week
- Need to urinate more often
- Vaginal dryness
- Fatigue and possible anemia
- Swollen abdomen or unexplained weight gain
- Low self-esteem/body image issues
- Hormonal imbalances can affect libido and emotions
When fibroids cause pain during intercourse, it is often due to the size and location of the fibroids. However, even smaller fibroids can place pressure on the uterus during penetration. Also, bleeding can occur causing embarrassment, hopelessness, and a feeling of uncertainty. Unfortunately, sexual challenges and concerns are difficult to talk about and relationships can become strained. But there is hope! After treatment and UFE recovery, most women regain their sexual confidence and can have fulfilling sex lives. To read about the effects of fibroids on sexual health, read our blog.
What Is Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a unique, minimally invasive procedure for fibroid treatment is over 90% effective in reducing symptoms for women. Rather than surgery to remove fibroids, UFE uses interventional radiology and particles to non-invasively block the blood flow to the fibroids. This causes fibroids to shrink and die. With UFE there is no incision—just a tiny catheter in your wrist. Plus, UFE recovery is shorter than traditional fibroid surgeries.
Benefits of UFE Include
- No hospital stay
- Tiny wrist puncture, no vaginal access
- In-office procedure
- Fast recovery time of 7-10 days
- Over 90% reduction in fibroid symptoms
- Treat all fibroids at once
In Debbie’s Words: “I feel great! Awesome!”
Before her UFE recovery, Debbie experienced “heavy, heavy periods with cramping before and during, with a lot of pain.” In only four months after UFE, Debbie is experiencing shorter and lighter periods. Now she has only a half day of cramping before her period, if at all. “I’ve taken an Advil only once since my procedure.” Debbie is so pleased to not be as heavily medicated as she was before.
Debbie recommends that other women suffering from fibroids look into the UFE procedure. “Definitely do it. I’m telling you, it is so worth it!”. Her husband is happy because she is not in pain anymore. And another reason Debbie and her husband are so happy—after a short UFE recovery—they have an intimate sex life again.
Debbie is grateful to Dr. Slonim and Fibroid Institute Dallas for educating woman about fibroid treatment options. She says it’s obvious Dr. Slonim and the entire staff truly care about their patients and giving them the best care. And Debbie’s final words about UFE? “It’s changed my life.”
Watch Debbie’s testimony:
Why Wait for UFE Recovery to Change Your Life?
Dr. Suzanne Slonim founded the Fibroid Institute Dallas and the Fibroid Free movement to relieve women of painful fibroid symptoms and educate them on treatment options. She is a national advocate for fibroid treatment without surgery and Dallas Business Journal Women in Business Honoree. She has been voted Best Doctor in D Magazine and recognized in Super Doctors by Texas Monthly. With over 30 years and 30,000 cases, Dr. Suzanne Slonim is the #1 most experienced fibroid doctor in North Texas for UFE. Based on this experience, she has developed a unique treatment program that focuses on caring for women seeking fibroid relief.
Fibroid Institute Dallas works with referring doctors to provide a patient-centered care approach that benefits each patient’s journey. Dr. Slonim explains: “Many of the women we see come to us behind the back of their gynecologists. We bring the gynecologist back into the conversation, letting them know about the UFE procedure and how well the results turn out. That way, the next patient they see who doesn’t want a hysterectomy is given the option to come to the Fibroid Institute.”
Fibroid Institute Dallas Advantages to Patients:
- Free phone screenings to check your eligibility for UFE.
- Listening to your concerns and questions about fibroid symptoms.
- Physical examination (not traditional pelvic exam), medical history and any necessary imaging
- Availability of onsite ultrasound and MRI imaging at our Dallas office.
- Discuss goals and treatment options based on your preferences and needs.
- Spending the time to ensure you understand the UFE procedure.
- Detailed instructions and guidelines for what to expect before and after the procedure.
- Sharing Dr. Slonim’s personal phone number for your questions.
- Personalized concierge services from insurance through communication with referring doctors.
Are fibroids affecting your sexual relationship? Learn how UFE can bring relief to your fibroid symptoms, including painful intercourse, heavy bleeding, and long periods. Call Fibroid Institute Dallas at 214-838-6440 or complete the form below. You will have a formal consultation before scheduling your procedure. Telehealth consults and/or in-office appointments are available.
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Fibroid Institute Dallas serves the DFW area including Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Dallas, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Cockrell Hill, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Grand Prairie, Arlington, HEB, Fort Worth, Hutchins, Irving, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Addison, Carrollton, and all of North Texas.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.