To determine if your symptoms are related to fibroids, the Sinai team offers on-site diagnostic technologies such as ultrasounds to get a better look at the internal structures of your uterus.

Ultrasounds can show your doctor the location and size of your fibroids or highlight other underlying medical conditions that can cause heavy or irregular periods.

Once your Sinai doctor determines your fibroids need treatment, they customize a care plan that alleviates symptoms and eliminates fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that affect women in their childbearing years. The fibroids grow on the lining of the uterus and can range in size from microscopic to extremely large.

There’s no specific cause for fibroids, but you may be at increased risk for developing them in your lifetime if you have a family history of the condition or due to hormone changes.

Many women have fibroids without any symptoms, but larger fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms including:

• Heavy bleeding
• Irregular periods
• Pelvic pressure or pain

Large-sized fibroids can even distort the structure of your uterus and cause chronic pain that interferes with your quality of life.

While many fibroids disappear naturally during menopause, large fibroids may need to be treated to keep you symptom-free.

The staff at Sinai offers on-site uterine fibroid embolization procedures. This minimally invasive treatment focuses on blocking the arteries that supply fibroids with blood and oxygen. Without a proper blood supply, fibroids can’t survive and begin to shrink.

Your Sinai physician uses image-guided fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray technology, to position a catheter near your uterine arteries. Through the catheter, they insert microscopic particles that block blood flow through the artery.

You can expect to receive a sedative to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. The embolization requires only a small incision to insert the catheter, so your risk for infection is minimal and your recovery time is fast.

If you need diagnostic testing for pelvic pain or are looking for nonsurgical solutions to treat uterine fibroids, schedule a uterine fibroid embolization consultation online today or call Sinai to schedule an appointment.