About half of all women develop uterine fibroids by the time they turn 50. Fibroids, noncancerous growths that develop in your uterine walls, can be few or plentiful, large or small, and painless or painful.
Those who experience pain and other symptoms caused by fibroids have several options for treatment. At South Florida Vascular Associates, board-certified vascular interventional physician William H. Julien, MD, and his expert medical team offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is a minimally invasive procedure.
In the past, painful uterine fibroids were treated by surgery, either a hysterectomy or a myomectomy. The benefit of a UFE is that it's performed in our state-of-the-art facility, does not require hospitalization, has a shorter recovery time, and has lower risks of complications as compared to surgery.
After undergoing UFE, taking care of yourself during the recovery period is essential to ensure a smooth and successful healing process. Here, Dr. Julien shares some tips on how to make the most of your uterine fibroid embolization recovery.
After uterine fibroid embolization, you may experience pain, cramping, or discomfort. Dr. Julien prescribes pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve and manage your discomfort. Follow the instructions for medication usage, and consider using heating pads or warm baths to further alleviate pain.
Give your body time to heal by getting adequate rest. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and intense exercise until you get the green light from Dr. Julien. When you start feeling better, increase your activity level gradually.
Spotting, discharge, or light bleeding is normal during the first month after the procedure, so don’t be alarmed when you see some. Wear sanitary pads as needed. However, contact us immediately if you notice foul smelling discharge because that may indicate an infection.
While there are no dietary restrictions following UFE, it’s best to eat a healthy and balanced diet to help with recovery. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated to prevent constipation.
While complications are rare, it's essential to be aware of any signs of concern. Contact our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or any other worrisome symptoms.
While you should avoid strenuous exercise initially, light exercises like walking can aid in your recovery. Gradually increase your activity level based on Dr. Julien's guidance.
If you're experiencing painful fibroids, call South Florida Vascular Associates or make an appointment online to learn if you're a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization. We’re conveniently located in Boynton Beach, Coconut Creek, and Plantation, Florida.
