Understanding Your Options: Comparing Fibroid Treatment and Hysterectomy
If you’re among the many women weighing treatment options for uterine fibroids, knowing the facts can help you make the best decision for your health and future. Fibroids are incredibly common and statistically affect more African American and Latina women than others, causing uncomfortable symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and bloating among others. Dr. William Julien, a board-certified vascular interventional physician and president at South Florida Vascular Associates, has helped countless women in Broward, Dade and Palm Beach understand their choices and find the right solution for their unique needs.
What Are Fibroids and How Are They Treated?
Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop in the uterus. While some women experience no symptoms, others may struggle with pain, heavy periods, and bloating that interfere with daily life. When it comes to fibroid treatment, there are several minimally invasive procedures available. One of the most advanced and popular options offered by South Florida Vascular Associates is UFE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization). UFE uses imaging guidance to block the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time— all at once—while helping you preserve fertility.
- UFE is performed by Dr. Julien in a sophisticated endovascular surgery suite, designed to minimize downtime and keep you comfortable.
- Typical recovery takes about one week, much shorter than surgical alternatives.
- Many women notice symptom relief within weeks, with ongoing improvement as fibroids shrink.
Comparing Fibroid Treatment and Hysterectomy
For women struggling with severe fibroid symptoms, hysterectomy—removal of the uterus—is sometimes recommended by OB-GYNs. While a hysterectomy is effective at eliminating fibroids permanently, it also removes your uterus, making it impossible to become pregnant naturally in the future. If preserving fertility, minimum risk and going back to your normal activities is important to you, less invasive fibroid treatments such as UFE provide a promising alternative. Unlike a hysterectomy, UFE allows you to keep your uterus and maintain your potential for pregnancy while being effective and safe.
- With a hysterectomy, fertility is lost since the uterus is no longer present.
- Hysterectomy is a major surgery performed in the hospital.
- Hysterectomy has a risk of complications.
- Procedures like UFE shrink all fibroids at the same time, eliminating the symptoms and allowing you to pursue future family plans.
- UFE does not require a hospital stay, unlike surgery, and patients return to daily activities within a few days to a week.
- UFE is the safest treatment for uterine fibroids.
Fertility, Recovery, and Realistic Expectations
Women often ask about fertility preservation when considering their options. One reassuring fact about treating fibroids with UFE is that fertility can be maintained, allowing the possibility of future pregnancy. While results vary, clinical studies suggest most women continue to have regular periods and can pursue conception after recovering from UFE. Dr. Julien encourages you to discuss your personal goals and expectations at your consultation, so you understand how different treatments may affect you long-term.
- Recovery after UFE is usually mild and controlled by medication, with most women able to return to work and regular routines in one to two weeks.
- It’s important to have realistic expectations: While UFE is highly effective, results depend on an individual basis.
- Dr. Julien and his team at South Florida Vascular Associates will guide you through each step, providing ongoing support and education.
Why Choose South Florida Vascular Associates?
Dr. William Julien is an experienced vascular interventional physician and device trial investigator, known throughout South Florida for his advanced approach to fibroid care. Many women prefer the compassionate, patient-centered techniques available at South Florida Vascular Associates. By choosing a specialist like Dr. Julien, you benefit from the latest in minimally invasive procedures and a team committed to your well-being, fertility, and comfort from consultation to recovery.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids and want to learn more about treatment options compare UFE and hysterectomy here. For additional details about UFE, how it works, and whether it’s right for you, visit the UFE treatment page.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Discover how South Florida Vascular Associates can help you make the healthiest decision for your future. Fill out the online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Julien and explore your options for uterus-preserving fibroid care.
Dr. Willian Julien
Dr. William Julien is a board-certified vascular interventional radiologist and the president of South Florida Vascular Associates. He specializes in minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions like PAD, BPH, uterine fibroids, varicose veins, and aortic aneurysms. Dr. Julien earned his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, followed by fellowship training at the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute. He is certified by the American Board of Radiology with a subspecialty in interventional radiology. Dr. Julien is a member of RSNA and the American Heart Association’s CVRI Council and serves on the Society of Interventional Radiology’s Practice Affairs Committee. He is involved in national device trials and speaks regularly at endovascular conferences. His outpatient endovascular suite is one of the first of its kind in the U.S., allowing patients to receive advanced care outside the hospital.
