What Happens to the Uterus After Uterine Artery Embolization?
Women experiencing heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids, malignant growth, and other medical conditions can opt for Uterine Artery Embolization treatment in Navi Mumbai. It’s a less-invasive alternative to open uterus surgery for removing fibroids and the uterus. The procedure cuts the blood supply to the fibroids, making them shrink and eventually die. This is also an effective way to control excessive bleeding. The question is, what happens to the uterus after uterine artery embolization? Let’s find out.
Immediate Aftereffects
You will be given sedatives and medication that numbs your groin area. So, you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. You are supposed to lie straight for 5-6 hours. Afterward, when the effect of the anesthesia wears off, you might experience mild cramping and some discomfort. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication. The pelvic pain can be moderate or severe for the first few days following the UAE.
Short-term Changes
The major goal of the procedure is to reduce the fibroid size and control heavy bleeding. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
a) Reduction in the Fibroid Size:
After the procedure, the blood supply to the fibroid is cut off, and their size will gradually decrease. It may take weeks or months for them to die, though. If the fibroids are located close to the uterine lining, they might expel through your vagina. You can expect some bleeding if that happens.
b) Pelvic Pain Relief:
Once the fibroids die, you will notice an improvement in your pelvic pain. Women with urinary incontinence due to fibroids putting pressure on the bladder will also notice improvement in their symptoms.
c) Regulate Menstrual Cycles:
After UAE, you may notice slight bleeding and skip periods for a few weeks. Your periods will gradually return, initially with light bleeding and then regular menstrual bleeding. This will be better and comparatively lighter than the pre-procedure state.
Long-term Outcomes
Although the procedure’s outcome is great, with patients reporting no heavy bleeding after UAE, it does come with its share of risks.
A) Fertility Issues:
It’s possible to get pregnant after UAE, but it comes with an increased risk of miscarriage and preterm birth. It’s best to talk about the potential complications with your gynecologist.
B) Additional Treatment:
UAE is very effective, but there’s a chance the fibroids will return or the existing ones will not die completely. If the treatment doesn’t work, you may need to consider surgery for fibroid removal or hysterectomy.
When to See Your Doctor?
Pelvic pain is not uncommon after the UAE. It can start in 24 hours and may last a few days. You can take over-the-counter painkillers to relieve pelvic discomfort. However, if the pain persists or is too severe to let you perform routine tasks or work, report it to your doctor. Other unusual symptoms after UAE are a high-grade fever with a vaginal discharge (this might indicate an infection) and heavy bleeding.
Conclusion
The process is safe overall, but it’s better to stay in touch with your gynecologist and watch for the warning signs mentioned above. Once you’ve had uterine artery embolization, it’s only a matter of time before you can resume your work like usual.