Uterine fibroids can disrupt daily life for many women, but the condition is notably more prevalent among women of color. Up to 80% of Black women develop fibroids by age 50, and Hispanic women are twice as likely to have them compared to other groups. Despite this, awareness of fibroid risks and treatment options remains low. A 36% of Black women and 22% of Hispanic women mistakenly believe they are not at risk, according to the source.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, bloating, and severe pain. Many women suffer in silence, often unaware that alternatives to hysterectomy exist. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. During UFE, a catheter is inserted through a tiny incision and guided using real-time imaging to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. Compared to open surgery, UFE typically results in less pain and a shorter recovery period.
“Before UFE, my entire life was planned around my fibroids — what I could wear, where I could go — all to manage the symptoms and pain,” said Kenya Green, a patient who suffered from fibroids for decades. “When I asked my OBGYN what my options were, I was told I could go on birth control or that I needed to have a hysterectomy.” Green, who was in her early 30s, sought a second opinion from an interventional radiologist and ultimately underwent UFE. “Since I had my UFE, I no longer have to plan my life and my wardrobe around my fibroid symptoms. I am pain free and living a life of abundance.”
John Lipman, MD, an interventional radiologist and founder of the Atlanta Fibroid Center, emphasized that fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy, which is often unnecessary. “UFE is an absolute game changer for fibroid sufferers, but the biggest problem is that most patients are unaware of this outstanding procedure and need to obtain a second opinion from an interventional radiologist,” he said. According to Lipman, UFE is less invasive, less expensive, and has a shorter recovery time compared to surgery, and it is covered by all major insurance plans.
Despite endorsement from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) since 2008, many women still do not hear about UFE from their doctors. “Women are entitled to know all of their treatment options and not just the surgical ones,” Lipman added. For more information, visit the Radiology Health Equity Coalition Uterine Fibroid Resources page.
As July is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, healthcare advocates urge all women, especially those of color, to educate themselves about fibroid symptoms and treatment options. UFE offers a minimally invasive path to relief, allowing women to return to their daily lives without the burden of fibroid-related pain and limitations.
