Overview

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are common, but for many women they can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, bloating, urinary symptoms, and fertility considerations in select cases.

Adenomyosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the uterus (the endometrium) grows into the muscular outer walls. It causes the uterus to enlarge and thickens its walls, leading to very painful menstrual cramps, heavy or prolonged bleeding, and pelvic pressure.

While fibroids and adenomyosis are often managed with medication or surgery, many patients are not aware that a minimally invasive, uterus-sparing option may be available.

ELMNT IR offers image-guided treatments that target fibroids directly—without the need for major surgery or removal of the uterus.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis

Symptoms vary depending on the size, number, and location of fibroids (and/or the extent of the adenomyosis). Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Bloating or abdominal fullness
• Frequent urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Anemia related to heavy bleeding
• Fertility or pregnancy-related concerns in select cases

These symptoms can affect energy, sleep, daily activity, and overall quality of life.

When to Seek Treatment

Many women delay treatment because fibroids and adenomyosis are common or because they assume surgery is the only option. Evaluation is recommended when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily life.

Untreated symptomatic fibroids/adenomyosis can contribute to:

• Ongoing heavy bleeding
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Increasing pelvic pressure or pain
• Urinary or bowel symptoms
• Reduced quality of life
• Infertility

How Uterine Fibroids are Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Clinical history and symptom assessment
• Pelvic exam
• Ultrasound or MRI to evaluate fibroid size and location
• Blood testing when heavy bleeding or anemia is suspected

ELMNT IR works closely with referring physicians to confirm whether uterine embolization is appropriate and to support coordinated treatment planning.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on symptom severity, fibroid characteristics, reproductive goals, and patient preference. Options may include:

• Medication to manage bleeding or symptoms
• Hormonal therapies in select cases
• Surgical procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy
• Minimally invasive treatments, including embolization

A Minimally Invasive Option

For many patients, Uterine Fibroid/Artery Embolization (UFE/UAE) offers an effective alternative to surgery.

Embolization reduces blood flow to the fibroids/abnormal uterine lining, causing them to shrink over time and helping relieve bleeding, pressure, and pain symptoms.

Key advantages:

• No large surgical incision
• Uterus-sparing approach
• Shorter recovery than major surgery
• Treats multiple fibroids at once
• Outpatient or short-stay procedure in many cases

Learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) (link to Procedure Page)

Who is a Candidate

You may be a candidate for minimally invasive treatment if:

• Symptoms are affecting your quality of life
• Medication has not provided enough relief
• You want to avoid hysterectomy/myomectomy
• You are looking for a uterus-sparing treatment option
• Imaging confirms anatomy that is appropriate for embolization

A consultation and imaging review can help determine the most appropriate treatment.

Why ELMNT IR

ELMNT IR is designed to bring advanced interventional radiology procedures out of the hospital and into a more accessible, patient-centered setting.

• Extensive expertise in advanced interventional treatments
• Specialized focus on image-guided therapies
• Streamlined referral and scheduling process
• Outpatient environment designed for comfort and efficiency
• Close coordination with referring physicians and women’s health providers

Next Steps

If you are experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids/adenomyosis, evaluation can help clarify your options and determine whether UFE may be appropriate.

Request a consultation or speak with your physician about a referral to ELMNT IR.