Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in the uterus, affect a significant number of women, but the burden is particularly heavy on women of color. Up to 80% of Black women experience fibroids by age 50, yet many are unaware of less invasive treatment options beyond surgery. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) offers a non-surgical alternative that can improve quality of life with minimal downtime.
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist, who inserts a catheter through a tiny incision and guides it using real-time imaging to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. Compared to open surgery, UFE typically results in less pain and a shorter recovery period. Patient Kenya Green, who suffered from fibroids for decades, shared her experience: "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 I was experiencing." She was initially told her only options were birth control or hysterectomy, but a friend referred her to an interventional radiologist who performed UFE.
Dr. John Lipman, an interventional radiologist and founder of the Atlanta Fibroid Center, emphasized that fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy, which is often unnecessary. "Compared with surgery, UFE is much less invasive, less expensive, has a much shorter recovery time (days versus weeks or months), and is covered by all major insurance plans," he said. Despite endorsement from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) in 2008, many women remain unaware of UFE. Dr. Lipman noted, "It has been shown in multiple medical studies that most women suffering with fibroids do not hear about UFE as a treatment option from their doctor."
Awareness is critical, as uterine fibroids are three times more common in Black women and twice as common in Hispanic women. Yet 36% of Black women and 22% of Hispanic women mistakenly believe they are not at risk. After undergoing UFE, Green reported a marked improvement: "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." For more information during Uterine Fibroid Awareness Month, visit the Radiology Health Equity Coalition Uterine Fibroid Resources page.
