Fibroid Awareness Month: UFE Treatment at Triangle Vascular
Raising Awareness During Fibroid Awareness Month
July marks Fibroid Awareness Month, an important time to spotlight uterine fibroids — a condition affecting up to 80% of women during their lifetime. Karen Clark recently sat down with Dr. Stephen Loehr and Dr. William Pechter of Triangle Vascular Associates in Cary to discuss fibroids and a minimally invasive treatment option that’s changing lives.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and low energy. Dr. Loehr emphasized that while fibroids are common, many women suffer daily from their symptoms. Historically, the primary solution was hysterectomy — a major surgery involving removal of the uterus. However, not all women are ready for such a drastic procedure.
“We offer a minimally invasive option called uterine fibroid embolization, or UFE,” Dr. Pechter explained. “This procedure involves using image-guided technology to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s effective at treating all symptomatic fibroids without the need for surgical incisions.”
Unlike traditional surgeries like hysterectomy or myomectomy, UFE is performed using conscious sedation, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. Recovery time is shorter, taking just a few days, and there are no surgical scars or significant risks like infection or blood clots. Importantly, UFE allows women to preserve their uterus and fertility.
Dr. Loehr also highlighted the unique expertise of interventional radiologists, the specialists who perform UFE. These professionals utilize advanced imaging tools, such as MRI and ultrasound, to perform procedures that avoid large surgical incisions.
During Fibroid Awareness Month, Dr. Pechter encouraged women to explore their options, noting, “Many patients and even doctors aren’t fully aware of UFE. We want women to know that there’s a less invasive, life-altering alternative to hysterectomy.”
Women experiencing symptoms of fibroids can learn more by visiting TriangleVascularAssociates.com or calling Triangle Vascular Associates at 919-677-9111.
