Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Some women have no symptoms, while others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, or abdominal and lower-back discomfort. The size, number and location of fibroids can influence symptoms and treatment decisions.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru includes several approaches, ranging from observation and medication to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. The right treatment depends on symptoms, fibroid characteristics, age, overall health and future pregnancy plans.
For women looking for a minimally invasive option, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is an established interventional radiology procedure. It works by reducing the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. Dr. Monish V, Consultant – Vascular Interventional Radiology at Manipal Hospital Yelahanka, Bengaluru, lists uterine fibroid embolisation among his areas of expertise.
Symptoms and Causes of Uterine Fibroids
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not completely understood. Hormonal, genetic and other biological factors are thought to contribute to their development. Fibroids can occur as a single growth or as multiple fibroids of different sizes. They may develop within the uterine wall, project into the uterine cavity or grow toward the outer surface of the uterus.
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Lower-back discomfort
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Fatigue or weakness related to anemia from prolonged heavy bleeding
Some women have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms. Others may develop symptoms that significantly interfere with daily activities. Persistent heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or symptoms suggestive of anemia should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
The location and size of a fibroid are important when determining whether treatment is required. For example, fibroids that affect the uterine cavity may cause heavy bleeding or fertility-related concerns, while larger fibroids can cause pressure on nearby organs.
Diagnosis and Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru
A diagnosis usually begins with a medical history and pelvic examination. Ultrasound, including transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound, is commonly used to identify fibroids and assess their size and location. Blood tests may also be recommended, particularly when heavy menstrual bleeding raises concerns about anemia.
Depending on the individual case, additional investigations may include:
- Pelvic MRI
- Sonohysterography
- Hysteroscopy
- Blood tests
- Other imaging studies when clinically indicated
MRI can provide detailed information about the number, size and location of fibroids and may help with treatment planning.
When Is Treatment Needed?
Not every fibroid requires treatment. Women with small fibroids and no significant symptoms may be monitored through regular medical follow-up. Treatment may be considered when fibroids cause heavy bleeding, persistent pain, pressure symptoms, anemia or other problems affecting quality of life.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru may include medication, minimally invasive procedures or surgery. The choice should be individualized rather than based only on fibroid size.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. A thin catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the uterus, and small embolic particles are delivered to reduce blood flow to the fibroids. With reduced blood supply, the fibroids gradually shrink and symptoms may improve.
UFE does not involve removing the uterus. It can be considered for appropriately selected women, including those with multiple fibroids. However, it is not automatically the right treatment for every patient.
Dr. Monish V is a Vascular Interventional Radiologist in Bengaluru and practices at Manipal Hospital Yelahanka. His listed areas of expertise include uterine fibroid embolisation, thyroid RF ablation, varicocele embolization, prostate artery embolisation, peripheral angioplasty and stenting, and image-guided biopsy/FNAC procedures.
Other Treatment Options
Depending on the patient’s symptoms and goals, treatment may include:
Medicines: Certain medicines can help control heavy menstrual bleeding or other symptoms, although they may not eliminate fibroids.
Myomectomy: This procedure removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. It may be performed using hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic or open surgical techniques depending on the fibroid’s characteristics.
Radiofrequency ablation: This technique uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue, allowing the treated fibroid to shrink over time.
Hysterectomy: This involves removal of the uterus and is a definitive treatment for fibroids, but it eliminates the possibility of future pregnancy.
The appropriate choice depends on fibroid location, size, number, symptoms, reproductive plans and overall health.
Benefits, Recovery and Comparison of Treatment Options
One important advantage of minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru is that procedures such as UFE can treat fibroids without the abdominal incisions associated with traditional open surgery. UFE is designed to reduce blood flow to fibroids while leaving the uterus in place.
Potential benefits of UFE for appropriately selected patients include:
- Minimally invasive, catheter-based treatment
- No surgical removal of the uterus
- Ability to treat multiple fibroids in one procedure
- Reduced blood supply to fibroid tissue
- Gradual reduction in fibroid size
- Improvement in fibroid-related symptoms for many patients
However, UFE also has potential risks and is not suitable for everyone. Fertility considerations are particularly important. Current medical guidance recommends discussing pregnancy plans carefully before choosing UFE or other uterine-preserving procedures.
Recovery After UFE
After Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), patients may experience pelvic cramping, discomfort, fatigue, nausea or mild fever-like symptoms for a short period. The treating team provides individualized pain-control and recovery instructions.
Recovery varies between individuals. Because UFE is minimally invasive, recovery is generally shorter than recovery from major open surgery, although the exact timeline depends on the procedure, the patient’s health and the treating centre’s protocol.
Patients should follow instructions regarding medication, activity, hydration and follow-up appointments. Follow-up imaging may be recommended to assess the response of the fibroids.
UFE vs Myomectomy vs Hysterectomy
| Treatment | Main approach | Uterus preserved? | Typical consideration |
| UFE | Blocks blood supply to fibroids | Yes | Minimally invasive option for selected patients |
| Myomectomy | Removes fibroids | Yes | Often considered when preserving fertility is important |
| Hysterectomy | Removes uterus | No | Definitive treatment; future pregnancy is not possible |
No single procedure is appropriate for every woman. Treatment should be selected after evaluating symptoms, imaging findings, fertility goals and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru?
It refers to medical, minimally invasive or surgical treatments used to manage symptomatic uterine fibroids. Options include medicines, UFE, radiofrequency ablation, myomectomy and hysterectomy.
2. What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?
UFE is a minimally invasive procedure in which embolic particles are delivered through a catheter to reduce blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
3. Is UFE a surgery?
UFE is a minimally invasive, catheter-based interventional radiology procedure rather than traditional open surgery.
4. Can multiple fibroids be treated with UFE?
UFE can be used to treat multiple fibroids in appropriately selected patients. A detailed imaging assessment is needed to determine suitability.
5. Does UFE remove fibroids completely?
UFE reduces the blood supply to fibroids, which causes them to shrink. It does not physically remove the fibroids.
6. Is UFE suitable for women who want to become pregnant?
Fertility plans should be discussed carefully before UFE. Current guidance notes that UFE may not be the preferred option for women who want to preserve as much fertility as possible, so an individualized discussion with the treating team is important.
7. When should I see a doctor for fibroids?
Consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent pelvic pain, very heavy or painful periods, bleeding between periods, difficulty emptying your bladder or symptoms of anemia. Severe vaginal bleeding or sudden severe pelvic pain requires urgent medical attention.
8. Who performs UFE?
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist using imaging guidance. Dr. Monish V at Manipal Hospital Yelahanka lists uterine fibroid embolisation among his areas of expertise.
9. How is the right fibroid treatment selected?
The decision depends on symptoms, fibroid size and location, number of fibroids, overall health and reproductive goals. Imaging and clinical evaluation help determine the appropriate approach.
10. Can fibroids be monitored without treatment?
Yes. Fibroids that cause no symptoms or only mild symptoms may sometimes be monitored rather than treated immediately.
Conclusion: Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru
Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Bengaluru offers several options, from medication and observation to minimally invasive procedures and surgery. For women with symptomatic fibroids, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can be an important treatment option because it reduces blood flow to fibroids and allows them to shrink without removing the uterus. However, treatment selection should always be based on individual medical assessment, imaging findings and future pregnancy plans.
Dr. Monish V, Consultant – Vascular Interventional Radiology at Manipal Hospital Yelahanka, Bengaluru, provides minimally invasive image-guided treatments and lists uterine fibroid embolisation among his clinical areas of expertise.
If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, painful periods or symptoms related to uterine fibroids, consult Dr. Monish V to discuss your diagnosis and available minimally invasive treatment options.
Book an appointment with Dr. Monish V in Bengaluru to discuss whether Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) or another treatment approach may be appropriate for your condition.