UAE: A Minimally Invasive Treatment Option for Adenomyosis

What is Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a painful condition where the tissue that normally lines your uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus causing pelvic pain, painful periods, and heavy menstrual bleeding. The growth can be localized to part of the uterus or diffuse which causes widespread thickening.

Most commonly, adenomyosis symptoms are simply managed—rather than treated—which can prolong the issue and pain. Extensive solutions include hysterectomy, or invasive surgery that causes infertility and increases the risk of other extreme health issues. The only proven minimally invasive treatment for adenomyosis is uterine artery embolization (UAE). 

What is Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)?

UAE is a non-invasive treatment option that preserves your uterus and fertility. The treatment blocks the blood supply to the adenomyosis, reducing overall symptoms and providing relief. 

This style of treatment is very similar to the uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), known to treat fibroids invading the uterine muscle tissue. 

Why is UAE better than other options?

UAE is a safe and effective treatment option. It isn’t a temporary solution like a uterine ablation nor is it an invasive surgery like a hysterectomy. Many patients who undergo UAE experience improvements in their symptoms and a better quality of life.

The uterus-preserving treatment is normally performed as an outpatient procedure and you can return home the same day. Each patient experience is different depending on the severity of the adenomyosis, but it normally takes less than an hour. You can return home within a few hours and are expected to recover in 5-7 days.  

The steps for treating adenomyosis with UAE include:

Completion & recovery: The access site is bandaged, and you recover in our post-procedure area. There are no stitches. Most patients go home the same day.

Consultation & imaging: We confirm adenomyosis is the source of your symptoms and that UAE is an appropriate treatment option.

Arrival & anesthesia: You receive light sedation so you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire procedure.

Pinhole access: Your doctor will access the right femoral or left radial artery using a small incision.

Targeted treatment: Using live X-ray guidance, the uterine arteries are slowly blocked to reduce abnormal blood flow within the uterine muscle affected by adenomyosis, helping improve pain and heavy bleeding.

Who is a good candidate?

You may be a candidate for treating adenomyosis with UAE if you have:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Severe pelvic pain
• Painful intercourse
• Enlarged uterus
• Bloating or fullness

Treating adenomyosis with UAE is a safe, effective, and viable option for those experiencing persistent symptoms. Schedule a UAE consultation with Richmond Vascular Center to learn if UAE can help you.