Adenomyosis & Fibroids Treatment in San Antonio, TX
UFE Provides Non-Surgical Relief for Pelvic Pain & Heavy Bleeding
Chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, and constant pressure can take a serious toll on your daily life. Many women find themselves planning their schedules around symptoms, avoiding activities, or feeling exhausted from ongoing discomfort.
If you’ve been told that a hysterectomy is your only option, it’s important to know that surgery is not your only path forward.
At Ally Vascular & Pain Centers in San Antonio, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments that target the root cause of symptoms — without removing your uterus. Using image-guided procedures like Uterine Fibroid Embolization, we help women find lasting relief from both uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.
Understanding Fibroids vs. Adenomyosis
Fibroids and adenomyosis are two common uterine conditions that often cause similar symptoms, but they are fundamentally different conditions that require expert diagnosis and treatment.
Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While some women have no symptoms, others may experience:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal bloating or fullness
- Pain during intercourse
Adenomyosis
Adenomyosis occurs when the inner lining of the uterus (endometrial tissue) grows into the muscular wall of the uterus. This causes the uterus to become enlarged, inflamed, and painful — especially during menstrual cycles.
Unlike fibroids, which form distinct masses, adenomyosis is more diffuse and spreads within the uterine muscle. Because of this, it is often underdiagnosed or mistaken for fibroids.
Common symptoms of adenomyosis include:
- Severe menstrual cramps that worsen over time
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Pain during intercourse
Many women with adenomyosis are told that hysterectomy is their only option. However, minimally invasive treatments like uterine artery embolization can significantly reduce symptoms for many patients.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization: A Non-Surgical Solution
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), also called Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat both fibroids and adenomyosis by targeting their blood supply.
During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin and guided to the uterine arteries using real-time imaging. Tiny particles are then delivered to block blood flow to fibroids or affected uterine tissue, causing them to shrink and symptoms to improve.
What to Expect Before the Procedure
Preparation for UFE is simple and designed to ensure a smooth experience.
Patients are typically asked to:
- Stay well hydrated the day before
- Avoid eating or drinking after midnight
- Take approved medications (like blood pressure meds) with small sips of water
You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure
During the 30-45 minute procedure, you will be comfortably sedated and should not feel pain.
Once the catheter is positioned, your physician delivers the embolic particles precisely to the targeted vessels. After the procedure:
- The catheter is removed
- The access site is closed
- You’ll rest for a few hours before going home
Some patients experience cramping, fatigue, or mild fever shortly after — this is a normal sign that the treatment is working.
Post-Procedure Guidelines
After your procedure, you’ll be monitored to ensure you’re comfortable and recovering well. Most patients are able to go home the same day once they are able to tolerate fluids, have no bleeding at the access site, and their discomfort is well controlled with oral medication.
You will be discharged with medications to help manage your recovery, which may include:
- Ibuprofen for inflammation
- Pain medication as needed
- A stool softener to prevent constipation
- Medication for nausea, if needed
Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within 48–72 hours, gradually increasing activity as they feel comfortable.
Benefits of UFE
- No major surgery or incisions
- Preserves the uterus
- Short recovery time
- Less risk than traditional surgery
- Outpatient procedure
- High success rate (Over 85%)
- Helps avoid hysterectomy
UFE vs. Surgery
| Treatment |
UFE
|
Hysterectomy | Myomectomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness |
Minimally invasive
|
Major surgery | Surgical procedure |
| Uterus Preserved |
Yes
|
No | Yes |
| Recovery Time |
3–7 days
|
4–8 weeks | 2–6 weeks |
| Hospital Stay |
No
|
Yes | Sometimes |
| Treats Adenomyosis |
Yes
|
Yes | Limited |
| Risk Level |
Lower
|
Higher | Moderate |
What to Expect After UFE
Recovery Timeline
Recovery after Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE/UAE) is typically much faster and easier than traditional surgery.
Most patients can expect:
- A recovery period of about 3–4 days
- Return to light daily activities within a few days
- Full recovery within about 1 week
It’s normal to experience some cramping, fatigue, or mild flu-like symptoms during the first 24–48 hours. These symptoms are temporary and are a sign that the treatment is working as the fibroids begin to shrink.
Post-Procedure Care & Activity Guidelines
To support proper healing, your care team will provide specific instructions, but general guidelines include:
- Avoid baths (showers are allowed) for 2 weeks
- Avoid saunas and hot tubs
- Avoid tampons for one menstrual cycle
- Avoid intercourse for 2 weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks
- Limit long-distance travel for about 2 weeks
Most patients are able to gradually return to normal routines within a few days, increasing activity as they feel comfortable.
Long-Term Results & Symptom Relief
After UFE, fibroids begin to shrink because their blood supply has been blocked. Over time, the fibroid tissue is replaced with harmless connective tissue.
For adenomyosis, the procedure reduces abnormal blood flow within the uterine muscle, helping decrease inflammation and improve symptoms over time.
- At 3 months, fibroids are typically reduced by 20–30%
- At 6–8 months, they may shrink by 50–70%
- Many patients begin to notice symptom improvement within just a few weeks
While fibroids physically shrink, adenomyosis symptoms improve as inflammation decreases — often leading to reduced pain, lighter periods, and less pelvic pressure.
Why Choose Ally Vascular for UFE?
Board-Certified Interventional Specialists
Care is led by highly trained, board-certified interventional radiologists who focus exclusively on minimally invasive, image-guided procedures. This level of expertise ensures accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment tailored to your condition.
Advanced Image-Guided Precision
We use state-of-the-art imaging technology to precisely target the blood vessels causing your symptoms. This allows us to treat fibroids and adenomyosis at the source while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.
Outpatient, Patient-Focused Experience
All procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting — meaning no hospital stays, no long recovery, and a streamlined experience designed around your safety and convenience.
Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Surgery
We specialize in helping patients avoid unnecessary surgery. Our treatments are designed to relieve symptoms, preserve your uterus, and help you return to normal life faster, without the risks of major procedures like hysterectomy.
Relief Is Possible — Without Surgery
You don’t have to keep living with pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or constant pressure, and you don’t have to settle for major surgery as your only option.
At Ally Vascular & Pain Centers, we offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments designed to target the source of your symptoms and help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Pain Treatment Options
How do I know if I have fibroids or adenomyosis?
Both conditions share similar symptoms. Imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, is typically needed for an accurate diagnosis.
Will I still be able to have children after UFE?
UFE preserves the uterus, and some women are able to conceive afterward. If fertility is a priority, this should be discussed during your consultation.
Will my symptoms come back?
Most patients experience long-lasting relief. Fibroids shrink permanently, and adenomyosis symptoms are significantly reduced in the majority of cases.
A consultation can help determine whether you are a candidate for additional non-surgical options.
Is UFE covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover UFE when it is considered medically necessary. Coverage can vary depending on your provider and plan, so your care team will help verify benefits and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs.
How do I know if I’m a candidate for UFE?
You may be a candidate for UFE if you have fibroids or adenomyosis causing symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure — especially if you want to avoid surgery. A consultation with imaging is needed to confirm if UFE is right for you.
