What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas), are benign (non-cancerous) tumours, that can be found in the smooth muscle layer (myometrium) of 20 to 40 percent of women aged 35 and older. These tumours are in most cases asymptomatic, but can in extreme cases lead to a number of symptoms, including

  • Heavy and painful menstruation
  • Painful sexual intercourse
  • Issues with urinary frequency and retention
  • Fertility and pregnancy problems
  • Abdominal discomfort and bloating
  • Constipation
  • Back ache

Because of the discomfort associated with this condition, one of the most common treatments recommended to deal with Uterine Fibroids in South Africa is a hysterectomy. Now however, South African women have another option – Uterine Fibroid Embolization or UFE for short. This uterus sparing procedure selectively targets the fibroids, sparing the uterine muscle and ovaries. It is internationally recognised as a highly effective and scientifically established permanent treatment for uterine fibroids.

The Uterine Fibroid Embolization Procedure

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a medical procedure used by interventional radiologists such as Dr Sithole to block the blood supply to fibroids that have formed in the uterus. This procedure is minimally invasive and also known as Uterine Artery Embolization or UAE.

To find out more, please go to our Procedure page.

Please Note:

Other common names used to refer to this condition include uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma, fibroleiomyoma.