Key Highlights

• Uterine fibroids (UFE Singapore) are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They often show up during a woman’s reproductive years.
• Common symptoms are heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and discomfort.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure to treat fibroids. It helps avoid the need for open surgery.
• During UFE, doctors block the blood supply to the fibroids. This makes them shrink and helps relieve symptoms.
• Recovery from UFE is usually quicker than from traditional surgery. This means a faster return to daily activities.

Introduction

A uterine fibroid is a common issue for women that can be challenging in Singapore’s healthcare system. These non-cancerous growths form in the uterus and can lead to various symptoms that affect daily life. It is important for women who have symptoms of uterine fibroids, like heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain, to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment choices.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids in Singapore

Navigating the treatment for uterine fibroids in Singapore means knowing more about the condition and what options are available. This guide will help you understand uterine fibroids and how common they are. With this information, you can make better choices about your health. We will talk about symptoms, diagnosis, and look into Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which is a minimally invasive treatment option.

This guide aims to empower women in Singapore. It helps you take charge of your journey with uterine fibroids and find the best care for your health.

The Prevalence of Uterine Fibroids Among Singaporean Women

Uterine fibroids are a major health issue for women in Singapore. By the time they reach age 35, about 50% of women might have had these non-cancerous growths. Fibroids are especially common during a woman’s childbearing years, which is when hormonal changes happen during the menstrual cycle.

The development of fibroids is strongly connected to the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which play a role in the menstrual cycle. As women get older, the levels of these hormones change, possibly leading to fibroid growth.

Even though the exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, the link to hormones shows the need for understanding and early detection. This is important for Singaporean women who are in their childbearing years. Getting prompt medical advice and treatment can help in managing symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Symptoms and Diagnosis: Recognizing the Signs Early

Recognizing the early signs of uterine fibroids is important for managing the condition well. Heavy periods, when there is a lot of bleeding, are often the first symptom that many notice. Women may find they soak through pads or tampons every hour for hours at a time.

Besides heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain is another common sign. This pain can feel like a dull ache or sharp stabbing, depending on the size and location of the fibroids.

Having these symptoms does not mean you definitely have uterine fibroids for sure. Still, any unusual changes in your menstrual cycle should get medical attention right away. Getting an early diagnosis can help you explore more treatment options and avoid possible issues later on.

Comprehensive Guide to Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) is a simple procedure. It focuses on the blood supply to the fibroids, reducing their size. It is a good choice instead of open surgery, as it allows for a quicker recovery and less disturbance. UFE is especially useful for large fibroids that cause heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain. The process works by blocking the uterine artery, which stops blood flow to the fibroids. This leads to smaller fibroids that the body can reabsorb latershrinkage of the fibroids. Having a successful UFE can reduce symptoms and keep the uterus healthy.

What is UFE? A Closer Look at the Procedure

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a simple and less invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids. Instead of taking the fibroids out by surgery, UFE works by blocking their blood supply. This makes the fibroids get smaller. This focused method helps keep nearby tissue safe.

In UFE, a vascular surgeon puts a thin tube, called a catheter, through a small cut in the groin or wrist. Using imaging help, the doctor guides the catheter to the uterine artery. Then, they inject small particles known as embolic agents through the catheter to block the blood vessels that feed the fibroids.

By shutting off the blood supply, UFE starves the fibroids, which makes them shrink over time. The nearby uterine tissue gets normal blood flow and stays unaffected. This procedure usually lasts a few hours, and many patients can go home the same day.

Preparing for UFE: Steps to Take Before the Procedure

Preparing for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) has a few important steps that help with the procedure and your health. Your healthcare provider will help you get ready. They will go over your complete medical history.

Tell your doctor about any medications you take, any allergies you have, and any medical conditions you have had before. You will also need imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound. These tests help check the size, number, and location of the fibroids. This information is important to understand how complex the procedure may be.

Before UFE, your healthcare provider will give you special instructions about fasting and any changes in your medications. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to avoid any problems. You might also get medication to help you relax before the procedure.

Life After UFE: Recovery and Expectations

Recovery after UFE is usually quicker and less painful than regular surgery. Most women can return to their normal activities in about a week or two. Some may feel mild discomfort, cramping, or tiredness for a few days, but these side effects usually go away fast.

In the weeks and months after UFE, you will see a slow improvement in symptoms like heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms. It’s important to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. These visits will help keep track of your healing and answer any questions you may have.

Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Post-Procedure

Understanding the recovery timeline after UFE can help you plan better. This minimally invasive procedure has shorter recovery times than traditional surgery.

Right after the procedure, you will be watched for a few hours before going home to recover. It’s normal to feel mild pain, cramping, or tiredness. You can use pain medication from your healthcare provider to manage these feelingsthis discomfort.

Most women can go back to work and do light activities within a week. However, you should stay away from heavy lifting, intense exercise, or hard strenuous activities for about two weeks. Follow-up care is very important. Your doctor will set up appointments to track your recovery and address any issues.

Managing Health Post-UFE: Follow-Up Care and Lifestyle Changes

Maintaining good health after Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) often requires follow-up care and some lifestyle changes. Knowing this can help you stay well and stop fibroids from coming back.

Regular checkups with your healthcare provider are key, especially in the first year after the procedure. These visits allow you to track your recovery, check symptom relief, and spot any problems early. Your doctor might recommend hormone therapy based on your age and hormone levels to help prevent future fibroid growth.

Although UFE successfully treats existing fibroids, it’s important to manage any risk factors. Keeping a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet can help keep hormone levels steady and lower the chance of fibroids returning.

Treatment Alternatives and Complementary Therapies

Apart from Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), there are other treatments for uterine fibroids in Singapore. The best choice for you will depend on the size and location of the fibroids, your symptoms, and your health.

Traditional methods include taking medications to control hormone levels and having surgery for bigger fibroids. You might also look into complementary therapies, like acupuncture or changing your diet. These can help manage symptoms and boost your overall well-being.

Exploring Alternative Treatments: Beyond Conventional Medicine

While many people use standard medical treatments for uterine fibroids, more are starting to look into alternative treatments and extra therapies. These methods take a whole-body approach. They not only target physical symptoms but also focus on emotions and mental health related to the condition.

Alternative treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine work to bring balance to the body and help it heal naturally. These treatments can help ease symptoms such as pain and discomfort. It’s important to talk to qualified professionals to ensure you get safe and effective care.

Complementary therapies often work alongside standard medicine. These therapies can offer further support. Some examples are yoga, meditation, and changes in diet. Each can improve overall well-being and may help lessen the effects of medical conditions like uterine fibroids.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Managing Uterine Fibroids

A balanced diet and regular exercise are not main treatments for uterine fibroids, but they can help manage this condition. These healthy lifestyle choices may not make fibroids smaller, but they can improve health and lessen symptoms, which can help improve your quality of life.

Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important. It helps keep hormones in balance and manage weight. Both of these factors can affect the size of fibroids. Also, cutting back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can lead to better health.

Getting regular exercise, even simple activities like walking, swimming, or cycling, can offer many benefits. These benefits include:

• Improved blood circulation.
• Weight management.
• Reduced inflammation.

All these factors can help with managing fibroids and boost your overall health.