Abstract
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata) are benign tumors that affect 20% to 25% of women. These tumors can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms including heavy menstrual cramping and bleeding (resulting in anemia), abdominal distention, pelvic and back pain, urinary frequency, and dyspareunia. Traditional treatments for symptomatic fibroids have included abdominal hysterectomy (surgical removal of the entire uterus) and myomectomy (surgical removal of individual fibroids). Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is another alternative for women in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. It is a procedure that uses angiographic techniques to introduce a catheter to the uterine arteries. UAE is now an alternative choice to a lesser invasive treatment in treating fibroids.