Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Services
  • Gynecology and Women's Health
  • Fibroid Treatment
Content

Uterine Fibroid Treatment

When you have uterine fibroids, the common symptoms of pelvic cramping, abnormal bleeding and heavy periods can make you feel downright miserable. Gynecologists and surgeons in the Sutter Health network offer a variety of therapeutic and minimally invasive treatments to help you feel better.

Female patient speaking to female physician

Nonsurgical Treatment

Depending on the size, location and severity of your fibroids, your doctor may suggest trying different therapeutic options to manage your symptoms before considering surgical removal. Your doctor may suggest nonsurgical medical treatment such as birth control pills or the insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD) to balance the levels of estrogen and progestin in your body. These medical options may improve your symptoms.

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

In the Sutter Health network, interventional radiologists offer an innovative and minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids using catheters and image guidance techniques. Uterine artery embolization treats the benign tumors that cause fibroids by inserting tiny particles into the uterine artery to cut off blood flow to the tumor and shrink the fibroid. This procedure is especially well-suited for women who don’t plan on becoming pregnant in the future.

Before the embolization procedure, your interventional radiologist gives you sedatives to make you feel relaxed. After applying a local anesthetic, your doctor inserts a small catheter into your femoral artery via an incision in your groin. The catheter is routed to your uterine artery where multiple fibroids are treated by blocking the blood supply to the fibroids.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Most minimally invasive surgical procedures on the reproductive system are done via laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, both of which are viable treatment options for uterine fibroids. Making incisions in the uterine wall and removing the fibroids surgically, called myomectomy, can also be done, and is often the surgical procedure of choice for women who still wish to become pregnant.

If there are simply too many fibroids in the uterus, and you have completed childbearing, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy to remove your uterus completely. This can be done laparoscopically through small incisions in your abdomen, or vaginally by making an incision in your vagina to access and remove the uterus. If these minimally invasive procedures aren’t an option, your doctor will likely remove the uterus through a large incision in your lower abdomen.

Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment option for your specific situation.

Connect with a Gynecologist

Related Content

  • Gynecology and Women's Health
  • Gynecologic Surgery
  • Preventative Care for Women
  • Treatment of Abnormal Pap Smears
  • Treatment of Abnormal Bleeding

Health and Wellness

In Your Corner

Breaking the Silence About Pelvic Prolapse

Pelvic prolapse is common but rarely discussed. Don’t be embarrassed – learn more about causes and treatments for this condition.

Breaking the Silence About Pelvic Prolapse

Doctors at Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Nichole D. Ruffner, M.D.

Nichole D. Ruffner, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Nikita P. Shah, M.D.

Nikita P. Shah, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Carla J. Stelling, M.D.

Carla J. Stelling, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Katherine T. Hsiao, M.D.

Katherine T. Hsiao, M.D.

  • Gynecology

Tara Bartlett, D.O., FACOOG

Tara Bartlett, D.O., FACOOG

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Angel Cho, M.D.

Angel Cho, M.D.

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

View All Related Doctors

Services Near You

Van Ness Campus Medical Office Building

Van Ness Campus Medical Office Building

1100 Van Ness Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94109

SPMF Health Care Center, Mission Bernal Campus

SPMF Health Care Center, Mission Bernal Campus

1580 Valencia Street

Suite 802

San Francisco, CA 94110

(415) 641-6566

101 Rowland Way Care Center

101 Rowland Way Care Center

101 Rowland Way

Novato, CA 94945

(415) 878-7200

34 Mark West Springs Road Care Center

34 Mark West Springs Road Care Center

34 Mark West Springs Road

2nd Floor

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

(707) 541-7900

View All Related Locations

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare Advantage
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Residencies and Fellowships
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2022 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences