Uterus-Sparing Fibroid Treatment: Pakistan's Hidden Hope

A significant portion of women in Pakistan remain unaware of a crucial alternative to hysterectomy for treating submucosal fibroids. These non-cancerous tumors, affecting approximately 25% of women aged 18-45 worldwide, can cause debilitating pain and heavy bleeding.

For years, hysterectomy was presented as the primary solution. However, a 10-year journey led one woman to discover Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE), a procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply. This less invasive method preserves the uterus.

UAE involves blocking blood vessels feeding the fibroids via a catheter. Recovery is generally quicker than hysterectomy or myomectomy, with shorter hospital stays and the uterus intact. A 2025 study from Karachi's Ziauddin Hospital supported its efficacy.

While UAE offers advantages like preserving reproductive capability, it carries risks including bleeding and infection. The procedure's cost ranges from Rs400,000 to Rs1,000,000, often higher than traditional methods. Awareness is hampered as interventional radiologists perform UAE, not gynecologists.

Despite a Level-A recommendation from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, UAE is less common due to a referral gap. This disparity highlights a systemic issue in how medical procedures are structured and reimbursed, leaving many women uninformed about their options.