Recently reported in Aunt Minnie, a study presented at the 26th annual meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (SCVIR) is highlighting how many women with uterine fibroids are being denied minimally invasive options like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) — and how they’re pushing back. 

According to Dr. Michael Wysoki, a clinical assistant professor of diagnostic radiology at Yale University School of Medicine, most gynecologists still discourage patients from considering UFE, despite growing evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. In a survey of women who had undergone UFE at his hospital between 1998 and 2000, Wysoki found that 90% of the patients were the ones who initiated conversations about embolization, not their doctors. 

The study revealed that 76% of the women surveyed were initially met with resistance from their gynecologists, with some even being told UFE was “experimental” or unsafe. One woman had to consult 12 different gynecologists before finding someone who would refer her for UFE. 

“We’re finding that women are really taking charge of their own destinies and are not totally depending on their gynecologists’ opinions,” said Dr. Wysoki. 

Of those surveyed, 43% of gynecologists changed their minds about UFE after their patients had successful outcomes. Eight out of nine women did not return to the same practice when their doctor’s opposition to UFE did not change. 

To read more about the findings from the study, click here. 

About Fibroid Fighters 

Fibroid Fighters is a public welfare organization created to raise public awareness about fibroids’ social, economic, and health impacts so that we can destigmatize the condition, encourage open conversations around fibroids, and advocate for better support systems. We believe women deserve to be equipped with the knowledge and resources to navigate fibroids with confidence and access the best possible care.