Kansas City Fibroid Center
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) in Kansas City & Independence, MO
Missouri’s dedicated resource for uterine fibroid treatment. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure — completed same-day once your workup is finished — that relieves fibroid symptoms without a hysterectomy, performed by the board-certified specialists at MIVA Medical.
A 10-page guide covering fibroid symptoms, treatment comparisons, and what to expect — yours to keep.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous, smooth, muscular growths that develop in, on, or within the wall of the uterus. Roughly 30% of women develop fibroids by age 35, and as many as 70–80% of women experience them by age 50 — making them one of the most common gynecologic conditions in the country.
Fibroids are hormonally driven: estrogen and progesterone cause cyclical overstimulation of the uterine muscle tissue, which is why they tend to grow during reproductive years. They’re also linked to obesity, multiple pregnancies, family history, and are diagnosed more often in African American women.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Bloating or abdominal enlargement
- Fatigue or anemia from blood loss
- Pain during intercourse
Comparing Your Fibroid Treatment Options
There is no single “right” fibroid treatment — the best option depends on your symptoms, fibroid characteristics, and whether you hope to have children in the future.
| Option | Invasiveness | Preserves Uterus? | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication | None | Yes | N/A — symptoms often return when stopped |
| UFE | Minimally invasive, no incision | Yes | Days |
| Myomectomy | Surgical | Yes | Weeks |
| Hysterectomy | Surgical, most invasive | No | Weeks, longest recovery |
According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, roughly 85–90% of women who undergo UFE experience significant symptom relief and improved quality of life, with many noticing relief by their next menstrual cycle.
How Is UFE Performed?
UFE is performed on an outpatient basis at MIVA Medical’s endovascular facility in Independence, MO. It doesn’t require general anesthesia — moderate sedation keeps you comfortable throughout. The procedure typically takes 1–1.5 hours, with an hour of rest afterward.
An ultrasound-guided needle is inserted into the wrist or groin artery. Under X-ray guidance, a thin wire and microcatheter are advanced through the vessel to the uterine artery, confirmed using contrast dye visible on X-ray. Tiny beads are then injected into the vessels feeding the fibroids to block blood flow — causing them to shrink or disappear over the following weeks.
Yes. UFE can be performed regardless of the size or number of fibroids present, and is often preferred for women with large or multiple fibroids since it’s less invasive with a shorter recovery than surgery.
Meet the MIVA Medical Doctors
Dr. Silas Williams, MIVA Medical’s Director of Women’s Health, primarily performs uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). Dr. Travis Brown, Director of Men’s Health, shares hemorrhoid, knee, and kyphoplasty procedures with Dr. Williams. Your initial consultation is typically with Maddie Fennessey, our Nurse Practitioner, who works closely with both doctors to build your care plan — a physician consultation can also be requested based on availability.
Dr. Silas Williams
Dr. Travis Brown
Please note: MIVA Medical does not perform diagnostic imaging in-house. Imaging is completed at an outside imaging center prior to treatment.
Serving Women Across the Kansas City Metro
MIVA Medical’s Independence, MO clinic provides uterine fibroid embolization for women throughout the greater Kansas City area, including Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit, Grain Valley, Raytown, Overland Park, and Kansas City, MO & KS.
Looking for a fibroid doctor in Lee’s Summit? Patients from Lee’s Summit regularly choose MIVA Medical for UFE because their Independence, MO clinic is just a short drive away.
Fibroid treatment in Blue Springs, MO is one of the most common referral areas — if heavy bleeding or pelvic pain has been affecting your life, MIVA Medical can evaluate whether UFE is right for you.
Considering UFE in Overland Park? Many Overland Park and Johnson County patients travel to MIVA Medical specifically for their focus on non-surgical, insurance-covered fibroid care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective therapy for uterine fibroids?
A total hysterectomy is the most successful at alleviating fibroid discomfort since the whole uterus is removed, but it is also the riskiest, with a long recovery, and is not suitable for women who wish to have children. Myomectomy removes only the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact, but carries the same surgical risks and symptoms can return if new fibroids develop. Roughly 85–90% of women who undergo UFE experience significant symptom relief, supporting it as an equally effective alternative to surgery, with less risk, a quicker recovery, and no need for hospitalization.
What are the most common causes of uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are linked to obesity, multiple births, ethnicity (more common in African American women), and hereditary factors. Estrogen and progesterone cause cyclical overstimulation of the uterine muscle tissue, which leads to fibroid development.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Symptoms range from mild to severe, most commonly constant or cyclical pelvic discomfort, heavy menstrual bleeding, and irregular or lengthy periods. In some cases, fibroids press on the bladder, causing frequent urination, or in rare cases press on the ureter and affect kidney function.
How is the UFE procedure performed?
UFE is performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require general anesthesia; moderate sedation is used instead. It typically takes 1–1.5 hours, with an hour of rest afterward. A guided needle is inserted into the wrist or groin artery, and a small wire and microcatheter are advanced under X-ray guidance into the uterine artery. Tiny beads are then injected to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink or disappear.
Can UFE be performed on multiple or very large fibroids?
Yes. UFE can be performed regardless of the size or number of fibroids present, and is often preferred for women with large or multiple fibroids since it is less invasive with a shorter recovery time.
Is UFE covered by insurance?
Yes. UFE is FDA-approved and recognized as a covered treatment by most major insurance plans, including Medicare. MIVA Medical verifies your specific coverage before scheduling the procedure.
Where can I find uterine fibroid embolization near Kansas City?
UFE is performed at MIVA Medical’s Independence, MO clinic, serving patients throughout the greater Kansas City metro. Book a consultation or take the fibroid quiz to see if you’re a candidate.
Related Reading
How to Prepare for Your First UFE Consultation
What to bring and questions worth asking.
UFE Recovery: A Week-by-Week Guide
What to expect in the days and weeks after treatment.
Researching prostate health for your husband, father, or someone you love? Visit Preparing for Your PAE Consultation on our sister site, Kansas City Prostate Center, to help him know what to expect.
Powered by MIVA Medical
Kansas City Fibroid Center is a dedicated educational resource from MIVA Medical, Kansas City’s interventional radiology clinic. Beyond UFE, MIVA Medical also treats several other conditions with minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures:
Enlarged Prostate (PAE)
Knee Pain (GAE)
Hemorrhoids (HAE)
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Varicocele
Spinal Compression Fracture
Visit the Full UFE Page on MIVA-Medical.com
Looking into prostate health on behalf of someone special in your life? Our sister site, Kansas City Prostate Center, covers enlarged prostate symptoms and treatment in depth →
