FAQs
Learn more about your fibroids and your options. Articles written by our fibroid specialist in Los Angeles.
Screening
Review the symptoms of fibroids, and learn how your fibroids may be affecting your daily life.
Treatment
Take action. Learn more about fibroid treatments in Los Angeles, CA and find out which option works for you.
Doctor Michael Lalezarian
Fibroid Specialist in Los Angeles
Vascular & Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Lalezarian is a double board-certified fellowship-trained Vascular and Interventional Radiologist. He completed both his Radiology Residency and Interventional Radiology Fellowship at David Geffen School of Medicine at the Ronald Reagan Hospital at UCLA, where he received extensive training in minimally-invasive image-guided procedures. Dr. Lalezarian has since devoted his expertise to helping women with uterine fibroids, and is regarded as an expert in uterine fibroid embolization. Read full bio.
Restoring Health in Women with Fibroids
Heavy menstrual bleeding or lengthy periods?
Painful periods or mid-cycle pain?
Pelvic pain, backache, or leg pain?
Pain or pressure during intercourse?
Frequent urination or constipation?
Pregnancy challenges?
Are you living with...
You're not alone. Nearly 7% of women in the US are living with the debilitating symptoms fibroids.¹
References
[1] Zimmermann, A., Bernuit, D., Gerlinger, C., Schaefers, M., & Geppert, K. (2012). Prevalence, symptoms and management of uterine fibroids: An international internet-based survey of 21,746 women. BMC Women’s Health, 12(1), 6.
[2] Pavone D et al. Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Jan; 46:3-11.
[3] Gupta et al. (2014). Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids ( Review ). Cochrane Library, (5).
[4] Faustino, F., Martinho, M., Reis, J., & Águas, F. (2017). Update on medical treatment of uterine fibroids. European Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 216, 61–68.
Compare Fibroid Treatments in Los Angeles, CA
Surgical and non-surgical treatments are available for women with uterine fibroids.
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding on the treatment that's right for you.
Embolization (UFE)
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Non-surgical
An interventional radiologist occludes the blood vessels that feed the fibroids.
Invasiveness: Minimally invasive, performed with 1 small puncture
Hospital Stay: None
Recovery Time: 1 Week
Pregnancy Possible After: Yes
Risk of Fibroid Recurrence:
Less than 10% of cases at 2 years
Risk of Second Procedure:
~12% of cases at 2 years
Myomectomy
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Surgical
A surgeon selectively cuts out the fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
Invasiveness: Major surgery,
may require a blood transfusion
Hospital Stay: 1-3 days
depending on surgical technique
Recovery Time: 2-6 weeks depending on surgical technique
Pregnancy Possible After: Yes
Risk of Fibroid Recurrence:
Less than 10% of cases at 2 years
Risk of Second Procedure:
Less than 8% of cases at 2 years
Hysterectomy
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Surgical
A surgeon completely removes part or all of the uterus, taking the fibroids with it.
Invasiveness: Major surgery,
may require a blood transfusion
Hospital Stay: 1-3 days
depending on surgical technique
Recovery Time: 2-6 weeks depending on surgical technique
Pregnancy Possible After: No
Risk of Fibroid Recurrence:
None
Risk of Second Procedure:
Less than 7% of cases at 2 years
Why We Specialize in Fibroid Embolization
Minimally-Invasive
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Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is performed through a single puncture in the leg. Unlike a major surgery, there's no cutting, which means minimal trauma and a much faster recovery time.
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Image-Guided
UFE is performed under the guidance of fluoroscopic imaging. This allows the doctor to safely provide therapy directly to the fibroids with minimal side effects.
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Fertility-Sparing
Unlike hysterectomy, UFE keeps the uterus intact, meaning that women still have a chance of getting pregnant after UFE.
How to Shrink Fibroids
Dr. Michael Lalezarian discusses how to shrink fibroids, covering UFE, dietary supplements, and medications that can help you find relief from fibroids without having a major surgery. Read More
Pros & Cons of Hysterectomy
Although minimally-invasive, fertility-sparing alternatives to hysterectomy are now available, there are still cases in which hysterectomy can make a lot of sense. Read More
Heavy Periods & Fibroids
How to tell if your menstrual bleeding is abnormal, what causes heavy periods, and the relationship between heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids. Read More
Learn More in the Fibroid Blog
What Our Patients Say
Doctor Lalezarian performed surgery on me, and I would like to say that he is truly dedicated, and an extraordinary physician who's really concerned with his patients! I remember clearly when I was in the recovery room, how many times he came in and asked if I were feeling any pain. He came in repeatedly to check on me wanting to make sure I was not in discomfort. I was actually amazed and felt so cared for, which made me feel really good! Dr. Lalezarian was so meticulous with the procedure and medication, I felt fine afterwards!
Before the surgery, he listened attentively to everything I said I was feeling and he answered every one of my questions kindly and precisely, until I understood. I could tell he cared and I felt safe with him.
After surgery and recovery when I was leaving, I thanked him for everything, and he said that to see the patients happy and healthy at the end, is what makes him most excited about what he does. I so appreciate how Dr. Lalezarian cares for his patients, it shows what a great person, as well as a physician he is!
- Adrianne S, October 2018
Locations All Over Los Angeles
The Fibroid Specialists of University Vascular have four convenient locations. Each location is fully equipped with state of the art technology and top notch-staff to treat fibroids.
