Blood Clots During Your Period: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Menstrual blood clots can be alarming to see, especially when they’re large, dark, or more frequent than usual. While blood clots during your period are often a normal part of the menstrual cycle, in some cases, they may indicate an underlying condition—like uterine fibroids—that warrants medical attention.

If you’re passing blood clots regularly, experiencing heavy bleeding, or noticing changes in your cycle, this article will help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to seek care from a specialist like the team at MTVIR in Dallas, TX.

What Are Menstrual Blood Clots?

A menstrual blood clot is a gel-like clump of coagulated blood mixed with uterine tissue. These clots form when your flow is heavy and blood pools in the uterus or vagina before exiting the body. In many cases, small clots—less than a quarter inch—are entirely normal.

Your body produces anticoagulants to keep menstrual blood flowing smoothly. When the flow is heavier than normal, these anticoagulants may not work fast enough, allowing clots to form.

The Good News

Several studies have shown that PAE does not negatively impact sexual function. In fact, many men report improvement in their overall quality of life, including sexual wellness, once their BPH symptoms are reduced. Here’s why:

• Less Anxiety, More Confidence: Chronic urinary symptoms can take a toll on confidence, intimacy, and emotional wellbeing. Relief from these issues often helps restore sexual confidence.

• No Damage to Surrounding Structures: Because PAE is targeted and precise, it avoids the nerves and tissues that control sexual function—unlike some surgical treatments that may carry a higher risk of sexual side effects.

• Improved Sleep = Improved Libido: Better sleep can lead to better energy, hormone balance, and mood, all of which support a healthy sex drive.

What’s Considered “Normal” Clotting?

Small clots (less than a dime or quarter in size) that appear occasionally during the first few days of your period—especially during heavier flow—are typically nothing to worry about.

Other signs that clotting is likely normal include:

• No associated pelvic pain or pressure

• Clots are infrequent and small

• Menstrual cycles are regular and predictable

• Periods last fewer than 7 days

If you’ve noticed occasional clotting and your cycle is otherwise healthy, this is usually just part of your body’s natural shedding process.

When Are Period Blood Clots Abnormal?

Blood clots during your period may be abnormal if they are:

• Larger than a quarter

• Occurring frequently throughout your period

• Accompanied by heavy menstrual bleeding (soaking a pad every hour for multiple hours)

• Linked with pelvic pain, pressure, or cramping

• Causing fatigue, dizziness, or signs of anemia

These symptoms may indicate an underlying gynecologic condition such as:

1. Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding with large blood clots, longer periods, and pelvic pressure. They’re one of the most common causes of abnormal menstrual clotting, especially in women in their 30s and 40s.

At MTVIR, we specialize in treating fibroids with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)—a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids and restores normal menstrual flow.

Learn more about our treatment at https://mtvir.com/uterine-fibroid-embolization

2. Adenomyosis

This condition occurs when uterine lining tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy, painful periods and clotting.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogen and progesterone regulate the buildup and shedding of the uterine lining. When these hormones are off balance, your lining may become too thick, leading to excessive bleeding and clots.

4. Miscarriage or Pregnancy Complications

If you are sexually active or trying to conceive, clots—especially those accompanied by cramping and sudden heavy bleeding—may signal an early miscarriage.

5. Blood Clotting Disorders

Women with inherited clotting conditions may experience heavier menstrual bleeding and larger clots.

How to Tell If It’s Time to See a Specialist

If your periods are interfering with your quality of life—whether due to heavy bleeding, pain, or fatigue—it’s time to talk to a medical provider. At MTVIR, we evaluate women every week who’ve been told that abnormal periods are “just something to live with.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.

You should seek medical advice if:

• You regularly pass clots larger than a quarter

• You experience soaking bleeding for more than 2 hours in a row

• You feel dizzy or tired during your period

• You’ve been told you may need a hysterectomy but want other options

UFE: A Game-Changing Treatment for Fibroid-Related Clotting

For women whose menstrual clots are linked to uterine fibroids, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is one of the most effective treatments available. Unlike surgery, UFE is performed through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin. It works by blocking the blood vessels that feed the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

Benefits of UFE include:

• No general anesthesia

• No incisions or stitches

• Outpatient treatment—no hospital stay

• Short recovery (most patients resume activity in 5–7 days)

• Relief from heavy periods and clotting

Many patients at MTVIR in Dallas begin noticing lighter periods and fewer or smaller clots within the first few menstrual cycles after UFE.

“We’ve helped hundreds of women who struggled with painful, heavy periods and clotting,” says Dr. Travis Van Meter. “Most of them didn’t realize there was a less invasive option than surgery.”

Why Choose MTVIR?

Located in North Dallas, MTVIR is a trusted provider for women seeking non-surgical fibroid care. Patients come to us from Plano, Garland, Richardson, Carrollton, and throughout DFW for:

• Expert UFE consultations

• Private, in-house operating suite

• Board-certified interventional radiology care

• Insurance assistance and scheduling support

We believe women deserve real answers—not just a hysterectomy referral.

Looking for a fibroids clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you’re passing frequent or large blood clots during your period, don’t ignore it. The cause could be something treatable—without surgery.

Book a consultation today with the experts at MTVIR and learn whether Uterine Fibroid Embolization is right for you.

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, often causing painful symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, and fatigue. For decades, one of the most common treatments was abdominal myomectomy — a surgical procedure to remove fibroids directly from the uterus.

But today, many women are asking: How does a surgeon remove uterine fibroids in abdominal myomectomy — and is it the only way?

Let’s take a closer look at how abdominal myomectomy works, what it involves, and why a non-surgical option called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) may be a better choice for many women.

How Does a Surgeon Remove Uterine Fibroids in an Abdominal Myomectomy?

An abdominal myomectomy is a type of open surgery performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure:

1. A horizontal or vertical incision is made in the lower abdomen.

2. The surgeon opens the uterus and carefully removes fibroids from the uterine wall.

3. Once removed, the uterus is repaired and the incision is closed with sutures.

4. Recovery typically requires a hospital stay and 4 to 6 weeks of downtime at home.

This approach is effective for large or deeply embedded fibroids, but it comes with significant downsides — including pain, scarring, long recovery, and potential impact on future pregnancies.

The Downsides of Abdominal Myomectomy

While abdominal myomectomy remains a standard option for some cases, many women experience:

• Longer recovery times compared to non-surgical options

• Post-operative pain and scarring

• Risks associated with general anesthesia

• Recurrence of fibroids in some cases

• A delay in returning to work, exercise, or family responsibilities

If you’re looking for a way to treat fibroids without surgery, there’s good news: You may not need an incision at all.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A Non-Surgical Alternative

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, causing them to shrink naturally over time.

At MTVIR in Dallas, UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist — not a surgeon — and usually takes under 90 minutes.

Here’s how UFE works:

1. A tiny catheter is inserted into the wrist or groin through a pin-sized incision.

2. Using real-time imaging, the catheter is guided to the arteries feeding the fibroids.

3. Microscopic particles are released to block the blood flow.

4. Without oxygen and nutrients, the fibroids begin to shrink — and symptoms improve.

No scalpel. No stitches. No hospital stay.

UFE vs. Abdominal Myomectomy: What’s Better?

Why More Women in Dallas Are Choosing UFE

At MTVIR, we specialize in uterine-preserving fibroid care, and we believe every woman deserves options beyond the operating room.

With UFE, many of our Dallas patients enjoy:

• Relief from heavy periods and bloating

• A shorter, easier recovery

• No surgical scars

• Reduced pelvic pressure and improved quality of life

No Hospital referral required!

Is UFE Right for You?

Not every woman is a candidate for UFE, but many are. If you’ve been told surgery is your only option, or you’re wondering how does a surgeon remove uterine fibroids in abdominal myomectomy — it’s time to explore all your choices.

Our team will help you understand your fibroid size, location, and whether UFE can safely and effectively treat your symptoms.

Looking for a fibroids clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.

Life doesn’t slow down for anyone—not even for pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or the unrelenting pressure of uterine fibroids. For today’s modern woman juggling careers, families, and personal goals, the idea of major surgery and weeks of recovery can feel impossible. That’s where Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) enters the conversation as a life-changing option that fits into your schedule—not the other way around.

A New Era in Women’s Health

The truth is, millions of women suffer in silence with fibroids. The heavy periods. The bloating. The fatigue. It’s disruptive, frustrating, and often misunderstood. For decades, many were told that hysterectomy was their only real solution. But that’s no longer the case.

UFE is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that treats fibroids by blocking the blood supply feeding them, causing them to shrink over time. There’s no incision, no general anesthesia, and best of all—most women are back to work and life within a week.

Designed for the Woman Who’s Always On the Go

Whether you’re running a business or chasing toddlers, most women don’t have the luxury of stepping away from life for a 6-week surgical recovery. That’s why UFE is becoming the preferred choice for those who need relief without downtime.

What makes UFE ideal for a modern lifestyle?

• Same-day discharge (no hospital stay)

• Small incision—just a nick on the wrist or groin

• Minimal recovery time

• Low complication rate

• Preservation of the uterus and fertility potential

“I was back at my desk in five days,” says Brianna, a 36-year-old UFE patient and marketing director. “The best part was not having to take a leave of absence or miss my daughter’s dance recital.”

Empowerment Through Options

Women today are more informed and involved in their healthcare decisions than ever before—and rightly so. UFE gives women an opportunity to treat fibroids on their terms, without compromising their bodies, their goals, or their futures.

Still considering children? UFE preserves the uterus. Want a solution that works with your packed schedule? It’s outpatient. Seeking relief but avoiding the risks of surgery? UFE checks that box, too.

The key is awareness. At MTVIR, we’re passionate about educating women on all their options—not just the ones that have been pushed for decades.

Know What to Ask

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and told hysterectomy is your only option, ask your doctor the following:

• “Am I a candidate for UFE?”

• “Can I get a referral to an interventional radiologist?”

• “What are the risks and recovery differences between UFE and surgery?”

If you don’t get the answers you need—call us. We specialize in walking women through the UFE process and helping them reclaim control over their health.

Bottom Line:

UFE is a modern solution for the modern woman—minimally invasive, time-sensitive, and focused on preserving what matters most. You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your life. With UFE, you don’t have to.

Reach out to MTVIR today to find out if UFE is the right fit for your fibroid journey.

Uterine fibroids can bring a storm of symptoms—pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue. For many women, these symptoms can feel like a full-time job. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offers a non-surgical, effective way to treat fibroids—but what about women who still want to grow their family?

Let’s clear the air on how UFE affects fertility and what women need to know before making a decision.

Understanding UFE

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure where a tiny catheter is used to deliver particles that block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s done without major surgery, general anesthesia, or long recovery times.

But the key question remains: Can women still get pregnant after UFE?

The Answer: Yes, It’s Possible

While UFE is not specifically a fertility treatment, many women have become pregnant and delivered healthy babies after UFE. The procedure preserves the uterus, which is often a deciding factor for women who are not ready for more invasive options like hysterectomy.

Several studies, including those published in Obstetrics & Gynecology International, have documented successful pregnancies post-UFE. However, fertility outcomes can depend on several factors:

• Age and baseline fertility status

• Location and size of fibroids

• Any previous uterine surgeries

UFE vs. Myomectomy

Myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids, is often offered to women trying to conceive. However, it comes with its own risks—such as uterine scarring and longer recovery. UFE is a less invasive option that avoids many of these concerns, but not all patients will be ideal candidates for conception post-procedure.

The best route? A consultation with both an interventional radiologist and a fertility specialist before making a decision.

Real Talk: Weighing Your Goals

If preserving fertility is important to you, don’t assume your only options are surgery or living with pain. UFE may be a viable path—but it requires a personalized discussion with your care team.

Some women choose UFE to buy more time before considering future fertility plans, while others use it to stabilize their health before undergoing IVF or other fertility treatments.

Bottom Line:

UFE offers real relief from fibroids without removing the uterus—and yes, pregnancy is possible afterward. While not guaranteed, it’s a safe, fertility-sparing option for many women. At MTVIR, we’re here to help you make the decision that best fits your body, goals, and future.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn if UFE is right for you.

Uterine fibroids are like uninvited guests at a party—they show up unexpectedly and can cause a scene. From heavy periods to pelvic pain, these benign tumors can take a toll not just on your body, but also on your self-esteem and confidence.

The Emotional Weight of Fibroids:

Dealing with fibroids can make you feel self-conscious, limit your clothing choices, and even affect your social life. The constant worry about symptoms can overshadow your daily activities and personal relationships.

Enter Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE):

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Benefits include:

• Symptom Relief: Reduction in heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.

• Quick Recovery: Most women return to normal activities within a week.

• No Scars: The procedure requires only a small incision, leaving no visible marks.

Regaining control over your body can lead to a significant boost in confidence and overall well-being. At MTVIR, we’re dedicated to providing solutions like UFE to help you feel like yourself again. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your journey to better health.

If you’d like to read more about our Utereine fibroid emoblization procedure, you can follow us over to the UFE page here.

Uterine fibroids are more common than many women realize, affecting up to 70% of women by the age of 50. Yet, they’re often overlooked in conversations about women’s health. These noncancerous growths in the uterus can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination, disrupting daily life. The good news? Innovative treatments like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) are helping women regain control of their health without invasive surgery.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are growths that develop in or around the uterus. While they’re not cancerous, they can vary greatly in size and location, leading to a range of symptoms such as:

• Heavy or prolonged periods.
• Pelvic pressure or pain.
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Fertility challenges in some cases.

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women, yet the conversation around them often remains silent. If heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fatigue are interfering with your life, know that you have options. Innovative treatments like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) offer relief without surgery—helping you take back control of your health and well-being.

Traditional Treatments vs. Modern Solutions

Historically, fibroid treatment often involved major surgery like hysterectomy. However, advancements in medical technology have introduced less invasive options like:

• Medications: To manage symptoms but not eliminate fibroids.
• Myomectomy: A surgical option to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): A minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

Why UFE Is a Game-Changer

UFE offers several advantages over traditional surgery:

• Preserves the Uterus: Ideal for women who want to maintain fertility or avoid hysterectomy.
• Quick Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within a week.
• Effective Symptom Relief: Studies show UFE significantly reduces symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain.

If you’re living with uterine fibroids, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to suffer in silence. At MTVIR, we specialize in uterine fibroid embolization, offering women a minimally invasive option for relief and renewal. Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options. Call (469) 458-9800 or click here to schedule a consultation.

Uterine fibroids don’t always cause a problem, but when they do, those fibroids that were once of no concern quickly cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and frequent urination. You won’t want to endure these symptoms long-term, which makes the minimally invasive uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), with its easier recovery compared to other fibroid treatments, appealing.

Still, any procedure, even one that is minimally invasive, can cause some anxiety. This is a natural reaction, but one way to lessen your worries is by making sure that you are adequately prepared.

How To Prepare for A UFE Procedure

For those wondering what to do before their UFE procedure, the following are some key ways to prepare:

Pass Along All Information

When it comes to any procedure, you want to ensure that you provide your doctor with any information they should know. In particular, you want to make sure that they know of any medications you take, allergies you have, and illnesses you currently have (or have had).

Armed with this information, your care team can minimize the risk of allergies and monitor for any complications based on your medications or health conditions. So, to help ensure a smoother procedure on the day off, make sure that you provide all this information beforehand.

Come Prepared

Often, one of the biggest sources of anxiety for those receiving a procedure is not knowing what to expect, which is why reading through all information provided on your procedure can help ease some of your concerns. While you may think that knowing the ins and outs of the procedure will make you more nervous, many people find that they instead feel less anxious when they know what will occur.

Along these same lines, reading all instructions your doctor and their office provides is essential. These can include when to arrive, what to do before arriving, and any other instructions they have leading up to the procedure that will help prepare your body.

Get Your Room Ready

While there are no restrictions after your procedure, you can expect to feel some pelvic pain and pressure in the first few days. Some people may also experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever, and decreased energy levels.

Knowing this, you will likely want to take it easy for a few days, especially when you first come home. You can prepare for this ahead of time by deciding where you want to make your resting spot (e.g., your bedroom, the living room) and gathering anything you may want, such as comfortable clothes, a cellphone charger, a heating pad, the TV remote, tissues, etc. This way, when you come home, you only have to worry about getting comfortable.

Arrange Transportation

You won’t be able to drive yourself home after your UFE procedure because of the sedative given to keep you comfortable. So, arrange for someone to take you and bring you home ahead of time so that it does not have to be a concern on your mind.

It’s even more ideal if you can have someone stay with you throughout the day and for the first night as well. This way, they can help grab anything you may need, and you can limit the activities you need to do.

Preparing For Your UFE Procedure with MTV IR

Any procedure can be nerve-wracking, even one that is as minimally invasive as UFE. Still, completing the above tasks before your treatment can ensure a smoother procedure on the day of and help set you up for a successful recovery.

Tackle uterine fibroids and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms with UFE, offered by MTV IR.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often develop in women between the ages of 35 and 54, although women under 35 can still develop fibroids. They’re very common, with estimates placing this issue as something that affects 75% of women throughout their lifetime. For those who experience symptoms from their fibroids, surgery is available to remove the fibroids and relieve their unpleasant symptoms.

Many people who receive surgery to remove their uterine fibroids may be concerned about the possibility of them regrowing. While unlikely, it is possible for uterine fibroids to regrow after surgery, but this risk is much lower with certain surgical procedures and alternative treatment methods, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

Fibroid Regrowth Risk After Surgery.

Surgery offers a way to remove fibroids, with surgical options including hysterectomy (removing all or part of the uterus) or myomectomy (removing only the symptom-causing fibroids). Myomectomy is often preferred to hysterectomy because it does not remove the entire uterus, resulting in a quicker recovery, although it can still last 2-6 weeks.

A downside to myomectomies, though, is that it is possible for fibroids to regrow, potentially requiring additional surgeries in the future. One study on myomectomy patients found that 20% of the participants saw fibroid regrowth in the first few years after their initial procedure, and this risk of regrowth is higher the younger you are when you have the surgical procedure or the more fibroids you have.

As for hysterectomy, it is essentially unheard of for fibroid regrowth to occur since the uterus is no longer present, and it is also rare for a fibroid to grow near where the uterus was. These results are seen in cases of both partial and complete hysterectomies.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization: Balancing the Extremes

Compared to the surgical treatment options, UFE offers a solution combining the benefits seen in both surgical options.

Instead of removing the uterine fibroids, UFE eliminates their blood supply, naturally causing them to shrink and die. This means that, while surgery removes the fibroid, UFE instead treats the fibroid at its source.

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that requires no hospital stay and no incision, leading to a quicker recovery period that typically lasts only a week. There is also no uterus removal and no requirement for hormone therapies, which those who receive a hysterectomy often need. Compared to both surgical options, the recovery for UFE is much easier.

Additionally, while possible, it is rare for a woman to experience fibroid regrowth after the UFE procedure. This offers similar results as a hysterectomy without having to undergo major surgery and loss of the uterus.

Try UFE for Uterine Fibroids Today

For those with uterine fibroids looking to avoid complicated surgery, long recoveries, and the potential for uterine regrowth, UFE is an ideal solution. Treating the fibroids at the source, UFE offers a minimally invasive treatment with no incision, no scarring, and no hospital stay.

Relieve your fibroid symptoms and take back control of your life with UFE, offered by MTVIR.

References

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. Uterine fibroids: Surgery. 2014 Oct 22 [Updated 2017 Nov 16]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279531/