Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Uterine fibroids: Should I have uterine fibroid embolization?
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
Uterine fibroids: Should I have uterine fibroid embolization?
Get the facts
Your options
- Have uterine fibroid embolization to treat your symptoms.
- Choose another treatment, such as over-the-counter pain medicine, hormones, or surgery.
This Decision Point is for women who have decided to treat their uterine fibroids.
If you're thinking about surgery, see
Uterine fibroids: Should I have surgery?
If you're thinking about taking hormones, see
Uterine fibroids: Should I use GnRH-a therapy?
Key points to remember
- Uterine fibroid embolization (or uterine artery embolization) shrinks or destroys a fibroid by cutting off its blood supply. About 80 out of 100 women who have the procedure get relief from their symptoms, while 20 out of 100 don't.1
- Embolization doesn't always cure fibroids.
- You may want to have this procedure if your symptoms haven't improved with other treatments.
- You may recover more quickly after embolization than after hysterectomy.
- This procedure can have risks and side effects. These include infection, early menopause, and pain that in rare cases could last for months.
- This procedure may not be a good choice if you want to get pregnant. It's possible to get pregnant afterward, but it's uncertain how good the odds are. This procedure does have a risk of damaging an ovary or the uterus, which would make it much harder to get pregnant. There may be a higher risk for pregnancy problems.
- Fibroids usually get better on their own after menopause. If you are near menopause, you could try hormone therapy for a while.
FAQs
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths in the uterus. They are not cancer. Fibroids can grow on the inside of the uterus, within the muscle wall of the uterus, or on the outer surface of the uterus. They can change the shape of the uterus as they grow. This can make it hard for you to get pregnant, or it can cause problems during a pregnancy.
Over time, the size, shape, location, and symptoms of fibroids may change.
As women get older, they are more likely to have uterine fibroids, especially from their 30s and 40s until menopause. Most have mild or no symptoms. But fibroids can cause bad pain, bleeding, bowel blockage, and other problems.
The cause of fibroids is not known. But the hormones estrogen and progesterone can make them grow. A woman's body makes the highest levels of these hormones during her childbearing years. After menopause, when hormone levels decrease, fibroids often shrink or disappear.
When do fibroids need to be treated?
Uterine fibroids usually need treatment when they cause:
- Anemia from heavy fibroid bleeding.
- Ongoing low back pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower belly.
- Trouble getting pregnant because a fibroid changes the shape of the uterus or the location of the fallopian tubes.
- Problems during a past pregnancy, such as miscarriage or premature labor.
- Pressure on the bladder or blockage of the urinary tract or bowels.
- Infection, if the tissue of a large fibroid dies.
Depending on the reasons you need treatment, one type of treatment may work better for you than another.
What is uterine fibroid embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids in the uterus. It's not surgery. Fibroids treated with this procedure shrink by about half.1
The doctor (a radiologist) puts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in your upper thigh (femoral artery). Then the doctor injects a substance called contrast material into the catheter. He or she uses an X-ray on a video screen to see the arteries and guide the catheter to the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. Small particles are injected into those uterine arteries through the catheter. These particles build up in the arteries and block blood flow to the fibroid. The rest of the uterus usually isn't harmed, because it's supplied by other arteries.
When is embolization an option to treat uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroid embolization can be used to control heavy, long-lasting menstrual bleeding when:
- You have tried hormones, but they didn't relieve your symptoms.
- You don't plan to get pregnant. This treatment is a choice for women who have no plans to get pregnant. That's because some women have had damage to an ovary, have gone into early menopause, or had trouble getting pregnant after the procedure.
- You don't want to have surgery (myomectomy or hysterectomy). You would need only local anesthesia for this procedure. And the doctor doesn't have to make any cuts in your skin. For most women, this means no hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities, compared to surgery.2
- You have other health problems, such as severe lung or liver disease, that make it risky for you to have surgery or use hormones.
How well does this procedure work to treat uterine fibroids?
Embolization usually works well to treat fibroids. Short-term studies show that:1
- About 80 out of 100 women who had it said that their symptoms got better, while 20 out of 100 said their symptoms didn't get better.
- It shrinks fibroids on average by one-half to three-quarters in size.
But the results don't always last: In one study, about 20 out of 100 women who had embolization needed another one or a hysterectomy within the next 3½ years.3
What are the risks of this procedure?
The chance of a problem after embolization is low. But the risks include:4
- Infection. This is the most serious possible problem. In rare cases, an emergency hysterectomy is needed to treat an infected uterus.
- Early menopause.
- Scar tissue (adhesions).
- Pain that in rare cases could last for months.
Although some women can get pregnant after this procedure, experts don't yet fully know the risks to pregnancy.
If you're thinking of having this procedure, look for a radiologist who has done it many times with few problems.
Why might your doctor recommend fibroid embolization?
Your doctor might recommend this procedure if:
- You've tried hormones, and they didn't work for you.
- You have another health problem that makes surgery or hormones too risky.
- You don't plan to get pregnant.
Compare your options
Compare
What is usually involved? |
| |
What are the benefits? |
| |
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
Have embolization
Have embolization
- You have local anesthesia so that you won't feel pain, and you get medicine to make you sleepy.
- You will probably go home the same day, or you might spend the night in the hospital.
- You probably can return to your usual activities in 7 to 10 days.
- It may relieve your symptoms.
- You probably would have a shorter recovery than you would with a hysterectomy.
- Possible but
rare problems include:
- Infection.
- Early menopause.
- Damage to the uterus or an ovary. This could make it harder to get pregnant.
- Pain that could—in rare cases—last for months.
Don't have this
procedure Don't have this
procedure
- You could take over-the-counter pain medicine.
- You could take hormones (GnRH-a) as a stand-alone treatment or before surgery to shrink fibroids. They're given as a shot or a nasal spray.
- You could have surgery to take out your fibroids only (myomectomy) or your uterus (hysterectomy). (If you have a hysterectomy, you won't be able to get pregnant afterward.)
- Hysterectomy would cure your fibroids.
- Myomectomy could control your symptoms and give you the best chance to get pregnant later.
- Hormones could control your symptoms for a short time if you are near menopause, when fibroid problems usually go away.
- Surgery has risks, including bleeding and infection.
- GnRH-a has side effects, such as:
- Symptoms like those of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Possible bone loss if you take it for more than 6 months.
- GnRH-a can be used only for a few months.
- Fibroids can grow back after myomectomy or when you stop taking hormones.
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
Personal stories about uterine fibroid embolization
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I have had pain before and during my period for years. In the past year or so I started having really heavy bleeding, and my periods were lasting longer than usual. I tried nonprescription and prescription medicines to control the bleeding. Nothing was working. My doctor suggested a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization. I had the procedure, and my doctor was able to treat the fibroids. It didn't hurt too much, and I was surprised at how quickly I recovered. It has been 6 months now, and I no longer have those days of heavy bleeding. I am glad I had uterine fibroid embolization.
Marlena, age 43
Over the past 3 or 4 years, my periods have been getting heavier and heavier. My doctor did a bunch of tests and thought that uterine fibroids may be causing my symptoms. He suggested that I have a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization to control my bleeding. The procedure sounded scary, so I asked if waiting a few months would be dangerous. He said waiting would be fine. After a few months, my periods eased up. I am glad I decided to wait and see if my bleeding decreased before having the procedure.
Angie, age 44
About 3 years ago, my menstrual periods really changed for the worse. I began having cramps, and my periods were heavy with clotting and lasted for 2 weeks. I thought, "No way was that a totally normal period," and I made an appointment with my doctor. I tried a bunch of different medicines and nothing seemed to make much difference. After lots of further testing and discussion I had uterine fibroid embolization. I figure that since I don't want any more kids, any risk of losing my fertility is okay. The procedure was quick, and I was completely recovered in about 3 days. I had some pretty severe cramping afterwards, but it only lasted for about 12 hours and got better with ibuprofen. The embolization worked but I still have some odd cycles in that I bleed too many days per month, I get clotting some cycles, and some of my periods are heavier. My doctor says I may have to have another embolization, but I think it will be worth it.
Raquel, age 32
A couple of years ago I started having heavy, painful periods. My doctor said she thought I might have something I had never even heard of called uterine fibroids. Apparently they are pretty common as you get older. My doctor outlined all the different treatments I could try, including something called uterine fibroid embolization, if it ever got really bad. She said I might consider starting with birth control pills, as well as ibuprofen for a few days right before my period starts and then for several days during my period, to help control the bleeding. The embolization sounded pretty risky—I don't know if I could ever do that. Lucky for me, the birth control pills and ibuprofen have helped a lot. In fact, my doctor says that means the bleeding was more of a menstrual problem than a fibroid problem!
June, age 38
If you need more information, see the topic Uterine Fibroids.
What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have uterine fibroid embolization
Reasons to choose another treatment
I don't want to have surgery or take hormones.
I would rather have surgery or take hormones.
More important
Equally important
More important
I don't plan to get pregnant.
I would like to be able to get pregnant after treatment.
More important
Equally important
More important
I want a shorter recovery.
I don't mind taking time to recover after surgery.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm not close to menopause.
I'm close to menopause.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm not worried about possible risks such as infection or pain.
I'm concerned about possible side effects from the procedure.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having embolization
NOT having embolization
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1.
Uterine fibroid embolization could be a good choice for me, because I don't plan to have more children.
- TrueYou're right. Embolization may be a good choice for women who don't want to get pregnant. There may be a higher-than-normal risk of pregnancy problems with this procedure.
- FalseSorry, that's not right. Embolization may be a good choice for women who don't want to get pregnant. There may be a higher-than-normal risk of pregnancy problems with this procedure.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Key points to remember." Embolization may be a good choice for women who don't want to get pregnant. There may be a higher-than-normal risk of pregnancy problems with this procedure.
2.
I can recover more quickly after embolization than after surgery.
- TrueYou're right. You can recover more quickly after embolization.
- FalseThat's not correct. You can recover more quickly after embolization.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "When is embolization an option to treat uterine fibroids?" You can recover more quickly after embolization.
3.
Embolization will fix my fibroids for good.
- TrueThat's not right. The procedure often gets rid of fibroids. But they may come back afterward.
- FalseThat's right. The procedure often gets rid of fibroids. But they may come back afterward.
- I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "How well does this procedure work to treat uterine fibroids?" Fibroids can come back after the procedure.
Decide what's next
1.
Do you understand the options available to you?
2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Your summary
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Your decision
Next steps
Which way you're leaning
How sure you are
Your comments
Your knowledge of the facts
Key concepts that you understood
Key concepts that may need review
Getting ready to act
Patient choices
Credits and references
Credits
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
References
Citations
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society of Reproductive Surgeons (2008). Myomas and reproductive function. Fertility and Sterility, 90(3): S125–S130.
- Gupta JK, et al. (2006) Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1). Oxford: Update Software.
- Edwards RD, et al. (2007). Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(4): 360–370.
- Walker WJ, Pelage JP (2002). Uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic fibroids: Clinical results in 400 women with imaging follow-up. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 109(11): 1262–1272.
Uterine fibroids: Should I have uterine fibroid embolization?
You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
- Get the facts
- Compare your options
- What matters most to you?
- Where are you leaning now?
- What else do you need to make your decision?
1. Get the Facts
Your options
- Have uterine fibroid embolization to treat your symptoms.
- Choose another treatment, such as over-the-counter pain medicine, hormones, or surgery.
This Decision Point is for women who have decided to treat their uterine fibroids.
If you're thinking about surgery, see
Uterine fibroids: Should I have surgery?
If you're thinking about taking hormones, see
Uterine fibroids: Should I use GnRH-a therapy?
Key points to remember
- Uterine fibroid embolization (or uterine artery embolization) shrinks or destroys a fibroid by cutting off its blood supply. About 80 out of 100 women who have the procedure get relief from their symptoms, while 20 out of 100 don't.1
- Embolization doesn't always cure fibroids.
- You may want to have this procedure if your symptoms haven't improved with other treatments.
- You may recover more quickly after embolization than after hysterectomy.
- This procedure can have risks and side effects. These include infection, early menopause, and pain that in rare cases could last for months.
- This procedure may not be a good choice if you want to get pregnant. It's possible to get pregnant afterward, but it's uncertain how good the odds are. This procedure does have a risk of damaging an ovary or the uterus, which would make it much harder to get pregnant. There may be a higher risk for pregnancy problems.
- Fibroids usually get better on their own after menopause. If you are near menopause, you could try hormone therapy for a while.
FAQs
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths in the uterus. They are not cancer. Fibroids can grow on the inside of the uterus , within the muscle wall of the uterus , or on the outer surface of the uterus . They can change the shape of the uterus as they grow. This can make it hard for you to get pregnant, or it can cause problems during a pregnancy.
Over time, the size, shape, location, and symptoms of fibroids may change.
As women get older, they are more likely to have uterine fibroids, especially from their 30s and 40s until menopause. Most have mild or no symptoms. But fibroids can cause bad pain, bleeding, bowel blockage, and other problems.
The cause of fibroids is not known. But the hormones estrogen and progesterone can make them grow. A woman's body makes the highest levels of these hormones during her childbearing years. After menopause, when hormone levels decrease, fibroids often shrink or disappear.
When do fibroids need to be treated?
Uterine fibroids usually need treatment when they cause:
- Anemia from heavy fibroid bleeding.
- Ongoing low back pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower belly.
- Trouble getting pregnant because a fibroid changes the shape of the uterus or the location of the fallopian tubes.
- Problems during a past pregnancy, such as miscarriage or premature labor.
- Pressure on the bladder or blockage of the urinary tract or bowels.
- Infection, if the tissue of a large fibroid dies.
Depending on the reasons you need treatment, one type of treatment may work better for you than another.
What is uterine fibroid embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids in the uterus. It's not surgery. Fibroids treated with this procedure shrink by about half.1
The doctor (a radiologist) puts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into a blood vessel in your upper thigh (femoral artery). Then the doctor injects a substance called contrast material into the catheter. He or she uses an X-ray on a video screen to see the arteries and guide the catheter to the arteries that supply blood to the fibroid. Small particles are injected into those uterine arteries through the catheter. These particles build up in the arteries and block blood flow to the fibroid. The rest of the uterus usually isn't harmed, because it's supplied by other arteries.
When is embolization an option to treat uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroid embolization can be used to control heavy, long-lasting menstrual bleeding when:
- You have tried hormones, but they didn't relieve your symptoms.
- You don't plan to get pregnant. This treatment is a choice for women who have no plans to get pregnant. That's because some women have had damage to an ovary, have gone into early menopause, or had trouble getting pregnant after the procedure.
- You don't want to have surgery (myomectomy or hysterectomy). You would need only local anesthesia for this procedure. And the doctor doesn't have to make any cuts in your skin. For most women, this means no hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities, compared to surgery.2
- You have other health problems, such as severe lung or liver disease, that make it risky for you to have surgery or use hormones.
How well does this procedure work to treat uterine fibroids?
Embolization usually works well to treat fibroids. Short-term studies show that:1
- About 80 out of 100 women who had it said that their symptoms got better, while 20 out of 100 said their symptoms didn't get better.
- It shrinks fibroids on average by one-half to three-quarters in size.
But the results don't always last: In one study, about 20 out of 100 women who had embolization needed another one or a hysterectomy within the next 3½ years.3
What are the risks of this procedure?
The chance of a problem after embolization is low. But the risks include:4
- Infection. This is the most serious possible problem. In rare cases, an emergency hysterectomy is needed to treat an infected uterus.
- Early menopause.
- Scar tissue (adhesions).
- Pain that in rare cases could last for months.
Although some women can get pregnant after this procedure, experts don't yet fully know the risks to pregnancy.
If you're thinking of having this procedure, look for a radiologist who has done it many times with few problems.
Why might your doctor recommend fibroid embolization?
Your doctor might recommend this procedure if:
- You've tried hormones, and they didn't work for you.
- You have another health problem that makes surgery or hormones too risky.
- You don't plan to get pregnant.
2. Compare your options
| Have embolization | Don't have this procedure | |
|---|---|---|
| What is usually involved? |
|
|
| What are the benefits? |
|
|
| What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
Personal stories
Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide.
If you need more information, see the topic Uterine Fibroids.
Personal stories about uterine fibroid embolization
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I have had pain before and during my period for years. In the past year or so I started having really heavy bleeding, and my periods were lasting longer than usual. I tried nonprescription and prescription medicines to control the bleeding. Nothing was working. My doctor suggested a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization. I had the procedure, and my doctor was able to treat the fibroids. It didn't hurt too much, and I was surprised at how quickly I recovered. It has been 6 months now, and I no longer have those days of heavy bleeding. I am glad I had uterine fibroid embolization."
— Marlena, age 43
"Over the past 3 or 4 years, my periods have been getting heavier and heavier. My doctor did a bunch of tests and thought that uterine fibroids may be causing my symptoms. He suggested that I have a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization to control my bleeding. The procedure sounded scary, so I asked if waiting a few months would be dangerous. He said waiting would be fine. After a few months, my periods eased up. I am glad I decided to wait and see if my bleeding decreased before having the procedure."
— Angie, age 44
"About 3 years ago, my menstrual periods really changed for the worse. I began having cramps, and my periods were heavy with clotting and lasted for 2 weeks. I thought, "No way was that a totally normal period," and I made an appointment with my doctor. I tried a bunch of different medicines and nothing seemed to make much difference. After lots of further testing and discussion I had uterine fibroid embolization. I figure that since I don't want any more kids, any risk of losing my fertility is okay. The procedure was quick, and I was completely recovered in about 3 days. I had some pretty severe cramping afterwards, but it only lasted for about 12 hours and got better with ibuprofen. The embolization worked but I still have some odd cycles in that I bleed too many days per month, I get clotting some cycles, and some of my periods are heavier. My doctor says I may have to have another embolization, but I think it will be worth it."
— Raquel, age 32
"A couple of years ago I started having heavy, painful periods. My doctor said she thought I might have something I had never even heard of called uterine fibroids. Apparently they are pretty common as you get older. My doctor outlined all the different treatments I could try, including something called uterine fibroid embolization, if it ever got really bad. She said I might consider starting with birth control pills, as well as ibuprofen for a few days right before my period starts and then for several days during my period, to help control the bleeding. The embolization sounded pretty risky—I don't know if I could ever do that. Lucky for me, the birth control pills and ibuprofen have helped a lot. In fact, my doctor says that means the bleeding was more of a menstrual problem than a fibroid problem!"
— June, age 38
3. What matters most to you?
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have uterine fibroid embolization
Reasons to choose another treatment
I don't want to have surgery or take hormones.
I would rather have surgery or take hormones.
More important
Equally important
More important
I don't plan to get pregnant.
I would like to be able to get pregnant after treatment.
More important
Equally important
More important
I want a shorter recovery.
I don't mind taking time to recover after surgery.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm not close to menopause.
I'm close to menopause.
More important
Equally important
More important
I'm not worried about possible risks such as infection or pain.
I'm concerned about possible side effects from the procedure.
More important
Equally important
More important
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
More important
Equally important
More important
4. Where are you leaning now?
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Having embolization
NOT having embolization
Leaning toward
Undecided
Leaning toward
5. What else do you need to make your decision?
Check the facts
1. Uterine fibroid embolization could be a good choice for me, because I don't plan to have more children.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
You're right. Embolization may be a good choice for women who don't want to get pregnant. There may be a higher-than-normal risk of pregnancy problems with this procedure.
2. I can recover more quickly after embolization than after surgery.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
You're right. You can recover more quickly after embolization.
3. Embolization will fix my fibroids for good.
- True
- False
- I'm not sure
That's right. The procedure often gets rid of fibroids. But they may come back afterward.
Decide what's next
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Not sure at all
Somewhat sure
Very sure
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
- I'm ready to take action.
- I want to discuss the options with others.
- I want to learn more about my options.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.
Credits
| Author | Healthwise Staff |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
References
Citations
- Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society of Reproductive Surgeons (2008). Myomas and reproductive function. Fertility and Sterility, 90(3): S125–S130.
- Gupta JK, et al. (2006) Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1). Oxford: Update Software.
- Edwards RD, et al. (2007). Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(4): 360–370.
- Walker WJ, Pelage JP (2002). Uterine artery embolisation for symptomatic fibroids: Clinical results in 400 women with imaging follow-up. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 109(11): 1262–1272.
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.
Last Updated:October 26, 2009
Author:Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Welcome to Care Circle, an exclusive tool to help you take care of yourself and your loved ones. Here's how it works:
- Create profiles for yourself and your loved ones.
- Select the topics and conditions that interest each of you.
- Get customized news updates, original content, tools, and expert advice for each Care Circle member delivered directly to your personalized homepage.
The information you input is strictly private; you choose who has access to your Care Circle.
How do I add myself or someone else to my care circle?
Click on "Add someone." Fill out the short profile. Choose an avatar. Select the topics and conditions that interest this person from the pulldown menu. You can select as many as you want, but you must choose at least one. Click on "Add Someone" again. You should start getting updates immediately.
How do I save content to my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab of the person for whom you're saving content. Put your cursor over the piece of content that you want to save; a disk icon will appear in the righthand corner. Click on the disk and the piece of content will be moved to a save folder.
How do I add additional topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Add More to Follow," select additional topics and conditions.
How do I delete topics and conditions for someone in my Care Circle?
Click on "Manage My Care Circle." Select the tab for the person whose preferences you'd like to update. Under "Follows," scroll over the topic or condition you want to delete. An "X" should appear on the righthand side. Click on the "X" and the topic or condition will be deleted from the list.
To manage your Care Circle, Please
Sign In.
