What is Surgical Associates?

Surgical Associates, is a multi-location surgical practice established in 1984, specializing in minimally invasive, in-office vascular, thoracic, and surgical care. Their board-certified surgeons treat conditions like uterine fibroids, osteoarthritic knee pain, peripheral artery disease, and vein disorders across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.

Where are Surgical Associates' office locations?

Surgical Associates has five locations: Camp Springs, MD (5801 Allentown Road, Ste 502); Silver Spring, MD (10750 Columbia Pike #220); Waldorf, MD (11370 Pembrooke Square); Reston, VA (1860 Town Center Drive, Ste 180); and Washington, D.C. (1160 Varnum Street NE, Ste 318). All locations can be reached at (240) 427-1630.

How do I book a consultation at Surgical Associates?

You can book a consultation by calling (240) 427-1630 or by visiting the online booking page at sacmd.com/contact. The team will guide you through the scheduling process and answer any questions before your visit.

What treatments does Surgical Associates offer?

Surgical Associates offers a range of minimally invasive procedures including: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) for knee pain, Laser Ablation and Vein Treatments, Angioplasty, Atherectomy and Stenting, Radiofrequency Ablation, General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Wound Care.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that treats noncancerous uterine fibroids without surgery or general anesthesia. Tiny particles are injected through a small catheter to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. Most patients experience symptom relief within a few weeks to a few months. The procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, is performed under sedation, and most women return home the same day.

Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) painful?

Most patients experience mild to moderate cramping after UFE, which is well managed with medication provided by the care team. The procedure itself is performed under sedation to ensure comfort throughout.

How soon will I see results after UFE?

Many women notice symptom relief within a few weeks after UFE, with continued improvement over several months as the fibroids gradually shrink. Symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure typically reduce significantly during this period.

Will I need to stay overnight after UFE?

UFE is typically an outpatient procedure, and most patients go home the same day or after a short observation period. Recovery is faster than traditional fibroid surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a week or two.

Does UFE preserve fertility?

Yes. UFE is a uterus-sparing procedure, making it a safe option for women who wish to maintain fertility. The treatment targets fibroids while leaving healthy uterine tissue intact. Patients are encouraged to discuss their fertility goals with their provider during the consultation.

What is Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE)?

Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat chronic osteoarthritic knee pain. It works by reducing blood flow to the inflamed lining of the knee joint, which helps decrease pain and improve mobility. GAE is designed for patients who have not found sufficient relief from other treatments and want to avoid or delay knee replacement surgery.

What vascular conditions does Surgical Associates treat?

Surgical Associates treats a wide range of vascular conditions including peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and arterial blockages. Treatment options include angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting, laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and wound care for vascular-related wounds.

Are Surgical Associates' procedures performed in-office or in a hospital?

Most procedures at Surgical Associates are performed in-office as outpatient treatments, allowing for faster recovery and convenience. Some cases may be performed at select partner hospitals depending on the complexity of the procedure. The team will advise you on the appropriate setting during your consultation.

How experienced are the surgeons at Surgical Associates?

Surgical Associates' surgeons are board-certified with decades of experience. Dr. Rodeen Rahbar is a board-certified vascular surgeon with over 20 years of experience, has performed more than 1,500 interventions, and is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor. He trained at the University of Michigan, Marshall University, and Allegheny General Hospital, and previously served as an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at George Washington University.

How long has Surgical Associates been in practice?

Surgical Associates has been serving patients since 1984, bringing over 40 years of experience in surgical and vascular care. The practice has evolved over the decades to focus on minimally invasive treatments for knee pain, uterine fibroids, and vascular conditions while maintaining its strong surgical heritage.

Heavy Periods and Iron Deficiency Anemia: When Fibroids Are Draining More Than Your Energy

You’re exhausted. Not the normal end-of-day tired. This is the kind of fatigue that hits you at 10 a.m., makes climbing stairs feel like a workout, and has you wondering if something is seriously wrong. Your periods have been getting heavier for years — soaking through pads in an hour, passing large clots, lasting eight or nine days. You’ve started planning your life around your cycle. You carry spare clothes. You’ve canceled trips.

And your doctor says your hemoglobin is low.

This is the story of fibroid-related iron deficiency anemia, and it’s far more common than most women realize. Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is the most frequent symptom of uterine fibroids, and when it goes on long enough, it depletes the body’s iron stores faster than diet alone can replenish them.

The Mechanism: How Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding

Not all fibroids cause bleeding. The type that matters most is the submucosal fibroid — a growth that develops just beneath the endometrial lining (the inner surface of the uterus). Submucosal fibroids distort the lining, increase the surface area that bleeds during menstruation, and interfere with the uterus’s ability to contract and stop bleeding after each cycle.

Intramural fibroids (within the uterine wall) can also contribute to heavy bleeding when they enlarge the uterine cavity. The result is longer periods, heavier flow, and a monthly blood loss that steadily outpaces the body’s ability to make new red blood cells.

Recognizing Anemia: The Symptoms Women Normalize

Iron deficiency anemia develops gradually, and its symptoms are easy to dismiss or attribute to stress, age, or a busy life. The warning signs include persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, weakness or feeling winded during routine activities, pale skin that may be particularly noticeable in the nail beds, inner eyelids, and palms, dizziness or lightheadedness when standing, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, headaches, heart palpitations, and difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”). Heart palpitations can also occur because the heart has to work harder to compensate for fewer oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

If you have heavy periods and any of these symptoms, a simple blood test, including a complete blood count (CBC) and serum ferritin, can help determine whether you’re anemic and how depleted your iron stores are.

Why Iron Supplements Alone Aren’t the Answer

Many women with fibroid-related anemia are prescribed iron supplements and told to continue managing. While iron supplementation is important, it’s treating the downstream effect without addressing the upstream cause. As long as the fibroids continue to drive heavy menstrual bleeding, iron stores will continue to be depleted each month. It’s a treadmill.

The definitive solution is to stop the excessive bleeding — which means treating the fibroids.

How UFE Addresses Both the Bleeding and the Anemia

Uterine fibroid embolization cuts off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. As the fibroids reduce in size, the uterine lining normalizes, and menstrual bleeding decreases significantly. Published data shows that approximately 90% of women experience significant improvement or complete resolution of heavy bleeding after UFE.

As bleeding normalizes, iron stores begin to rebuild. Many women describe the improvement as transformative — not just less bleeding, but the return of energy, mental clarity, and the ability to live without planning around their period.

The UFE recovery timeline is typically one to two weeks, with gradual bleeding improvement beginning within the first cycle and continuing over three to six months as fibroids shrink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can fibroids cause anemia?

A: Yes. Submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine lining are the most common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with fibroids, and chronic heavy periods frequently lead to iron deficiency anemia.

Q: Will UFE help with heavy bleeding?

A: Yes. Approximately 90% of women experience significant reduction or resolution of heavy bleeding after UFE.

Q: How do I know if my heavy periods are causing anemia?

A: Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and cold hands/feet. A simple blood test (CBC and ferritin) can confirm the diagnosis.

The Bottom Line

If your heavy periods are leaving you exhausted, pale, and anemic, fibroids may be the cause — and UFE can treat both the bleeding and the fibroids in a single outpatient procedure. Don’t accept chronic anemia as “normal.” Get tested, get evaluated, and know your options.

Schedule a consultation: Call (240) 427-1630 or visit www.sacmd.com

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

References:

ACOG. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Practice Bulletin.
NIH/NICHD. Uterine Fibroids — Symptoms.
Cleveland Clinic. Uterine Fibroids and Heavy Periods.
Mayo Clinic. Iron Deficiency Anemia — Symptoms and Causes.

Dr. Albert Chun

Dr. Chun is a board-certified interventional radiologist at Surgical Associates, specializing in minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that treat complex conditions without surgery. As a fellowship-trained interventional radiologist with an MBA and advanced expertise in embolization therapies, Dr. Chun is a trusted specialist serving patients across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. His focus areas include uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), genicular artery embolization (GAE) for knee osteoarthritis, and hemorrhoidal artery embolization (HAE)—procedures that offer meaningful relief with same-day recovery. Dr. Chun’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care has made him a leading voice in minimally invasive treatment across the DMV region.

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