Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options: What You Need to Know
What is Uterine Fibroid Treatment?
Uterine fibroid treatment refers to the method used to manage or eliminate non-cancerous growths called uterine fibroids. These growths can vary in size and number, and while many women experience no symptoms, others may face discomfort or complications. Fibroid Care specializes in a technique called Uterine Fibroid Embolization.
Managing Symptoms: Exploring Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options
Uterine Fibroids are relatively common in women of childbearing age. After menopause, fibroids shrink and it is unusual for fibroids to cause problems. Fortunately, most do not require uterine fibroid removal or uterine fibroid surgery unless they are causing symptoms. There are several uterine fibroids treatment options, and not all are always applicable in every case. If you have symptoms, talk with your doctor about options for symptom relief.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options
Uterine Fibroids Embolization
Fibroids embolization is a procedure where small particles (embolic agents) are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, This procedure is called Uterine Fibroids Embolization and cuts off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. This technique can be effective in shrinking fibroids and relieving the symptoms they cause without fibroid removal surgery.
Complications may occur if the blood supply to your ovaries or other organs is compromised. Embolization is highly effective in treating symptomatic fibroids. It serves as a non-surgical fibroid treatment and the chances of recurrence of fibroids are small. Patients retain their uterus and the impact on future pregnancies is no greater than surgery.
What are the Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that has been practiced for well over two decades. Studies have shown that a high percentage of women find long-term relief of fibroid symptoms after UFE. However, not all women are good candidates for this procedure, as there are certain risk factors.
A comprehensive understanding of the treatment options, risks, and expected outcomes is essential in making a decision about the management of your condition. Uterine fibroid embolization is a well-practiced procedure among interventional radiologists, associated with few complications.
Consultation with Fibroid Care does not require a physician referral.
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Other options for Uterine Fibroid Treatment
Endometrial Ablation – Endometrial ablation, which destroys the endometrial lining of the uterus, can be used if the fibroids are only within the uterus and not intramural and relatively small. High failure and recurrence rates can be expected in the presence of large or intramural fibroids.
Myomectomy – Myomectomy is a uterine fibroid surgery to remove one or more fibroids. It is usually recommended when more conservative treatment options fail for women who want fertility-preserving surgery or who want to retain the uterus. There are three types of uterine fibroid removal:
• hysteroscopic, where the fibroid is removed through the vagina and the cervix
• laparoscopic, performed through an incision near the navel, and
• laparotomy, which is the most invasive surgery in which an incision is made through the abdomen.
Myomectomies are associated with a substantial recurrence rate.
Hysterectomy – Hysterectomy has been the classical method of treating fibroids. Although it is now recommended only as last option, fibroids are still a leading cause for hysterectomies.
Medication – Several medications are in use to control symptoms caused by fibroids. NSAIDs(nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Voltaren or ibuprofen and naproxen, can be used to reduce painful menses.
Oral contraceptive pills are prescribed to reduce uterine bleeding and cramps. Anaemia can be treated with iron supplementation.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective in limiting menstrual blood flow and improving other symptoms. Side effects are typically very moderate because the levonorgestrel (a progestin) is released in low concentration and only locally.
There is now substantial evidence that Levongestrel-IUDs provide good symptomatic relief for women with fibroids. Several hormonal and other medications can help to relieve the symptoms of fibroids. Your gynaecologist is in the best position to advise you about this approach. Women who undergo evaluation by uterine fibroid specialists have more options and most undergo uterine-preserving minimally invasive therapies.
What Patients Say
Karen
The result for me is I don’t feel tired anymore. I feel younger than I was then. I have far more energy and a flatter looking tummy. It’s been just over a year now. My fibroid is still there but it is a lot smaller and lighter
Doreen
Before UFE, during my cycle I would bleed for 10 days. But after UFE I only bled for 3-4 days and significantly less. All the other symptoms I experienced before had improved as soon as three months. I had so much energy afterward. I even started running—it was that drastic
Tebogo
I was thrilled to find an option other than major surgery to solve my problems with fibroids. Better yet was the fact that my recovery was days, not weeks. I missed only one day of work and was swimming even before returning to work. As time passes, I continue to be thankful for this procedure and for Dr Lawson being there throughout the embolization as well as for his continuing follow ups.