You Have Options When Treating Fibroids!

Treating fibroids, many years ago, consisted of a hysterectomy with few other options. Today that is not true. IF treatment is necessary and medically indicated, here are some of your options:

Options can be divided into surgical treatments and medical treatments.

Surgical interventions:

• Myomectomy

This is the surgical removal of the fibroids themselves from the uterus. This is usually only done to aid in reproduction.

• Laproscopic Myomectomy

This is the surgical removal of the fibroids themselves from the uterus. This is usually only done to aid in reproduction.

• Laproscopic Myomectomy

This is again removing the fibroids from the uterus but performed through a laproscope instead of through an abdominal incision. Not all doctors are trained to do this and it is difficult. Not every fibroid can be treated like this.

• Hysteroscopy

Only certain fibroids located inside the uterus can be treated like this and the size of the fibroid matters as well.

Medical interventions:

• GnRH antagonists

This is usually in the form of an injection. It is designed to shrink fibroids. There are side effects to this medication.

• Birth Control Pills

Common initial treatment depending on symptoms and size of fibroids.

Is Hysterctomy Ever Necessary?

Yes!

There are times when a hysterectomy is warranted! It is the ONLY treatment that will forever cure fibroids and eliminate the chance they will reoccur.

Depending on the size of the fibroids and if there has been rapid growth, hysterectomy may be the only alternative. If your fibroids have caused significant anemia, a hysterectomy could also be warranted.

Other Options?

There are a few others that you could read about......

I don't ever recommend these treatments.

Uterine Artery Embolization: Causes the fibroids to die by lack of blood supply. Risks are significant! Severe pain, infection, rapid bleeding and emergency hysterectomy are all risks.

Ultrasound destruction of fibroids: Are you joking? Ultrasound is merely sound waves.

Be sure and have an open discussion with your doctor when deciding if and what kind of treatment is best for you.