Medical & Surgical Options For Treating Fibroids

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Introduction Firstly, your doctor will ascertain the size and type of fibroids which you have, probably by doing a pelvic examination followed by ultrasound and/or a biopsy. A blood count is often done to determine whether or not you are anemic. In addition some doctors will carry out a Hysterosonography, which is where saline solution is injected into the uterine cavity. This helps the cavity to expand so that fibroids can be easily seen by ultrasound. Another variation is a Hysteroscopy, where harmless gas is injected to expand the uterine cavity. Although fibroids are rarely dangerous or life threatening, most doctors will wish to rule out the possibility of other causes of your symptoms.

As far as medical and surgical options are concerned, even doctors can disagree on the best course of action. There is no one universally recommended treatment for fibroids-indeed two doctors might recommend completely different treatment options to the same woman with the same symptoms. Very often, unless the symptoms are severe, doctors may recommend doing nothing at all and leaving the fibroids until the menopause, when they are likely to shrink naturally. Now this is all well and good if you are very close to the menopause or your symptoms are mild, but most women who have approached a doctor have usually done so because their symptoms are unbearable.

Drugs To Shrink Fibroids

There are no drugs available which will permanently shrink fibroids. There is, however, treatment which can work by temporarily altering the hormonal balance in the body which in turn will reduce the size of the fibroids. At best. this can provide symptomatic relief and shrinkage to make complications during surgery less likely. This treatment is unsuitable to be taken long term as it can bring on menopausal symptoms, including skin wrinkling and thinning, hair loss and osteoporosis.  There are reports of some women experiencing dangerous complications such as pulmonary embolisms, cardiovascular disease and anaphylactic or asthmatic conditions.  However, there is no doubt that for most women with large fibroids who are having surgery, these drugs certainly have their place.

Surgical Options Hysterectomy Myectomy Uterine Artery Embolization Endometrial Ablation

Hysterectomy The surgical removal of the uterus is a procedure never to be undertaken unless absolutely necessary. Obviously, it signals the end of your childbearing years and should not be considered if there is any chance whatsoever that you might want children in the future.  Along with the uterus, the ovaries might be removed or they may be left intact, particularly in younger women. However, each can have potentially serious consequences.  A hysterectomy is a major abdominal operation and there is always the risk of severe bleeding, bowel injury or difficulties with urination. In addition, even if the ovaries are left intact,  there is always the risk that disturbing them during surgery can alter the normal functioning and therefore bring about an early menopause shortly afterwards. Even with normal functioning ovaries post-surgery, women who have a hysterectomy experience the menopause five years earlier.  In addition, there is the increased risk of heart disease and osteoporosis.  Loss of libido can also be a problem for some women.

Myectomy A myectomy is a procedure to remove individual fibroids and less invasive than some other options as the uterus remains intact, thus allowing women the potential to become pregnant. This type of surgery can have problems such as excessive bleeding and scar tissue. In addition, unless the the causes of the fibroids has been eliminated, there is a good chance that they will begin to regrow within months. There are different methods for performing a myectomy and the procedure will depend on the size and location of the fibroids.  There are basically three different ways of performing the operation. The first method involves a horizontal abdominal incision and the surgeon has full access to the uterus and removes the fibroids. The second method is by a  laproscopy, whereby the surgeon gains access to the uterus either by a small incision in the abdomen or via the vagina. The inside of the uterus can be viewed by a small camera which is inserted through a further incision and the fibroids are removed. This is not always suitable for larger fibroids and there is a degree of controvery as to the strength of any repair made to the uterine wall.   Lastly, there is a variation whereby the blood supply is destroyed by an electric current, which therefore causes the fibroids to shrink.

Uterine Artery Embolization This procedure is not as invasive as others and requires a shorter recovery time.  Small particles or "beads" are injected into the arteries which supply the fibroids with blood.  By interrupting the blood supply, the fibroids will naturally shrink. Possible complications include the disruption of the blood supply to other important organs, such as the ovaries.

Endometrial Ablation This procedure removes the lining of the womb as well as the fibroids by using a laser, electrical current or a balloon filled with hot water.It will either stop menstruation altogether or significantly slow down the monthly flow. It is unsuitable for women who wish to have children and cannot be used to treat fibroids which grow on the outside of the womb.

If you are scheduled for surgery in the future, why not consider trying the guaranteed Plan For Shrinking Fibroids whilst you are waiting?  You have nothing to lose as if it doesn't work for you, a full refund will be given.