Fibroid treatment can involve various procedures, such as hysterectomy, hormone therapy, and endometrial ablation. Treatments vary, so it’s important to consider your symptoms and pregnancy plans before choosing the best treatment for you. Medications, such as hormonal birth control, can help reduce heavy bleeding and reduce pain caused by fibroids. Other procedures include uterine fibroid embolization and focused ultrasound surgery.Access Vascular Health: Michelle Maneevese, MD is an excellent resource for this.
Hysterectomy, or myomectomy, is the gold-standard treatment for fibroids in women. This surgery removes the fibroids and preserves the uterus, which is vital for a woman’s fertility. This type of surgery can be performed using either laparoscopic or robotic techniques. Hysteroscopic procedures can also be used for larger fibroids. These procedures are less invasive and involve smaller incisions. Patients can also recover faster following the surgery.
In addition to painful symptoms, fibroids can cause other symptoms, such as infertility. The pressure from a fibrid on the bladder or rectum can make urination painful and cause constipation. A woman with large fibroids may have an increased risk of miscarriage. If you want to have a baby, discuss your fertility options with your doctor. A doctor will explain your treatment options and discuss risks and benefits with you.
The most effective treatment for fibroids involves gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists, which induce a low-estrogen state in the body. This reduces the size of the fibroids and the uterus. In one study, women treated with this method saw a 50% reduction in tumor size after three months. Other treatments include endometrial ablation, which destroys the lining of the uterus to stop bleeding and myomectomy, which removes the fibroids. Another procedure involves uterine artery embolization, which blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, making them shrink.
Another fibroid treatment is radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat energy to destroy the fibroids. This minimally invasive procedure can be performed either laparoscopically through small incisions in the abdomen or transcervically through the cervix. Patients will recover from the procedure relatively quickly and can resume their regular activities within a week.
This procedure is considered an alternative to hysterectomy for women who experience certain co-morbidities. However, this procedure is risky for some women and may not be right for everyone. It can also damage the nerves and cause muscle weakness or sensory loss. Additionally, it doesn’t treat all types of fibroids. Hence, women should be aware of the risks involved before opting for it.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound is another option for fibroid treatment. This treatment involves a 3-hour long procedure in which multiple ultrasound waves target fibroids’ proteins. The procedure can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. Women can resume normal activities after the procedure, but it is not recommended for women who want to preserve their fertility.
A newer form of fibroid treatment is the use of uterine artery embolization. This treatment works by blocking the blood supply to fibroids and uterus. It can be effective in reducing fibroids and relieving the pain and discomfort associated with them. However, this procedure has risks associated with it, and should only be considered for women who are not pregnant.
