Article: Fibroids - Hysterectomy the Answer?

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Article: Fibroids - Hysterectomy the Answer?
What are Fibroids and what are treatment options available?

Fibroids are abnormal growths of the uterine muscle that are generally benign. They are usually discovered during a routine pelvic exam.

Non-symptomatic fibroids require no treatment or surgery. Rather, the doctor may require frequent check-ups (usually every 6 months) to monitor.

If symptoms are present, fibroids are usually associated with pressure, irregular uterine bleeding, abdominal enlargment or pain.

For most women with symptomatic fibroids the decision to treat the uterine fibroids is based on issues of quality of life

Depending on the size and placement of the fibroids, treatment may involve surgery or hormone therapy or both.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Myomectomy - Fibroids surgically removed, uterus wall carefully repaired.
-Abdominal incision
-Laproscopic surgery - Endoscope is passed through small abdominal incisions.
-Hysteroscopy - A tiny lighted telescope passed through the cervix into the uterus. No external incisions are needed.
GnRH (hormone treatment for temporary fibroid shrinkage)
Uterine Artery Embolization - Procedure in which arteries are blocked, cutting off blood supply to the uterus.
Myolisis - Laproscopic procedure, laser, or electric current is applied to fibroid to coagulate the tumor and its blood supply. Coagulation causes the fibroid to shrink and not return. Similar procedure: cryomyolysis freezes the fibroid.
Hysterectomy - Removal of uterus.

Ideas to Consider:

Fibroids are the number one reason women have a hysterectomy. However, as new treatments are developed it is the goal that fibroids be treated successfully without the removal of the uterus.

If you have fibroids that have no symptoms, there is usually no need for surgery. Ask your doctor to monitor them every 6 months as they remain assymptomatic.

If your fibroids have pesky symptoms or serious painful symptoms, discuss your treatment options with your physician.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.