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

Non-symptomatic fibroids may 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. Check with your doctor for your particular treatment options.

Possible Treatment Options for Fibroids

Myomectomy - Fibroids surgically removed, uterus wall carefully repaired.

-Abdominal incision
-Laparoscopic 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.

Hormone treatment for temporary shrinkage of fibroids (example: Lupron)

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE or UFE) - Procedure in which arteries are blocked, cutting off blood supply to the uterus.

Myolisis - Laparoscopic 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.

Each day brings news of new treatments for Fibroids which are not addressed here. Explore your treatment options thoroughly.

Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus, usually in the pelvic cavity. It is not a malignant or premalignant condition.

Symptoms of endometriosis are characterized by pain: pain with menstruation, pain with sexual intercourse and increasingly severe pelvic pain.

The intensity of suffering caused by endometriosis varies from woman to woman. For most women, a hysterectomy is not necessary to treat endometriosis and its milder symptoms.

Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Continuous low-dosage combined oral contraceptives - Birth control hormones help shrink endometrial tissue and reduce pain for most women. They are also likely to keep endometriosis from getting worse. Most women can use birth control hormones for long term with few side effects.

Anti-inflammatories - reduce bleeding, inflammation, and pain. Most women can use birth control hormones for long term with few side effects.

Progesterone or Progestins - stops monthly growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) along with endometriosis implants elsewhere in the body. Progestin also reduces estrogen production, which stops ovulation and menstrual periods in most women.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists - Lupron - used short term (3-6 months) decreases production of the hormone estrogen to the levels women have after menopause with similar side effects - hot flashes, bone loss, vaginal dryness, increased cholesterol levels, insomnia.

Danazol - a drug that lowers estrogen levels and increases androgen levels putting the body in a state that is like menopause and can cause some male physical traits, as well.

Laparoscopy - surgery to remove endometriosis from pelvic cavity if other treatments are not affective.

Hysterectomy - removal of uterus and ovaries is used as a last resort for treatment. This surgery causes early menopause and is reserved for women with no pregnancy plans and who have had little relief from other treatments. Up to 15% of women continue to have endometriosis pain after a hysterectomy.

Please note: None of the above treatment options are guaranteed to be a cure for endometriosis including hysterectomy.

Each day brings news of new treatments for endometriosis which are not addressed here. Explore your treatment options thoroughly.

Muscular weaknesses in the pelvic area can result in protrusion or herniation of the uterus, vagina, bladder and/or rectum. Childbirth and aging can lead to a weakening of these muscles that provide pelvic support.

Rectocele - fallen rectum

Cystocele - fallen bladder

Enterocele - fallen small intestine

Uterine Prolapse - fallen uterus

Vaginal Prolapse - fallen uppermost portion of the vagina

Check with your surgeon to determine which treatment, if any, are available to you based on your particular medical history and diagnosis.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Prolapses

Hormone therapy (post menopausal women)

Pessary (A device inserted into the vagina to support the prolapse(s) & make the patient more comfortable. There are various sizes, types, and shapes of pessaries, each tailored to fit the individual woman.)

Surgical Treatment Options for Prolapses

Anterior colporrhaphy - surgical correction of cystocele

Retropubic urethropexy - elevation of the angle between the urethra and bladder

Sling procedure to provide support for the urethra to increase the resistance to urinary flow

Posterior colporrhaphy or perineorrhaphy - correction of rectocele

Sacrospinous ligament colpopexy - correction of vaginal wall prolapse

Re-suspend uterus to preserve fertility

Enterocele repair - reinforcement of the vaginal supporting structures to prevent herniation of the small intestine.

Hysterectomy

Prolapse repairs may be done with or without a hysterectomy. Not every treatment is available to every patient. Check with your doctor to determine the best course of action to treat your prolapse based on your medical history and diagnosis.

Abnormal or dysfunctional bleeding occurs for hormonal reasons, because of polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and for other conditions including fibroids, adenomyosis, pelvic infection and uterine or cervical cancers.

Bleeding can be an inconvenience or interrupt your daily activities and may be associated with pelvic pain and uterine cramping.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Hormones to regulate ovulation and menstruating for hormone related bleeding

Progestin containing IUD (Intrauterine device) for endometrial hyperplasia.

Surgical Treatments

Endometrial Ablation - Removal of the endometrial lining/tissue

Hysteroscopy - for removal of polyps in uterus and/or cervix

Hysterectomy - removal of uterus

A hysterectomy is used to treat abnormal uterine bleeding only when other approaches have failed.

Check with your surgeon to determine which treatment, if any, are available to you based on your particular medical history and diagnosis.

Each day brings news of new treatments for excessive bleeding which are not addressed here. Explore your treatment options thoroughly.

Chronic pelvic pain is a symptom, not a disease, and is a very common symptom. Approximately 10 percent of all women visiting their doctor complain of pelvic pain. This pain may be caused by a variety of conditions including pelvic infection, endometriosis, adenomyosis and pelvic adhesions (from a previous surgery). Other conditions that may cause pelvic pain but are unrelated to gynecology may be irritable bowel syndrome and interstitial cystitis (Discussed below).

A diagnostic laparoscopy provides insight into the cause of the pelvic pain with the most common findings endometriosis and adhesions as the problem.

Pelvic Infection/Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the pelvic area and is difficult to diagnose but is usually cured with antibiotics.

Pelvic Adhesions can usually be treated with laparoscopy.

Non-Gynecological Causes of Chronic Pelvic Pain

addiction or substance abuse problem

anxiety

arthritis

chronic appendicitis

chronic interstitial cystitis (chronic bladder infection)

depression

lumbar disk disease

diverticulitis (intestinal inflammation)

fibromyalgia

hernia

inflammatory bowel disease

irritable bowel syndrome

physical or sexual abuse

scoliosis and posture related problems

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic, and often severe, inflammation of the bladder wall, the cause of which is unknown. Primary symptoms are urinary frequency, urgency, and, for some, severe lower abdominal or perineal pain. However, IC patients rarely test positive for infection in standard urinalysis and urine cultures.

In some cases, women wiith pelvic pain that is unexplained, a doctor may recommend a hysterectomy assuming her pain is gynecological when in fact her pain may be from undiagnosed Interstitial Cystitis.

Unexplained pelvic pain should be explored to determine the cause before a hysterectomy is scheduled.

Cancer is the most compelling reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is usually performed to treat gynecological cancers: uterine cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer.

Cervical Cancer is easily detected in early stages from a pap smear.

While hysterectomy is the usual treatment for all gynecological cancers, with cervical cancer, there are other treatment options including cryosurgery, LEEP, cervical conization and carbon dioxide laser. These options depend on your particular cervical cancer's progress/stage.

Beyond the hysterectomy as a treatment for gynecological cancer, chemotherapy and/or radiation may also be necessary.

Posted by crystal40

I am scheduled for an endometrial biopsy at 8am in the morning..I am worried however that I am going to start my period by morning. and scared of this being painful too ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by surps

i am postmenopausal and they found an ovarian cyst and a thickened endometrium which i have been having monitored for a year now. i also have lots and lots of adhesions from previous surgeries. my gyn is holding out for hysterectomy due to the adhesion dilemma. i just went to my regular dr and he suggested that i just get a hysterectomy and i won't have to worry about these problems anymore. the gyn's next step is another transvaginal ultrasound and if lining still thickened a d and c. i don't know which way to turn. the 2 endometrial biopsies ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by AnaCurto

Hello.
I'm Ana Curto, from Portugal (Europe) and I'm 37.

No kids (not in the plans), a nice hubby, 7 cats and 3 miomas/fibroids and a polyp in my uterus.
Last year I only had one fibroid (intra-mural), with 4X5cm, but this year more fellows appeared and it became a "party".

Last Autumn and this winter I apparently had severe anemia, loss of iron and folic acid and I kind of noticed that my global "functioning" wasn't quite right (too tired, lots of gray hair...) but did not immediately related that to my abundant menstrual loss.

Hav ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by lilshortnsassy

I have severe scare tissue, and has already had a 3 unit blood transfusion. My condition is fibroids and hormone imbalance, causing severe bleeding with lots of clots. I have pain but it's often hard to tell what the pains is from with my other issues.

My first doctor says I need an abdominal hysto, and will give no meds due to the fact it will cause fibroids to grow.

My second doctor says I have several options to avoid a hysto that may very well not work and suggests hysto as the best option. Also, he would be okay performing a vaginal ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Marsk

Hello,

I have a few very large fibroids and my doctor suggested taking Lupron to try and shrink them so he could perform laporoscopy surgery instead of a hysterctomy. I am hestitant to try that because of the stories I've read where women had terrible side effects, as well, I'm wondering if it would shrink such large fibroids.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thank you!! ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by LADY_LD

Hi ladies!! I have been having pain on the bottom right side of my stomach since July 2011. Sometimes it feels like im in labor but im not pregnant. Its painful to have sex, pain shoots down my legs. I have been to a number of doctors since then. In November 2011 I was told I had 3 small fibroids one on the inside of my uterus and 2 on the outside. I was given a depo shot for my heavy bleeding, that has helped a lot. One doctor told me that they were too small to cause pain and walked out of the room without giving me an exam...another doctor t ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Cheers44

So, I am still in the "putting it off as long as possible" mode for surgery. I had an ultrasound last week due to some new symptoms during ovulation (very bloated, nauseated, full feeling in tummy plus some tingling in leg). It seems that my fibroid, while still small, has grown from 1.4 to 2.7 in about 1 1/2 years. But even with the new symptoms and excessive bleeding, I still don't want to rush into surgery at 38. Dr. seems ok with that but still recommends it.

Anyway...my biggest problem is my heart. I have PACs/PVCs and short bursts of S ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by SamiB

Hi everyone !

I've been to 7 private gynaes who have all refused to do my hysterectomy.

I have severe menhorrhagia and as a result of this, chronic anaemia. Im 26 with 1 child and have been poked and prodded continuously since I got my period when I was 11. I've had blood transfusions, iron infusions and was on iron injections every second day thorough my teens.. And I'd just bleed it all out. And not light bleeding- flooding, literally flooding.

In regards to the gynecological treatments I've had all the tests and they can't find out why I ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Irmavep

I just found out that I will have to have a bikini cut myomectomy instead of laparoscopic. I am freaking out really badly. It will be in a couple of weeks, and my anxiety is so bad that I feel nauseous and like I'm going to die. I'm terrified of surgery and I keep thinking of more things that are scaring me. I fear how much pain and discomfort I'll have and I haven't had more than 5 minutes yet to talk with my doctor. I feel like they're always trying to shove me out the door without giving me a chance to ask questions. I can barely even sleep ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by goldensrus

I have posted here several times and I think as my doctor's appointment to discuss options gets closer the more confused and nervous I become. I have also read a ton of threads from other people and am beginning to think that I must just be a pansy or something and my doctor is just trying to get me to stop complaining. I don't have the heavy periods, anemia, and heavy clots, at least not anymore. Had them a year or so ago and know what you are talking about. Just dealing with spotting more days than not a month, cramps that wake me up in t ..... [Read more of this discussion]



Browse the Alternatives and Options Forum - [Click Here]

Posted by Dkrtist

Hi Ladies! I am seeing my doctor tomorrow to discuss a hysterectomy. I've had endometrial ablation surgery about 2 yrs. ago and now I am getting periods again. The problem isn't the periods it's the PMS. It's so severe that every time I get it it's like the MS and PMS are fighting each other. My periods are very light now but about a week before I get it the pms starts and I am in bed for about 1-1.5 weeks. I get very severe full body tremors, all over body pain, headaches, depression, weepiness, mood swings, etc... . I was okay with it b ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by yakfarmer

I had a couple of HORRIBLE periods after I had the embolization done. Finally I had relief which lasted for many years. I think there are a lot of reasons why the procedure can not go as planned, so try not to worry.

If you have questions, or just need to vent, this community is a great place to find a helping hand. ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by yakfarmer

I can relate to a lot of your story. I also have 'innumerable' fibroids, and that made myomectomy a pretty dangerous option. They first told me I'd have to have a hysterectomy at 24, but I've managed to get to age 38! I am having the hyst tomorrow morning, and I am finally at peace with my decision. Something that really helped me, though, was exhausting all of my other options. I had uterine artery embolization 10 years ago. Sometimes, like in my case, it's not a permanent fix - your fibroids can find ways around the procedure - and like you, ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Nolia

Hi Grrstar2,

You are young so please get a second opinion. About 10 years ago , maybe earlier i was told that my uterus was prolapsing and that i should prepare myself for a total hysterectomy. I WAS TERRIFIED AND UNPREPARED. needless to say i asked around and and found another GYN by friends references. It turned out it was NOT my uterus that was prolapsed but my bladder. My gyn said i did not need a hysterectomy but if i was having issues with my bladder (which i did, pain, pain , pain, and stress incontence) that i should see a urolog ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Octavio

Hi. I appreciate your messages of support and encouragement thinking that I had my surgery on December 14th. I just wanted to let you know that I cancelled it for now. I will be getting monthly ultrasounds to make sure my cysts haven't grown.

I have a cyst on each ovary and I have fibroids. The cysts have not grown in the last year and I have no symptoms from my fibroids. Last year I was bleeding quite a bit between periods but since I changed my diet my period has gone back completely to normal along with less cramping.

I have bee ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by navywifeFL

While trying to decide between UFE and TAH my research said keeping the ovaries would assist in putting off menopause. I read that initially menopause symptoms could last two months after hyst until the ovaries recovered from the "shock".

I went with UFE for numerous reasons, some to do with my remote location and lack of assistance post op. My hope is that the UFE will either put my large singular fibroid at bay until natural menopause or shrink it enough to be eligible for laproscopic or TVH. I had it done just over two weeks ago. Y ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by lise38

Hi London41, I can really relate to how your feeling I had just a few fibroids like you along with heavy bleeding and irregular periods. I too was about the size of a first trimester uterus. My obgyn is a well respected doctor and she kept pushing for a hysterectomy.
One thing to keep in mind is doctors get paid from our insurance to preform these and not on alternative treatments.

I decided to go it alone and in researching found this site and a few others. I became interested in the UFE proceedure (uterine fibroid embolization) and f ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by McLila

It took the doctors (yes - multiple) 3 years to finally take me seriously and figure it out. By that time, I was severely anemic.

I opted for the myomectomy in 2002 and the results lasted several years. I was not interested in a hysterectomy because my husband and I were still hoping to have children - didn't happen.

Now, 10 years later, I'm looking at a hysterectomy. I understand that's quite common, but have no idea of the numbers compared to those who have no future issues. ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Blessed65

Ok, after lots of prayer and reading this site, can't tell you ladies how thankful I feel to have had the benefit of reading from your experiences and feelings. I have decided that I will not be having the hysterectomy. My symptoms are manageable and since the ablation seems to be doing the job I will not be going through with the operation. Again thank you all so very much for all of the insight and for confirming that I was not in fact losing my mind. I will keep you all updated if the situation changes. God Bless each and every one of y ..... [Read more of this discussion]


Posted by Spivii

I’m coming up on my 6 weeks post op from an open abdominal myomectomy and I can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done. I had a 10cm intramural fibroid diagnosed in January that had to be removed and as it was in the top of my uterus the surgeon had to do a vertical incision to get to it. He gave me only a 20% chance that he could save my uterus. Because I had all of these facts going into surgery I had already prepared myself for a hysterectomy, being 35 and no children but wanting some one day I went through the whole grief pe ..... [Read more of this discussion]



Browse the Alternatives and Options Forum - [Click Here]

Ablation -- Bleeding 5 Months Later

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding - Hysterectomy the Answer?

Adenomyosis - Treatment Questions

Adenomyosis and Pain

C-section and Adhesions - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Cancer - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Cancer - Hysterectomy a Treatment?

Could Your Pelvic Pain Be the Result of Interstitial Cystitis?

Endometrial Biopsy?

Endometriosis - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Endometriosis - Can Endometriosis Return after a Hysterectomy?

Endometriosis - How Can I Find a Doctor Who Specializes in Endometriosis?

Endometriosis - Hysterectomy the Answer?

Endometriosis - Is an Oophorectomy and No Estrogen a Cure?

Endometriosis - What Are the Stages?

Endometriosis - What Causes It?

Endometriosis - What Is It and How Do I Treat It?

Endometriosis Specialist - What Questions Should I Ask?

Enlarged Uterus - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Fibroids - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Fibroids - Hysterectomy the Answer?

Fibroids - What Should I Do?

Hydrosalpinx - Fluid in the Fallopian Tubes

Hysterectomy Recommended to You?

Hysterectomy Type - da Vinci®

Hysterectomy Type - Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal

Hysterectomy Type - Laparoscopic Supracervical

Hysterectomy Type - Partial Abdominal

Hysterectomy Type - Total Abdominal

Hysterectomy Type - Total Laparoscopic

Hysterectomy Type - Vaginal

Is it wrong to not want an alternative? (options/alternatives)

Laparoscopy - How Do I Alleviate Symptoms Caused by the CO2 Gas?

Migraines - Hysterectomy the Answer?

Multiple Procedures at the Same Time

Myomectomy or Hysterectomy?

Never Had Children - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Overweight - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome/Disorder

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome - Is Hysterectomy the Answer?

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - A Hysterectomy the Answer?

Pelvic Pain, Adhesions and Infections - Hysterectomy the Answer?

PMDD - Oophorectomy with/without a Hysterectomy the Answer?

Removing Ovaries - Should Uterus Go Too?

Second Guessing My Decision to Have Hysterectomy

Second Opinions - Myomectomy Instead of Hysterectomy

Small Frame - Abdominal Hysterectomy My Only Option?

Symptom Diary - Why Do I Need One?

The Doctor Who Doesn't Respond

Total vs. Partial Hysterectomy

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Robot-Assisted Myomectomy to Remove Fibroids

Abdominal Myomectomy to Remove Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

If you are in menopause or will be menopausal within the next 5 years many in the medical community encourage the use of hysterectomy for handling fibroids or excessive bleeding with the notion that "you are finished with your uterus anyway!"

Likewise if your uterus needs to be removed but your ovaries are seemingly healthy, many surgeons suggest removing them because "you are about to go through menopause anyway."

Ovaries provide helpful functions even after we have been through menopause.

No matter your age, HysterSisters believes it is in the best interest of the patient to explore options and alternatives first and to keep healthy organs even if you are menopausal.

Many women are concerned how a hysterectomy will affect their sex lives. Few women feel comfortable talking to their physicians about these matters. HysterSisters encourages you to become informed.

Uncomfortable or not, talk to your doctor about your concerns. Read books and scout reliable websites. Women who explore and research prior to their hysterectomy tend to have a more satisfying outcome.

Many women report being happier with their sexual lives after their hysterectomy.

Other women report some form of sexual dysfunction.

A woman's sexual health is complicated and dependent on emotional health, physical health and physiological response.

While it is impossible to predict anyone's personal outcome, HysterSisters encourages women to research, explore, examine this subject prior to scheduling surgery.

Beginning a fitness plan, even now, can have long-reaching affects on your health. You can look and feel better, reduce your stress, and increase your energy with regular exercise.

By simply increasing your level of activity, you can begin to burn more calories which is essential if you are overweight. (Remember, it's all about math: Burn more calories than you eat!)

Stop smoking today.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have collated decades of research and reported that regular physical activity:

Helps control weight

Reduces the risk of cholesterol

Improves endurance, strength and flexibility

Improves joint range of motion in people with arthritis

Aids sleep

Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety

Reduces the risk of developing many diseases, including:

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Osteoporosis

Colon cancer

It's quite simple. Your future health depends on your health today.

Whether a hysterectomy is in your immediate future or some other health option, your recovery and regained health will be easier if your body is more fit.

Some women have even reported their health so improved after shedding excess weight, stopping cigarette habits, and adding exercise to their schedule that their gynecological health improved too.

Begin today and stick with it!

Take a deep breath.

Inhale. Exhale.

While this decision can be overwhelming, be encouraged!

Life is full of uncertainties but with loads of knowledge, a great physician whom you trust and the love of family and friends, you can forge onward.

Once you've explored all your options, tried every treatment, learned all you can, you will be better prepared to make that decision with hope.

And no matter your decision, the HysterSisters wishes you better health and blessings galore.