Uterine Fibroids

You may experience some mild to moderate abdominal pain immediately after the procedure. Some patients have much more severe abdominal pain and may be hospitalized for 24 to 48 hours...

Within 3 months, most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms. About 90% of patients show a dramatic improvement in bleeding problems.

The procedure of UAE usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Anesthesia, usually very light, is used, making the experience pain free. The level of anesthesia is tailored...

You should be informed of the following: UAE is a safe option in the treatment of fibroids. This procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, to whom you will be...

Your doctor should briefly explain how the procedure is performed. He or she should also discuss the success and failure rates, as well as potential complications. Your doctor should also...

The evaluation should initially include a thorough medical history and physical examination. This examination should include a Pap smear, unless one has been done recently. A complete blood count may...

When the fibroid is attached to the uterus by a small stalk (pedunculated), the success rate is adversely affected. Moreover, pedunculated fibroids located in the cavity of the uterus (submucosal...

The size of the fibroid is a very important factor. UAE is not very effective in treating fibroids that are 20-weeks’ size or larger. The smaller fibroids respond much better....

Women who present with symptoms of bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, increased abdominal girth, or urinary frequency are generally potential can-didates for UAE. The size and type of...

Uterine artery embolization, also called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), was initially used in the 1970s and was subsequently approved in 1995 as a safe and acceptable method for treating uterine...

I have heard my doctors use two terms, laparoscopy and laparotomy. What is the difference? A laparoscope is an important device in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids and...

Is surgery a better option than observation? The more practical and prudent course would be to plan surgery (myomectomy) as close to the desired pregnancy as possible, considering the recurrence...

Is watchful waiting a better option than surgery? Generally speaking, observation may be the more prudent course if the fibroids are not causing any problems. On the other hand, if...

Will The Surgical Removal Of The Fibroids Increase My Chances Of Conceiving? Studies have shown that when fibroids distort the uterine cavity, there is significant adverse effect on fertility due...

Medical treatment may be given before the surgery and during the surgery. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (such as Lupron) are frequently used for preoperative treatment of fibroids. These drugs have...

Review of the alternative medical literature reveals sev-eral suggested therapies for fibroids. Some of the suggested guidelines and treatments include: Diet—No meat, dairy, or gluten Herbs to help shrink fibroids—Ceanothus...

MRGFU is FDA approved for treating uterine fibroids. Although FDA approval was granted in October 2004, this procedure is still regarded by some insurers as new and experimental.

Potential side effects include: Fever Skin burns—The area of skin above the fibroids (on the abdomen) must be adequately shaved before the procedure to prevent skin burns. Injury to the...

One of the newest methods of treatment is called magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRGFU). This procedure uses high-intensity, focused ultrasound waves to destroy the fibroid. The benefits of this...

The IUD called Mirena contains the progesterone hormone levonorgestrel. It has been shown to substantially reduce menstrual bleeding and has been effective in controlling the abnormal bleeding caused by fibroids...

They control heavy bleeding by reducing (thinning) the thickness of the inner lining of the uterus. They can be helpful even if you do not desire birth control. The following...

A class of antiestrogen and antiprogesterone medications, such as RU-486 (mifepristone), has been used on an experimental basis with promising results. It is presently felt that additional studies are needed...

These hormonal medications are usually covered, partially or entirely, by most insurance companies. Most health maintenance organizations (HMOs) provide coverage for this class of medications and also provide information of...

There is a specific guideline to determine if you are a candidate to this type of therapy. You should NOT take this medication if you are: 1. Pregnant 2. Breast-feeding...