Clinical studies have shown the following results: Approximately 80% of patients had significantly reduced vaginal bleeding. Approximately 60% showed a decrease of 25% in the size of the uterus. Approximately 50% of patients had a...
The general effective course may last from 1 to 6 months. The medication is available in 1-month or 3-month injectable doses. The length of therapy may depend on several factors, including: The size of your...
The most common side effects are menopause-related symptoms. These include hot flashes, flushes, mood swings, and irritability. Another worrisome adverse effect is the loss of bone mineral density. These side effects may be reduced by...
There is a class of drugs, called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, that has been used as a nonsurgical treatment option for fibroids. The most commonly used medications in this class are buserelin, leuprolide, and nafarelin,...
There are several sources available: You may ask your primary care physician to suggest a doctor. You may ask friends or family for suggestions. Your insurance company may be able to supply the necessary information....
Your doctor should have no objection to your seeking a second opinion. In most cases, your doctor will strongly suggest that you receive second opinions before starting treatment.
You should always get a second opinion before selecting any method of treatment. Consulting another doc-tor may increase your knowledge on the subject or may suggest options that were not previously discussed.
In addition to the information provided by your doctor, you should explore all available sources for additional information. The Internet is generally a useful source of information, but one must be aware that not all...
It is very important that during discussions with your doctor and before you begin treatment you have a clear understanding of what to expect from the planned method of treatment. It is imperative that both...
Because fibroids can grow anywhere in the uterus and in a wide range of sizes, they are associated with a variety of uterine problems. The growths are most notable for triggering heavy menstrual bleeding, disabling...
Fibroids are essentially benign or noncancerous growths in the uterus. If they are not causing any problems or if the symptoms (e.g., bleeding, pain) are mild, then treatment might not be necessary—or it may be...
Fibroids do not appear to have any effect on the rate or the risk of postpartum infection.
Retained placenta (afterbirth) is a rare complication of pregnancy. Fibroids have not been shown to have any significant effect on the rate of retained placenta.
Postpartum hemorrhage (very heavy bleeding after delivery) is the most common complication with fibroids. This condition is caused, presumably, by the decreased ability of the uterus to contract because of the presence of fibroids. Postpartum...
Several studies have shown that the presence of fibroids in pregnancy tends to lead to an increased rate of cesarean section deliveries. Cesarean section rates have been reported in the range of 50% in pregnancies...
The following list describes how fibroids relate to a few of the more common pregnancy complications: Preterm delivery has been shown by several studies to be the leading cause of newborn problems (neonatal morbidity) in...
Pain is the most frequently reported symptom or com-plaint associated with uterine fibroids during pregnancy. At times the fibroid is not diagnosed until after the patient presents with severe pain. The pain may be intense...
Several studies have shown a direct relationship between the presence of uterine fibroids and a significant increase in the rate of miscarriages. Submucosal fibroids, and to a lesser extent intramural fibroids, have repeatedly been implicated....
Pedunculated fibroids, attached to the exterior of the uterus, have not been shown to have any adverse effects on fertility. This class of particular fibroids are connected to the surface of the uterus by a...
The chief basis for fibroid tumors affecting fertility is location, location, location. Submucosal fibroids (located in the endometrial cavity of the uterus) have been shown to cause the greatest problems with conceiving and also have...
More than any other fibroid-related complaint, abnormal uterine bleeding is the reason most women visit their doctors. Abnormal uterine bleeding is also the under-lying reason many women with fibroid tumors choose to have hysterectomies. Excessive...
A pelvic ultrasound, performed either abdominally or transvaginally, is the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of uterine fibroids. The ultrasound is used to determine the location, size, and number of fibroids. The ultrasound, performed...
In the rectovaginal exam, your doctor places one lubricated gloved finger in the vagina and another in the rectum. Pressure is usually applied on the lower abdomen at the same time. This procedure allows the...
In the bimanual examination, your physician places one or two lubricated gloved fingers into the vagina, while pressing on the lower abdomen with the other hand.This action allows the doctor to evaluate the size, position,...
As with any medical condition, your physician will begin by taking a detailed medical history. You will be asked a number of specific questions about your: General health Previous pregnancies (if any) Menstrual history Experience...