I couldn’t process your entry.

Please reload and retry in a moment.

Check your inbox!

Reset your password with the link we just sent to your email.

Hub Culture logo

6 Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

< Previous | Main | Next >

21st Feb 2023




Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that occur in the uterus. Its size and quantity can vary, and they might result in a variety of symptoms including excessive menstrual flow, pelvic discomfort, and infertility. 

Treatment options for uterine fibroids are determined by various criteria, including the size and location of uterine fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and the patient's age and desire for future fertility. In this article, we will discuss six common treatment options for uterine fibroids.

1. Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting may be an option for women with small or asymptomatic fibroids. This option includes frequent check-ups with a doctor to monitor the fibroids. While fibroids are often slow-growing and may even shrink on their own during menopause, some women may benefit from this strategy. Nevertheless, if symptoms intensify or the fibroids increase in size, more intensive treatment may be required.

2. Medications

The signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids can be alleviated with a variety of medications. Birth control pills and progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) can help regulate menstrual bleeding and decrease pain. GnRH agonists, such as leuprolide, can also be used to reduce fibroids by creating a menopausal state for a short period of time. 

 

The use of GnRH agonists is often restricted to a few months owing to potential side effects since they can cause menopause-like symptoms including hot flashes and bone loss. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also be used to treat fibroids-related pain.

3. Myomectomy

A fibroid removal surgery called a myomectomy means eliminating fibroids while leaving the uterus untouched. This might be a suitable alternative for women who want to maintain their fertility or aren't ready for a hysterectomy. Myomectomy can be performed using a variety of procedures, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and laparotomy. 

 

With hysteroscopy, a tiny, lighted tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus, whereas laparoscopy and laparotomy entail creating small or large incisions in the abdomen. Depending on the extent of the surgery, myomectomy might have side effects including bleeding and infection, and recovery times can change.

4. Uterine artery embolization

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that includes cutting off the fibroids' blood supply. As a result, the fibroids shrink and die. An interventional radiologist will often do UAE, which entails inserting a tiny tube (catheter) via an artery in the groin and directing it to the uterine arteries that feed blood to the fibroids. 

The fibroids decrease over time as tiny particles are introduced to plug these arteries. UAE may have side effects including pain, cramps, and discharge, and it may not be appropriate for women who want to have children in the future.

5. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive treatment that heats and destroys fibroids using focused ultrasound pulses. This is a suitable option for women who want to avoid surgery while preserving their fertility. MRgFUS is often conducted in an MRI machine, allowing the doctor to precisely target the fibroids with ultrasound pulses. Although the procedure has few negative effects, it may not be appropriate for all women, particularly those with large or numerous fibroids.

6. Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgery that involves the removal of the uterus. This is usually indicated for women who no longer want to have children and have big or numerous fibroids that are causing problems. Hysterectomy can be performed using a variety of procedures, including vaginal, abdominal, and laparoscopic approaches. Vaginal hysterectomy involves removing the uterus through the vagina, whereas abdominal hysterectomy entails creating a major incision in the abdomen.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy means making many tiny incisions in the abdomen and removing the uterus with a camera and specialized equipment. A hysterectomy is a major surgery that can cause complications like bleeding, infection, and organ damag