Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that can cause pain and other symptoms. Doctors may recommend several different treatments for uterine fibroids, depending on the size and location of the fibroids, your symptoms, and your plans for pregnancy. After the diagnosis of uterine fibroids is confirmed, the next step is to develop a plan for uterine fibroids treatment Houston, TX.

The plan will be based on the size of your fibroids, how severe your symptoms are, whether you want to have children, and other factors. It is vital to have an early diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids as they can cause problems during pregnancy. There are more benefits such as less pain, fewer complications, and a shorter hospital stay if the fibroids are removed before you give birth.

There are several different types of treatments for uterine fibroids:

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. An interventional radiologist typically performs this procedure and does not require surgery. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area and sedation to help you relax. A small incision will be made in your groin area, and a thin tube (catheter) will be inserted into the blood vessels that supply blood to the uterus.

The interventional radiologist will then inject small particles into the blood vessels leading to the fibroids, which will block the blood flow and cause the fibroids to shrink.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy removes uterine fibroids through surgery. It can be done through open surgery (abdominal myomectomy) or laparoscopic surgery (keyhole surgery). If you want to maintain your fertility or are planning to get pregnant in the future, a myomectomy is often the recommended treatment option as it preserves the uterus.

Hysterectomy

The uterus is surgically removed during a hysterectomy. It is usually only recommended if you have large fibroids causing significant symptoms and other treatment options have been unsuccessful. If you undergo a hysterectomy, you will no longer be able to become pregnant.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can treat uterine fibroids by reducing the hormone estrogen levels in your body. It can be done with oral contraceptives (birth control pills), progesterone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists/antagonists.

Surgery

Surgery is typically only recommended if you have large fibroids causing significant symptoms and other treatment options have been unsuccessful. The type of surgery will depend on where the fibroids are.

Watchful waiting

If you have small fibroids and are not experiencing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see instead of treatment. It involves monitoring your signs and fibroid growth over time to see if treatment is necessary.

Alternative treatments

Some alternative treatments have been suggested to treat uterine fibroids, such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, and homeopathy. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the use of these therapies.

If you are diagnosed with uterine fibroids, visit Alate Health to discuss the available treatment options to help you settle on one which is the best for you.