Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

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Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

The treatments for uterine fibroids are directed toward controlling your symptoms. The goals of treatment are to reduce blood loss and to eliminate symptoms.

Possible approaches include:

Watching and waiting
Over-the-counter and/or prescription medications
Measures to reduce excessive bleeding
Treatments for anemia
Procedures to destroy or remove the uterine fibroids
Removal of the entire uterus (only in the most severe cases and when pregnancy is no longer desired)

No one treatment option is best for all women. Many factors influence which choice is right for you including: age, medical history, symptoms, and the number and location of fibroids. If you have fibroids, talk to your doctor and/or healthcare provider about the different options available. Make sure to weigh all the risks and benefits of each before making your decision.

Treatment involves the following:

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References

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm . Accessed June, 30, 2008.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) website. Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/ . Accessed March 2, 2006.

The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . 17th ed. Merck and Co.; 1999.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) website. Available at: http://www.nichd.nih.gov/ . Accessed March 2, 2006.

The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/health_riskfactors.htm .

US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/default.htm . Accessed March 2, 2006.

Last reviewed June 2008 by ]]>Ganson Purcell Jr., MD, FACOG, FACPE]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.