There are other alternatives for removing fibroids that don't involve hysterectomy. Here is what our EmpowHer enclopedia says about fibroids and their treatment:
"Most women with fibroids have no symptoms and do not need treatment. The doctor may recommend "watchful waiting," monitoring the size and growth of the fibroids at regular intervals using ultrasound.
Treatments include:
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain pills ease mild symptoms. Prescription pain relievers may be needed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and help with cramping.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormone medications, which decrease estrogen levels, are an option if you are not trying to become pregnant. Synthetic hormones create an artificial menopause. The drugs shrink fibroids and diminish the pain by decreasing the supply of estrogen to the uterus. However, fibroids can return once you stop taking the medication. These drugs are often used to reduce fibroid size prior to surgery. Because hormone medications are harmful to a developing fetus, you must use a barrier method of birth control while taking them.
Surgery
Surgery is considered if:
* The uterus becomes extremely large.
* The fibroids are interfering with fertility.
* Symptoms are severe.
Surgical procedures include:
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is the removal of the fibroids only and leaving the uterus intact. This can be done by:
* Open surgery that involves a single large abdominal incision
* Laparoscopy —using a lighted fiberoptic tube and requiring only a few small incisions
* Hysteroscopy—which involves the insertion of a hysteroscope through the cervix into the uterine cavity
Because it preserves the uterus, myomectomy is commonly performed on younger women who may want to have children. However, conceiving may remain difficult. The surgery is less successful if there are many fibroids, because some may grow back.
Uterine Fibroid Ablation
An alternative to surgical removal, uterine fibroid ablation (also called myolysis) uses heat to disrupt the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. This is a relatively new procedure and not available in all medical facilities.
Total Hysterectomy
Total hysterectomy is the removal of the entire uterus. This may be done through a vaginal or abdominal incision. Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment for fibroids, but it eliminates the possibility of having children.
Nonsurgical Options
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Fibroids need an adequate supply of blood to grow. Without blood, the tumors shrink. Doctors can perform a uterine fibroid embolization (also called uterine artery embolization) to stop the blood flow. A specially trained doctor makes small cuts in the groin and threads a catheter into the arteries that supply the uterus with blood. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin are passed through the catheter. The particles make their way to the fibroids and block blood from reaching the tumors.
Focused ultrasound therapy
Focused ultrasound therapy is a new, noninvasive treatment done under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance, which recently completed successful clinical trials. This procedure is available in a limited number of academic medical centers and may not be appropriate for patients who are significantly overweight, have very large fibroids, or extensive scars from prior abdominal surgeries."
Here's that page; it has much more information, and links:
Comment Reply
Anon,
There are other alternatives for removing fibroids that don't involve hysterectomy. Here is what our EmpowHer enclopedia says about fibroids and their treatment:
"Most women with fibroids have no symptoms and do not need treatment. The doctor may recommend "watchful waiting," monitoring the size and growth of the fibroids at regular intervals using ultrasound.
Treatments include:
Pain Medication
Over-the-counter pain pills ease mild symptoms. Prescription pain relievers may be needed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce inflammation and help with cramping.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormone medications, which decrease estrogen levels, are an option if you are not trying to become pregnant. Synthetic hormones create an artificial menopause. The drugs shrink fibroids and diminish the pain by decreasing the supply of estrogen to the uterus. However, fibroids can return once you stop taking the medication. These drugs are often used to reduce fibroid size prior to surgery. Because hormone medications are harmful to a developing fetus, you must use a barrier method of birth control while taking them.
Surgery
Surgery is considered if:
* The uterus becomes extremely large.
* The fibroids are interfering with fertility.
* Symptoms are severe.
Surgical procedures include:
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is the removal of the fibroids only and leaving the uterus intact. This can be done by:
* Open surgery that involves a single large abdominal incision
* Laparoscopy —using a lighted fiberoptic tube and requiring only a few small incisions
* Hysteroscopy—which involves the insertion of a hysteroscope through the cervix into the uterine cavity
Because it preserves the uterus, myomectomy is commonly performed on younger women who may want to have children. However, conceiving may remain difficult. The surgery is less successful if there are many fibroids, because some may grow back.
Uterine Fibroid Ablation
An alternative to surgical removal, uterine fibroid ablation (also called myolysis) uses heat to disrupt the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. This is a relatively new procedure and not available in all medical facilities.
Total Hysterectomy
Total hysterectomy is the removal of the entire uterus. This may be done through a vaginal or abdominal incision. Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment for fibroids, but it eliminates the possibility of having children.
Nonsurgical Options
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Fibroids need an adequate supply of blood to grow. Without blood, the tumors shrink. Doctors can perform a uterine fibroid embolization (also called uterine artery embolization) to stop the blood flow. A specially trained doctor makes small cuts in the groin and threads a catheter into the arteries that supply the uterus with blood. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin are passed through the catheter. The particles make their way to the fibroids and block blood from reaching the tumors.
Focused ultrasound therapy
Focused ultrasound therapy is a new, noninvasive treatment done under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance, which recently completed successful clinical trials. This procedure is available in a limited number of academic medical centers and may not be appropriate for patients who are significantly overweight, have very large fibroids, or extensive scars from prior abdominal surgeries."
Here's that page; it has much more information, and links:
https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/uterine-fibroids#definition
And you may find the stories from these women particularly helpful:
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/fibroid-surgery
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/surgery-day-coming-soon
https://www.empowher.com/community/share/after-fibroid-my-post-op-story
Is there a specific reason your doctor believes a hysterectomy is the best option for you? Were you made aware of other options?
September 24, 2009 - 8:46amThis Comment
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