It is not the only option, but it's a good one. There are many reasons to remove a fibroid, and few to leave them in place. They often grow, and can sometimes have cancerous cells. Bleeding for long stretches like you have been can have serious consequences. It is not uncommon for this to cause anemia, even to the point of requiring blood transfusion.
There are options for D&C that did not used to be available. I had endometrial ablation about a year ago, and it really improved my quality of life. There are other options for fibroids, such as embolization which cuts off blood supply to the fibroid, but with that heavy bleeding you may need an intervention anyway. We have fibroid information: https://www.empowher.com/condition/uterine-fibroids and information on D&C: https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/dilation-and-curettage-dc
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you, and only you can decide what is best in your situation. As someone who had irregular bleeding to the point of serious long-term anemia, I can say that D&C will probably make you feel a whole lot better. Another great source of information on this topic is the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm
I hope this helps a bit. Good luck. Let us know how you do.
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Hi Anonymous-
It is not the only option, but it's a good one. There are many reasons to remove a fibroid, and few to leave them in place. They often grow, and can sometimes have cancerous cells. Bleeding for long stretches like you have been can have serious consequences. It is not uncommon for this to cause anemia, even to the point of requiring blood transfusion.
There are options for D&C that did not used to be available. I had endometrial ablation about a year ago, and it really improved my quality of life. There are other options for fibroids, such as embolization which cuts off blood supply to the fibroid, but with that heavy bleeding you may need an intervention anyway. We have fibroid information: https://www.empowher.com/condition/uterine-fibroids and information on D&C: https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/dilation-and-curettage-dc
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you, and only you can decide what is best in your situation. As someone who had irregular bleeding to the point of serious long-term anemia, I can say that D&C will probably make you feel a whole lot better. Another great source of information on this topic is the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp074.cfm
I hope this helps a bit. Good luck. Let us know how you do.
April 27, 2010 - 5:57pmThis Comment
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