Other Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

For Managing Excessive Vaginal Bleeding

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

If your primary concern is abnormal bleeding, you may be a candidate for a procedure called a ]]>dilation and curettage]]> . The cervix is dilated wide enough to introduce a curved blade that scrapes out the lining of the uterus. The entire procedure takes about ten minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. The two main reasons for the procedure are:

• To rule out endometrial cancer by obtaining a sample of endometrial tissue for examination
• To reduce the thickness of the endometrium (tissue lining of the uterus), which may stop the excessive bleeding

Rare complications include:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Bleeding

Endometrial Biopsy

An ]]>endometrial biopsy]]> is done to obtain a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. During this procedure, a small sample of endometrial tissue is flushed out through your cervix. The procedure can be done in several different ways. The tissue can be flushed out by squirting sterile liquid into your uterus or by inserting a thin instrument to take tiny samples. The discomfort is usually thought to be slightly more than that felt during a regular pelvic exam.