Best Treatment Options for Fibroids

Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop on or in a woman’s uterus. The growths are typically noncancerous. They develop mainly in the woman’s childbearing years when she is fertile.

The symptoms vary a lot depending on the size of the growths and where they are located on the uterus, however, some growths may not have any symptoms. Some of the symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pains. For those without symptoms, they are found during routine pelvic exams and your doctors require a further test to ascertain their presence. Several types of treatment are available in Australia, including medication for the removal of fibroids. We shall be discussing the options available.

1. Uterine fibroid embolisation

This is a type of treatment where small embolic particles are injected into the uterine artery with the goal of blocking the fibroid blood vessels. The embolic agents flow through to the fibroid and starve the tumor and cause it to shrink and die. Uterine fibroid embolisation in Australia is highly recommended for fibroid and is premenopausal. UFE may also be referred to as uterine artery embolisation. Its main advantage is that it destroys the fibroid tissue and eases the symptoms. It also provides an alternative to myomectomy. As it is minimally invasive, it can be recommended if you want a full-on surgery.

2. Uterine myomectomy

Also referred to as fibroidectomy, is a surgical operation to remove the fibroids. Myomectomy is the best treatment for women with fibroid symptoms and who want to bear children in the future. This is because during the removal, the uterus remains preserved and the woman retains her reproductive potential. Depending on the location, number, and size of your fibroids a myomectomy may be performed in different ways. They include an abdominal myomectomy, a laparoscopic myomectomy, or a hysteroscopic myomectomy. The only downside is that the fibroids may recur especially for women still in their childbearing years.

3. Hysterectomy

This is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. Hysterectomy definitively resolves all the fibroid symptoms. However, a woman can no longer bear children after a hysterectomy. This is because the uterus that is removed usually is where the baby grows when one is with the child. A partial hysterectomy removes only the uterus but a total hysterectomy removes the uterus and the cervix. The ovaries may also be removed if they look abnormal to reduce the chances of developing ovarian cancer later in life. There are several hysterectomy surgical approaches that you should discuss with your doctor and settle for what feels best for you.

4. Intrauterine Devices

The IUDs are primarily used in birth control, but an additional benefit from the progestin-releasing IUDs is that they provide symptom relief. The device releases small amounts of hormone into the uterine cavity that decreases the bleeding and pain caused by fibroids. This however does not decrease the fibroid size and neither does it make it disappear.

5. Medications

Medication is available to relieve the symptoms but does not make the fibroids go away. For women with symptoms, medication can be helpful to reduce them before a surgery a be done. However, if the number and size are large, medication may not be very effective.

Modern science has made it that any woman suffering from fibroids can get treatment, recover and proceed to have a fully healthy life. Consult your doctor and together make a decision on the best option to take in regards to treatment.