How to Stop Fibroid Bleeding
If you suffer from heavy period bleeding caused by uterine fibroids, there are several treatment options to consider. However, all these treatment options can be very overwhelming. When choosing a fibroid treatment, you should ask all the questions you have and consider seeking out a second or third opinion to ensure you’re making the best decision for your health and wellbeing.
The main options for fibroid treatment include:
- Oral contraceptives or birth control
- Uterine fibroid removal with a myomectomy or hysterectomy
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
If you suspect you have fibroids, want to get rid of your symptoms, and avoid invasive surgery, a fibroid specialist can help you explore the best treatment options for fibroid bleeding. They will discuss the benefits and risks of treatment to help you make an informed choice.
Do I Need Surgery to Stop Fibroids Bleeding?
While surgery is one option to stop fibroids from bleeding, it isn’t the only treatment available. USA Fibroid Centers offers a minimally invasive treatment that can improve bleeding, even when it impacts your life significantly.
A Safer Option is Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure that can protect fertility and eliminate bleeding from fibroids without the risks of fibroid surgery. UFE is performed by a fibroid specialist who will locate the artery feeding the fibroid through imaging. A tiny catheter is inserted into the thigh or wrist with embolic materials injected into the artery to stop the blood flow. Once the blood flow is stopped, the fibroid can no longer receive nutrients and may shrink and die.
Birth Control as a Fibroid Treatment
Birth control medication is one of the most common treatment options doctors recommend for heavy period bleeding caused by fibroids. Many women prescribed oral contraceptives may notice lighter periods with less bleeding and cramping.
There are other oral medications such as Oriahnn that may prohibit fibroid growth. This medication works by reducing the amount of estrogen and progesterone released each cycle. Since one of the factors attributed to fibroid growth is the presence of these hormones, limiting their release can stop the fibroids from growing. However, this is a temporary fix at best since they can begin to grow again if you stop taking the medication.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can reduce bleeding from fibroids. Even though they are often prescribed as birth control, the small amount of hormone released by the IUD can also help reduce heavy bleeding.
Surgical Fibroid Removal
Removing the fibroids will stop period bleeding; however, it is important to know that fibroid removal is a surgical method that may have negative consequences, like damage to the surrounding organs or loss of fertility.
Two procedures exist for fibroid removal, which include a myomectomy and hysterectomy. While both surgical procedures can remove the fibroid, they are very different in how this is accomplished.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the fibroids while leaving all other organs in place. Heavy bleeding may decrease or is eliminated once the fibroids are removed.
New fibroids can form after a myomectomy, with heavy bleeding symptoms again. A myomectomy is often recommended for women who want to get pregnant and carry a baby since all reproductive organs are still intact. However, this procedure still carries a risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
A myomectomy can cause excessive blood loss, infection, and scarring. Recovery time can vary, but it may take as long as six weeks and includes a hospital stay. If new fibroids appear after a myomectomy, the doctor may recommend a hysterectomy for a more permanent solution.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is another surgical procedure often recommended for fibroid removal. It requires the removal of the uterus and sometimes the ovaries and cervix. This procedure stops all bleeding because the fibroids are removed from the uterus.
Choosing a hysterectomy is a major decision because it causes a woman to become infertile. Recovery time takes up to eight weeks. After this procedure, you may experience changes in bladder and bowels, vaginal bleeding, or discharge. A hysterectomy may lead to menopause if the ovaries are removed along with the uterus.
Fibroid Surgery
Fibroid surgery can carry some serious risks, depending on the chosen procedure. Both a myomectomy and hysterectomy have a longer recovery time than non-surgical methods. They also come with an increased risk of heart disease.
In addition, a myomectomy carries a risk of new fibroids forming because it only treats those currently present in or around the uterus. A hysterectomy causes infertility regardless of the type of procedure chosen. However, complications from a myomectomy can cause issues that may impact fertility.
Choose the Best Treatment for Fibroid Bleeding
While many options are available, the minimally invasive UFE treatment can provide the best results without all the other side effects. If you suffer from heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, you need to talk to your doctor about treatment. They may refer you to a fibroid specialist who can help you enjoy a symptom-free life again.
Schedule a Consultation with USA Fibroid Centers
Find freedom from heavy bleeding and the impact it causes on your social, personal, and work-life with the help of USA Fibroid Centers. One of our expert fibroid specialists will meet with you to discuss a personalized treatment plan when you schedule a free consultation. You can also call 855-615-2555 to make an appointment to visit one of our centers.
