Uterine Fibroid Removal
When you first find out that you have fibroids, it can seem like the only option for dealing with painful symptoms is uterine fibroid removal surgery. However, there’s an effective, minimally invasive fibroid treatment option that can help you get back to your normal life without many of the side effects of surgery. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical and quick procedure that can shrink your fibroids, eliminate your symptoms, and help you take back control of your life.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in the uterus or on the uterine walls. Fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80 percent of women in the United States. Also known as myomas or leiomyomas, fibroids range in size, location, number, and type. They can cause painful or uncomfortable symptoms for some women, while others may not even know they have fibroids until a doctor or gynecologist discovers them.
Some of the common symptoms of fibroids include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Stomach cramps
- Back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Painful sex
Can Fibroids Be Removed?
Fibroids can be removed with surgery, but procedures like hysterectomies and myomectomies can have severe side effects, including loss of fertility and potential damage to other vital organs. Doctors may recommend fibroid removal if they are interfering with your daily life or ability to conceive. Minimally invasive methods can shrink fibroids until they die off, which can also alleviate painful symptoms.
Fibroid Surgery Options
Once you discover that you have fibroids, you have several options for uterine fibroid removal or treatment. Although it is a common misconception, fibroid removal surgery is not the only effective method. There are additional treatments available today, like UFE. Whether you’ve suffered from fibroids for years or recently been diagnosed,, you can find hope in knowing there are safe ways to relieve your pain and discomfort.
Hysterectomy
Many doctors recommend a hysterectomy for a woman with fibroids as the only option for treatment. Women need to be aware of alternatives that are also effective in treating fibroids. A hysterectomy involves removing the uterus and, in some cases, other reproductive organs. The result is that you can’t get pregnant or carry a child after having the fibroid surgery.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure for fibroid removal while keeping the uterus intact. The doctor will choose between several types of myomectomies, depending on the size and location of the fibroids. When it comes to a myomectomy vs. UFE, UFE is less invasive.
Non-Surgical Fibroid Removal Options
Several options for non-surgical treatment of fibroids exist. However, they don’t all have the same effectiveness, so you should discuss the options with a fibroid specialist who can help you make the right decision on the best treatment or if fibroid surgery is needed.
Medication
Certain medications may aid in managing your uterine fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) can trigger the release of progesterone and estrogen which regulate your menstrual cycle and cause fibroids to grow. Medications that decrease the Gonadotropin-releasing hormones also decrease progesterone and estrogen, possibly shrinking your fibroids.
Testosterone Therapy
This treatment utilizes a synthetic medication similar to testosterone. This medication reduces estrogen production and can prevent your menstrual cycle from starting, thus helping to relieve fibroid symptoms.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive fibroid treatment that doesn’t require surgery. During UFE, a specialized interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter into your numbed upper thigh, then injects particles into the arteries that supply blood to the uterus. The particles will then block blood from getting to your fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Fibroid Removal While Pregnant
It can be problematic to be pregnant with fibroids. You may suffer from more symptoms as the fibroids increase in size. Fibroids often grow during pregnancy because of the release of hormones.
While you’re pregnant, most doctors will help you manage your fibroids and the symptoms. They don’t often recommend fibroid removal until after the baby has been born because of the risk it can pose.
Do Uterine Fibroids Have to Be Removed?
The decision to have fibroids removed should be made after you speak with a fibroid specialist who can provide the best recommendation on treatment. While most fibroids are benign, some growths may be cancerous. Fibroid removal may be beneficial even if it isn’t necessary at the time of diagnosis.
Small fibroids can continue to grow and trigger painful symptoms in the future. They may also interfere with fertility, conception, pregnancy, or delivery. Some doctors may recommend medication to manage symptoms rather than opting for invasive surgery. However, non-surgical methods of shrinking fibroids may be a better option to allow them to die on their own, such as uterine fibroid embolization. USA Fibroid Centers offer UFE as a treatment to alleviate symptoms as the fibroids shrink.
When Do Fibroids Need to Be Removed?
Fibroid removal may become necessary if you are experiencing difficulties with conception or if they are compromising your quality of life. If you suffer from painful or prolonged periods, discomfort during sex, or notice weight gain, it may be time to consider uterine fibroid removal.
Although it isn’t necessary to treat fibroids if you don’t experience any symptoms, you face the danger of them continuing to grow until they create problems. It can be easier to treat fibroids before they have grown enough to impact other organs.
Risk of Fibroids Returning
The risks of fibroids returning will vary based on your chosen procedure. With a total hysterectomy, there is no risk because the uterus and ovaries have been removed. A partial hysterectomy leaves the ovaries, thus you still have all the natural hormones. Because some of the uterus’ tissue also remains, there is always the possibility that a new fibroid can grow.
With a myomectomy, new fibroids will likely form, while the same fibroids won’t return. Any treatment that doesn’t involve removing the entire uterus can allow new fibroids to form, but you may be able to maintain your fertility if you want to have children in the future.
Why Doctors Consider UFE the Gold Standard Fibroid Removal Option
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is widely used worldwide, and medical studies have found it to provide significant relief in 90 percent of women. It has become considered by many doctors the best or “gold standard” as a fibroid removal treatment option. It is also a relatively quick and easy procedure, particularly when compared to hysterectomy. Here is a look at hysterectomy vs. UFE.
Hysterectomy fibroid surgery involves:
- A hospital stay
- Surgical risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, blood clots, and an adverse reaction to general anesthesia
- Stitches
- Scarring
- A lengthy recovery time of between six to eight weeks, during which you may not be able to lift heavy objects or drive while on pain medications
- The loss of fertility
Alternatively, some of the many benefits of UFE may include:
- Going home the same day
- A short procedure, lasting only 30 to 45 minutes
- No general anesthesia
- Light sedative provided for comfort
- Stitches not required
- No scarring
- A short recovery period of one to two weeks
- Leaves the uterus intact
- Retains fertility
Contact USA Fibroid Centers for Uterine Fibroid Removal
If you’re dealing with fibroids, you don’t have to live without hope. You can experience freedom from fibroid pain and symptoms without undergoing uterine fibroid removal surgery. At USA Fibroid Centers, we offer UFE, a minimally invasive treatment for fibroids that can relieve your symptoms and has a shorter recovery period than surgery.
To learn more about UFE and how the procedure can help you, schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 855.615.2555.