There are three major types of uterine fibroids; subserosal, intramural and submucous. If you have been diagnosed with any type of uterine fibroids, the treatment options may be limited depending on your symptoms and whether or not any other organs are being affected by the fibroids.
Hormonal suppression and other medications that help with pain are generally temporary fixes for the symptoms that uterine fibroids can cause. If your uterine fibroids are not severe and are not affecting surrounding organs, then you may be able to treat the fibroids with medication.
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that refers to the removal of tumors one by one from the uterus. This procedure is usually recommended for women who have fibroids that need to be removed surgically. A myomectomy is preferred over a hysterectomy, where the entire uterus is removed, if the woman is still of a reproductive age and there is a possibility of having children in her future. Fibroids can grow back after removal and more procedures may be necessary after the first one. Multiple surgeries can compromise fertility. Scar tissue can adhere the uterine walls together and other problems may occur after surgery.
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative treatment to surgery. It is a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure. Uterine fibroids need a blood supply to grow and thrive. Uterine artery embolization is performed through the arterial system. The doctor will identify uterine arteries, usually through x-ray, and inject tiny particles into the arteries supplying the fibroids.
The injected particles will hinder or stop the flow of blood to the fibroids. This can stop excessive bleeding and also cause the fibroid to shrink in size over time. Uterine fibroid embolization is becoming more popular and is generally tried before major surgery unless symptoms are threatening to the patient.
Uterine fibroid embolization is minimally invasive and you will most likely only be given a sedative before the procedure. A small needle is inserted and a catheter is used for the procedure. There should not be any scarring visible on the skin afterward. Although you will not have any large incisions, the pain afterward can be severe. The pain is caused by the dying cells’ release of toxins. An overnight stay may be required after the procedure for pain management. Usually medications can be taken at home and the pain should subside in a few days.
Talk with your infertility specialist or OB/GYN if you have questions about your uterine fibroid treatment.
This information about uterine fibroid embolization has been provided by Dr. Eric Daiter MD.
About the Author: Dr. Eric Daiter MD, the medical director of The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, LLC, a leading NEW JERSEY INFERTILITY CENTER that offers a complete range of MALE INFERTILITY AND FEMALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT. For more information on The NJ Center for Fertility and Reproductive Medicine and Eric Daiter please visit www.drericdaitermd.com.
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