In the past, women with uterine fibroids, also known simply as "fibroids" had only hysterectomies as a treatment option. Fortunately, technology has allowed for a number of surgical and non-surgical alternatives to hysterectomy procedures that are proven safe and effective in a variety of situations.
Depending on the nature of your fibroids, the size and number, for example, your fibroids tumor treatment options may include pharmaceutical therapy, "watchful waiting" or minor, non-surgical outpatient procedures like Uterine Artery Embolization (also known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization).
To learn more about a range of fibroid tumor treatment options, please contact your physician or use the contact options right on this page to get answers to any questions you may have about fibroid tumor treatment, including multiple alternatives to hysterectomy treatments.
Alternatives to Hysterectomy Fibroid Tumor Treatment
Diagnosis and Watchful Waiting. In some cases, your fibroids may be present, but not causing any symptoms. In such situation, your physician may decide to forego any type of fibroid tumor treatment and opt for simple monitoring of the situation so that, should you develop symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or other abnormal uterine bleeding, you will be prepared to being taking other fibroid tumor treatment measures.
Pharmaceutical Fibroid Tumor Treatment. Physicians will commonly prescribe birth control pills as a way to address issues related to heavy menstrual bleeding caused by the fibroids. This option carries its own potential side effect, from blood clot development to increased heart disease risks. Additionally, symptoms of fibroid tumors may return after birth control is stopped.
If birth control fails to address the symptoms caused by the fibroids, some physicians may prescribe GnRH Agonists, which is used to decrease estrogen production in the ovaries and may manage symptoms while reducing the size of fibroids. As this measure addresses hormone, some side effects such as mood swing and/or hot flashes may occur. As with birth control, signs and symptoms of fibroids may also return when this type of fibroid tumor treatment ceases.
Non-surgical Alternatives to Hysterectomy. Uterine Artery Embolization, also known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, is a non-surgical procedure in which an interventional radiologist introduces Embosphere® Microspheres into the system through a small catheter inserted in the Femoral Artery. These microspheres block the flow of blood to the fibroids, stopping their growth and causing them to shrink. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and allows women to return to normal daily activity in 11 days on average. As this fibroid tumor treatment is so minimally invasive and allows preservation of the uterus, it is one of the most appealing alternatives to hysterectomy treatment.
For risks associated with this type of fibroid tumor treatment, please see our possible risks and complications associated with UFE information.
Surgical Fibroid Tumor Treatment. The most commonly practiced surgical procedure for fibroids is a hysterectomy. There are three types of hysterectomy options: total hysterectomy, subtotal hysterectomy, and total hysterectomy with a bilateral or unilateral oophorectomy. These vary by how much of the reproductive system is removed. Regardless of the type of hysterectomy, this option will mean no more periods; however, it will also mean no more child bearing capability. Further, it will also induce menopause and most likely require additional hormone replacement therapy.
Myomectomy, as a fibroid tumor treatment, involves surgical removal of the fibroids. This surgery poses unique challenges and, as such, some physicians will not perform it. Further, this type of fibroid tumor treatment also does not work for all fibroids and requires, in general, 4 to 6 weeks of recovery time. The primary advantage of myomectomy as an alternative to a hysterectomy is that it preserves the uterus--a big concern, especially among women who would still like to have more children.
For more detailed information on Uterine Artery Embolization and the other alternatives to hysterectomy treatment listed here, please visit our fibroid tumor treatment page.
Fibroid Tumor Treatment: Exploring Your Options
If you have fibroids, you now have more fibroid tumor treatment options and alternatives to hysterectomy procedures than ever before. A discussion with your physician or OB/GYN is the first step in determining which fibroid tumor treatment is best for you. If you would like immediate answers would may locate a physician near you, or please feel free to use the other convenient options located on the left side of this page under the "Get Answers" heading.
To learn more about fibroid tumor treatment options, including Uterine Artery Embolization, please visit our Fibroid Tumor Treatment page today.
Embolization Of The Uterine Artery :: Uterine Fibroid Symptoms :: Treatment For Uterine Fibroids
