Fibroids Treatment

Uterine fibroids treatment

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that emerge within or on the uterus. Approximately 80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50. While fibroids are generally not deemed dangerous, they can induce incapacitating symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, leading to anaemia and chronic fatigue, as well as intense cramps. As they enlarge, fibroids can exert pressure on neighbouring organs like the bladder, bowels, and nerves, resulting in frequent urination, constipation, and back pain—symptoms akin to those experienced by pregnant women. If you’ve received a fibroid diagnosis, timely and appropriate treatment is crucial.

Based on the size, position, and quantity of fibroids, diverse treatment options may be advised. At the fibroid clinics, we aim to ensure that women are informed about all available choices to make well-considered decisions about their health. While major surgeries like hysterectomy and myomectomy have traditionally been employed for fibroid treatment, our physician now provide Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive-image guided procedure. UFE comes with fewer complications, faster recovery times, and eliminates the need for a hospital stay, thanks to recent medical advancements and enhanced imaging technology.

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Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options

The majority of uterine fibroids are asymptomatic and do not necessitate medical intervention. However, in certain instances, they can cause discomfort and significantly impact daily life. If your fibroid symptoms are disrupting your everyday activities, it is crucial to pursue fibroids treatment. At the fibroid clinics, the physicians will assess your symptoms and devise a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your individual requirements.

Lifestyle Changes

Although it's not possible to prevent fibroids, there are natural methods to reduce their size. Adopting a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for overall well-being. Implementing the following lifestyle changes can mitigate the risk of developing fibroids or contribute to the shrinkage of existing fibroids.

Get Routine Pelvic Exams

Fibroids are frequently discovered through routine pelvic examinations. If you haven't been regularly visiting your OBGYN, it's crucial to begin doing so. Early detection enables the treatment of fibroids before they enlarge and manifest symptoms.

Exercise Regularly

Fat cells generate and retain estrogen, a hormone associated with excessive fibroid growth. If you are classified as obese, engaging in regular exercise can assist you in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight.

Take Vitamin D Supplements

Research indicates that you can counteract the growth of fibroids by incorporating calcium, magnesium, and phosphate into your diet. If you already have fibroids, consider taking Vitamin D supplements, as they may decrease your risk by nearly 32 percent.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Consuming an excess of refined carbohydrates and foods with added sugar might provoke or exacerbate fibroid symptoms. Consider incorporating fruits and vegetables into your diet, while avoiding certain items like boxed cereals.

Limit Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake

Caffeine and alcohol elevate the levels of estrogen and progesterone in your body, promoting the growth of fibroids. Alcohol might also induce inflammation. If you have fibroids, it's advisable to either avoid or restrict your intake of these substances.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Our bodies generate additional hormones in response to stress, encouraging the growth of fibroids. Stress can also accelerate the growth of fibroids that were previously asymptomatic. Discover methods to cope with stress, such as taking walks or listening to soothing music.

Medications

Medication is frequently the initial approach for alleviating mild to moderate symptoms associated with fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort. Some women may find it beneficial to explore medication options before considering surgical interventions. Your doctor might suggest the following medications to address pain and, in certain cases, reduce the size of fibroids.

Oral Contraceptives

Using contraceptive pills can assist in minimizing excessive bleeding and regulating the menstrual cycle for individuals with fibroids. This is a viable choice for women who do not have immediate plans for pregnancy.

GnRH Agonists

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, a type of medication, reduce estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, contributing to the shrinking of fibroids and a decrease in bleeding. GnRH therapy is recommended to diminish fibroids before considering surgery.

Pain Medication

Your physician might recommend an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to alleviate mild pain and discomfort associated with fibroids. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, can also help mitigate heavy bleeding caused by fibroids.

Progestins

Progestins are synthetic forms of the hormone progesterone designed to thin the uterine lining and potentially alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding linked to fibroids. Numerous progestins are administered orally and also serve as contraceptives.

Iron Supplements

As fibroids can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and anaemia, your doctor might suggest iron supplements to replenish your body's red blood cell supply. These supplements are accessible over the counter.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

While intrauterine devices are commonly employed for birth control, they offer additional advantages. An IUD releasing a minimal amount of hormone into the uterine cavity can reduce heavy or irregular bleeding associated with fibroids.

Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

Numerous women assume that hysterectomy and myomectomy are the sole choices for eliminating fibroids. These surgical procedures are invasive, entail significant downtime, and come with a heightened risk of complications. Our physician provides Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive alternative for fibroid treatment that preserves the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to address fibroids without resorting to surgery. In this process, a catheter is introduced through the groin or wrist to administer embolic agents, obstructing blood flow to the fibroids, leading to their shrinkage and demise. Approximately 85-90% of women experienced substantial symptom improvement following UFE.

UFE vs Myomectomy

In contrast to a hysterectomy, which entails the removal of the entire uterus, myomectomy selectively extracts only the fibroids while preserving the uterus. Depending on the size, quantity, and location of the fibroids, you might qualify for an abdominal, laparoscopic, or hysteroscopic myomectomy. Although myomectomy can effectively eliminate fibroids, it's worth noting that women often have multiple fibroids, making complete removal challenging and increasing the likelihood of recurrence. Myomectomy may also elevate the risk of fertility issues due to infection or scarring, and it typically involves a lengthier recovery period of approximately 4-6 weeks. In contrast, after UFE, many women experience successful pregnancies, and a brief observation period is usually sufficient before allowing them to return home on the same day.

UFE vs Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy can be performed through laparoscopic, vaginal, or abdominal methods, all involving the surgical removal of the uterus. It results in permanent infertility. Hysterectomy requires a hospital stay and a recovery period of approximately 6 to 8 weeks. In contrast, UFE preserves the uterus, has a shorter recovery time of around 10 days, and maintains the potential for future pregnancies.

What Is The Best Treatment For Uterine Fibroids?

For the majority of women, the most effective treatment for uterine fibroids is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure is conducted by a skilled interventional radiologist. Women who prefer to avoid major surgery and wish to retain their uterus should seriously consider UFE treatment.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) entails a small incision, resulting in minimal to no scarring and lower risks of complications. Typically conducted as an outpatient procedure, it eliminates the need for a hospital stay. Patients undergoing UFE can often return to work and regular activities within a week, experiencing rapid relief from fibroid symptoms post-procedure.

What to Expect from Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Less invasive than surgery

Quicker recovery time

No hospital stay required

Preserves the uterus

Uterine Fibroid Embolization FAQ

Does UFE Affect Fertility?

For numerous women dealing with fibroids, the consideration of future pregnancy plays a crucial role in deciding on fibroid treatment. UFE stands out as a safe and effective option for women aiming to conceive post-procedure since it preserves the uterus. Opting for this more conservative approach allows patients to maintain their fertility without exposing themselves to the risks, side effects, and prolonged recovery associated with alternative procedures. It's important to discuss UFE and its impact on fertility rates during your initial consultation with your doctor.

Can All Fibroids Be Treated With UFE?

A major benefit of UFE is its ability to address various types and multiple fibroids simultaneously, irrespective of their size, number, or location. After removal during the procedure, the fibroids are no longer viable and should not regenerate. Given the individual variations, each person requires a personalized evaluation. The choice to undergo UFE should be considered after a thorough review of all available options, including surgical alternatives.

What Should I Expect After UFE?

As UFE is conducted on an outpatient basis, the majority of women can return home on the same day. Following the procedure, there may be a requirement to lie flat for a few hours, and your doctor will prescribe over-the-counter pain medication. UFE patients typically resume work in 10 days, in contrast to the 32-day recovery period associated with a hysterectomy. The reduction of painful fibroid symptoms continues for a year or more after UFE, and your doctor may suggest specific lifestyle adjustments, such as dietary and exercise recommendations, to help sustain the results.