Treatment Options

TREATING FIBROID DISEASE

THIS SECTION describes every available treatment option for uterine fibroids. The various procedures will be outlined, with a host of background information. Also, drawbacks of every treatment will be discussed. Often, doctors do not have time to explain every aspect of your treatment – nonetheless it is you as a patient who has to make the decision about your treatment.

Treating fibroids involves in fact in most cases a choice whether or not to keep your uterus.
YES, THAT'S RIGHT : YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE
There are good alternatives for surgery, also in case you want to preserve fertility.

It needs to be acknowledged that a woman’s womb is not only an incubator that is useless as soon as its reproductive role is over. I will discuss the importance of the uterus for hormonal balance and sexual function as well as the lifelong role of the ovaries, hormonal balance and mood, and controversies around hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Uterine fibroids are the most common indication for hysterectomy, but in fact more than 90% of all hysterectomies are unnecessary. While hysterectomy may be an effective treatment, it is major surgery and involves several nights in hospital and at least a six week recovery time. Today, more and more women opt for less invasive treatment like Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), a procedure performed under guided imaging by an Interventional Radiologist. By blocking the blood flow to the fibroids and causing them to shrink, this procedure is approximately 90% successful at alleviating heavy bleeding and painful periods – with less risk compared to surgery. It spares the uterus and requires only a few hours in hospital. Most women are back to work within one week.

The difficulty in this whole issue is this: Your gynaecologist is invaluable in the whole process of evaluation – but as soon as misinformation occurs about fibroids, patients may be scared into surgery. By all means, read this information, it will answer a lot of questions. And find a gynaecologist that is willing to discuss ALL your options. Plus, consult an Interventional Radiologist to get his/her view.

Good luck, and get and keep well.