Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can affect women of any age. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including heavy and painful periods, pelvic pressure, and difficulty conceiving. If you’re a woman who has been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. This beginner’s guide to uterine fibroid treatment offers tips and advice to help you get started on the path to finding the best treatment plan for you. From understanding the different types of treatments and their risks to finding a doctor you trust, this guide will help you make an informed decision about your health. With the right information and the right approach, uterine fibroid treatment can be a smooth and successful process.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in the muscle of the uterus. They are common in women in their childbearing years and vary in size from microscopic to as large as a grapefruit. They usually cause no symptoms and don’t require treatment. When uterine fibroids are larger or cause problems, treatment may be recommended. Fibroids are usually discovered when a woman has her first pelvic exam or Pap smear. They’re not usually harmful unless they grow large enough to put pressure on nearby organs, like the bladder or rectum. A large fibroid can interfere with fertility by blocking the fallopian tubes and making it harder for a woman to get pregnant.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Heavy or painful periods can be a sign that a fibroid is large enough to cause a problem. In irregular periods, large fibroids can change hormone levels, which can affect menstrual cycle length and cause irregular bleeding. Painful sex, pressing on the bladder, and a fibroid may cause pain during sexual intercourse. Urinary problems, a large fibroid can press on the bladder and cause urinary problems, such as needing to urinate often, a feeling of needing to urinate but not being able to, or having to urinate with urgency or pain. Bowel problems, a large fibroid can also push against the rectum, causing pain or bowel issues, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Types of Uterine Fibroid Treatments
Hysterectomy, also called hysterectomy, removal of the uterus is one of the most common types of uterine fibroid treatment. This is a serious procedure, which should only be considered as a last resort. Myomectomy is the surgical removal of the fibroid only. Uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical procedure that involves blocking the blood flow to the fibroid to shrink it. Uterine fibroid embolization with resection, is the same as uterine fibroid embolization, with the addition of surgically removing the fibroid tissue after it has been shrunk by the procedure. Uterine fibroid embolization with resection and adjunctive therapy is the same as uterine fibroid embolization with resection, with the addition of other treatments. For example, you can look for uterine fibroid treatment in Memphis, TN, or in an area near you.
Risks of Uterine Fibroid Treatments
Hysterectomy is a major surgery that permanently removes the uterus. While it can be a successful treatment, it comes with long-term risks, such as an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, loss of sexual function, or urinary incontinence. Myomectomy, this procedure has short-term risks, such as bleeding and infection, and long-term risks, such as damage to the bowel or bladder. Uterine fibroid embolization, if a large fibroid is treated with uterine fibroid embolization, it can re-grow and require a second treatment. If a fibroid is treated but is left behind, it can grow and cause problems. Uterine fibroid embolization with resection is a major surgery that has the same risks as a myomectomy. Uterine fibroid embolization with resection and adjunctive therapy has the same risks as uterine fibroid embolization with resection, with the addition of risks associated with any additional uterine fibroid treatments.
Tips for Finding the Right Doctor
Choose a doctor with experience in uterine fibroid treatment. While any doctor can treat fibroids, a doctor with experience will know the best treatment option for you and how to minimize risks. Ask how many fibroid treatments the doctor has done. A doctor who treats fibroids regularly will have the best experience. Find a doctor who you trust and feel comfortable talking with. This is a major surgery, and you should feel confident in your choice.
Preparing for Uterine Fibroid Treatment
Research your options before you decide on a treatment, research your options. Different treatments have different risks and benefits, and you may want to consider more than one option. Consider your future plans, women who plan to have children may want to wait to treat fibroids, as some treatments will affect your ability to conceive. Talk with your partner, your partner may also want to talk with your doctor to learn more about the options.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What are the possible treatment options? Make a list of options and talk to your doctor about them. You have the right to know what options you have available. What are the risks and expected recovery time associated with each treatment? You can’t make a decision based on what you want. You need to make a decision based on what your body can handle. What percentage of patients with my condition have you treated successfully? This is more meaningful than the number of patients treated. What happens during my recovery? Your doctor can tell you how to prepare for the surgery, how long you’ll be in the hospital, what to expect while you’re healing, and how long recovery will take. What can I do to prepare for the surgery? This way, you’ll be ready and prepared when the time comes.
Post-Treatment Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Rest, you will likely be recovering from surgery, so it’s important to rest. Drink enough water, drinking enough water is important throughout the year, but it’s especially important during recovery. Stay active, you don’t have to stay in bed during recovery, but you do need to take it easy. As long as you’re not doing anything too strenuous, you should be fine. Recovering from uterine fibroid treatment can be hard, but if you prepare for it and rest when you need to, you can get through it.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are a common condition that affects many women. While they are often benign and cause no symptoms, they can also be treated. There are many different types of treatment options available, depending on the specific situation. With the right information and the right approach, treatment can be a smooth and successful process.
