How Can Fibroids in Uterus be Treated?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths made from connective tissue and muscle cells. It is said that 60% to 80% of women in their childbearing age are likely to grow highly versatile fibroids in the uterus. The size can vary from a seedling that goes unnoticed to bulky masses that causes severe uterine distortions. A few might be asymptomatic, while others lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and constipation.

Diagnosing and treating fibroids is crucial to avoid health complications like anemia. In fact, it also impacts future pregnancies if the fibroids are allowed to grow. So, if you have intramural and submucosal fibroids, the following effective treatment options can be considered.

Uterine Artery Embolization
In this method, embolic agents like polyvinyl alcohol are injected into your arteries. These can reduce the blood flow to the fibroids and kill them permanently. You are likely to experience nausea and vomiting after this process. However, there are no life-threatening symptoms, and there is a safe way to manage the symptoms.

Medications
Medicines can only help manage symptoms, but they do not treat fibroids. They target hormones that can reduce pelvic pressure and excessive menstrual bleeding. Gonadotropins releasing hormones or GnRH agonists can produce estrogen and progesterone that shrink fibroids and reduce blood flow. Doctors can also suggest that you stop consuming birth control pills in order to not allow the fibroids to develop.

Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

These are known to release progestin in the uterine cavity. It helps in relieving heavy bleeding and offer respite from cramps and discomforts.  You can also use this to prevent pregnancy if you have fibroids. This is crucial since the condition can restrict you from carrying a baby full term.

Endometrial Ablation
Obstetrician gynecologists use microwave energy to destroy the fibroids in the uterus. Hot water and electric currents are also used to damage the uterine wall. The blood vessels which feed and grow them also shrink. Fibroids start melting, and the symptoms begin to get better over time. For example, excess bleeding is cut down to normal levels between 5 ml and 80 ml.

Hysterectomy

This is a major surgery in which the entire uterus is eliminated from your body. Depending on the fibroid size, an appropriate procedure is picked. You will have to undergo a vaginal, abdominal, or laparoscopic hysterectomy. Complications like pelvic pressure and frequent urination are likely to be relieved. However, if you wish to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes too, consult the doctor first.

Abdominal Myomectomy
Unlike hysterectomy, this open abdominal surgery keeps the uterus intact. This is useful for all those who wish to conceive later. After a laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy, symptoms tend to vanish. You can try for pregnancy after 4 to 6 months.

 Women nearing menopause are at greater risk of fibroids. Therefore, get routine pelvic tests done at least once a year to stay on the safe side.