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Several medical treatments are available for fibroids. They can include medication and surgery. Medications are effective in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, and surgeries can shrink fibroids. In addition, menstrual blood loss can be reduced with GnRH agonists. These drugs are given as injections every one to three months. Several women experience a significant reduction in fibroids after undergoing this treatment. Interested readers can find more information about them at Access Vascular Health: Michelle Maneevese, MD 

The cause of fibroids is not completely understood, but they are common enough that 80 percent of women will experience them at some point in their lives. These tumors are often painful and can interfere with fertility and pregnancy. They are more common in women of African descent, and their prevalence increases as they age. Certain genetics and lifestyles can also increase a woman’s risk.

Non-surgical treatments for fibroids include MRgFUS and UFE. Your doctor will use ultrasounds or MRIs to determine if you’re a good candidate for treatment. These tests determine the size, location and number of fibroids in your body. Sonohysterography is another treatment for fibroids, which requires a medical procedure.

Medications for fibroids can regulate hormone levels and treat symptoms associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. A progestin-releasing intrauterine device can help relieve heavy bleeding related to fibroids, as well as prevent pregnancy. Medications can also reduce pain associated with fibroids. Some women may benefit from MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus. These treatments have a short recovery time, a low risk of complications, and preserve fertility.

If the fibroids have spread outside the uterus, a hysterectomy is another treatment option. This surgery removes the uterus, and sometimes the fibroids. However, the recovery time for surgery for fibroids is longer than that of other surgeries. The procedure is also more expensive than the non-surgical options.

If the fibroids are still small, women can undergo an outpatient procedure called hysteroscopic myomectomy. This procedure is done with a tiny camera. It focuses on relieving symptoms and may shrink the size of fibroids. Hormonal medications act as contraceptives, which means you cannot get pregnant while on the medication. Non-hormonal medications improve bleeding and may be used instead of surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation is another treatment for fibroids. This minimally invasive surgery is usually performed through small abdominal incisions. The procedure is relatively painless, and fibroids will shrink over several months. After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities. Your health care provider will explain the risks and benefits of various treatment options.

Non-surgical options for uterine fibroids include tranexamic acid and hormonal contraceptives. Other treatments may include endometrial ablation, which destroys a thin layer of the uterine lining and stops bleeding. In some cases, uterine artery embolization is used to block the blood supply to fibroids.

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Access Vascular Health: Michelle Maneevese, MD
5151 Katy Freeway Suite 170 Houston,
TX 77007 832-981-5781