12389 Crabapple Rd Alpharetta, GA. 30004

770-475-7275 www.aristaobgyn.com

 

Uterine Fibroids (also know as myomas, leiomyomas)

Treatment options:

1. Medical 2. Surgical

► Medical:

Not all women who have uterine fibroids need treatment. If fibroids don't cause any problems in a woman's day-to-day life, and she doesn't have pain or excessive bleeding, treatment might not be necessary. Also, when a woman is at the end of her reproductive years and her body produces less hormones, the fibroids may shrink slightly on their own. They will not go away and the need for treatment depends on the effects of the fibroids on your every day life. Serial ultrasound or other diagnostic tests (CT scan/MRI scan) may be needed to monitor the fibroids. Is the pain or bleeding interfering with your normal duties, job and sex life?

There are several treatments for fibroids, including non-surgical procedures –uterine artery embolization (UAE) Northside Radiology. The main treatment for women who have large fibroids, uncomfortable symptoms, or excessive uterine bleeding from fibroids is surgery. Prior to fibroid surgery, a hormone treatment such as Lupron Depot® (Lupron®) may be recommended by doctors to help improve anemia that results from excessive bleeding due to fibroids. Lupron is an expensive medication (3.75 mg cost $600.00) and it may not be covered by your insurance company. Blood transfusions are sometimes needed before or during, if the fibroids are large (>4 cm) and you are already anemic ( Hemoglobin <10 g/dl).

► Surgical options include:

Myomectomy- remove the fibroids

Supracervical hysterectomy- remove the uterus but preserve the cervix

Total abdominal hysterectomy- remove the uterus, tubes, ovaries and cervix

Preservation of ovaries and removal of the fallopian tubes

Removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes

Vaginal hysterectomy/Laparoscopically assisted- remove the uterus

Laparoscopic Supracervical hysterectomy- remove the uterus