How Are Uterine Fibroids Treated?
For Uterine Fibroids, there are a variety of treatments available, with the right approach depending on the size and number of fibroids as well as their effects on your wellness. In cases where uterine fibroids are causing no symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend a watchful waiting approach. As fibroids aren’t cancerous and tend to shrink after menopause, monitoring them may be the best option.
If your fibroids are causing pelvic pressure or heavy menstrual bleeding, your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms. For instance, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are often prescribed to shrink the size of uterine fibroids. Additionally, while GnRH antagonists do not shrink fibroids, this medication may be prescribed to address heavy bleeding in patients who have not reached menopause yet. Low-dose birth control pills or tranexamic acid may also be recommended to ease heavy periods.
Uterine fibroids can be treated through minimally invasive approaches such as radiofrequency ablation or uterine artery embolization. These approaches allow for a faster recovery than traditional, open techniques like myomectomy or hysterectomy.
In a myomectomy procedure, a specialist surgically removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. Myomectomy is suitable for patients who wish to maintain their fertility. Hysterectomy, which involves removing the uterus, is considered for severe cases or when less invasive treatments have failed and is the only option that completely prevents fibroid recurrence.
