What Are the Options for Fibroids Treatment

By Martha Brooks

A lot of women suffer from fibroids which are ovarian cysts that can be very agonizing and cause a lot of misery. These cysts are non cancerous, however, the pain and discomfort is not benign. At a certain point in a woman's life, she may wonder about fibroids treatment options. Although surgery is one of the most effective fibroids treatment options, there are a lot of side effects.

One of the most common surgical fibroids treatment options is known as uterine artery embolization. This latest surgical treatment effectively blocks the blood flow to the fibroid. This treatment is performed by a radiologist while the patient is under sedation. Even though under sedation, the patient is conscious for the procedure. The doctor makes a small incision around the area of the groin and inserts a catheter into the artery that supplies blood to the uterus. The catheter is then fed through the artery until it reaches the uterus, at which time a combination of x ray dye and small plastic particles are injected, which has the effect of blocking the blood supply to the fibroid.

It has not been proven whether or not uterine artery embolization effects a woman's ability to have a child. Some of the more disconcerting side effects of this treatment are intense cramping, the need for pain medication and an overnight stay at the hospital. Although this method of fibroids treatment can be an effective way to reduce or improve symptoms, certain women will suffer from complications and about 27 per cent of those will suffer a full return of their uterine fibroids six years after their fibroids treatment.

Alternative treatments are used, however many of those fibroids treatments are not as effective. For many women, suffering through the intense pain of uterine fibroids can cause them to seek a final solution - total hysterectomy. If a woman wants to have children, this is not a great option. In the meantime she will have to suffer through the constant pain associated with these uterine fibroids. There are medications available, but many of those have terrible side effects including cessation of periods, weight gain, intense headaches and bone loss from a decrease in estrogen levels.

There is also the option of homeopathic treatments which include reki and certain herbal remedies. It is possible to reduce the incidence of uterine fibroids by controlling diet and reducing exposure to stress. A woman who suffers from uterine fibroids should avoid dairy, sugar, alcohol, saturated fats, processed foods and red meat.

Caffeine is known to raise stress, and it can be very important to reduce the intake of caffeine or eliminate it where possible. Working towards a healthy way of eating and an awareness of what effect certain foods have on the body can also be very helpful. - 32372

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