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

About the Author:

What Are Uterian Fibroids?

By Donna Andrews

Uterine fibroids are the most common type of benign uterine tumors. Fibroids start in the muscle tissue of the uterus, or the womb, and develop with the uterine wall or attach to it. Although fibroids can grow as a single tumor, they usually develop as multiple tumors or lumps that tend to grow very slowly. The cause of fibroids is unknown, but physicians theorize that these tumors grow when the body responds abnormally to the hormone estrogen, although this theory doesn't completely explain why certain women are more prone to developing fibroids.

Uterine fibroids affect one out of every four women over the age of 40, although no risk factors other than being of child-bearing age have been identified. African American women are up to five times more likely to develop fibroids then Caucasian women. Additionally, fibroids tend to occur earlier and grow more rapidly in African American women. Interestingly, the incident rate among African women of the same age is much lower than that of African American women.

Although physicians believe that high levels of estrogen may contribute to the development of uterine fibroids, these tumors have developed in women with normal estrogen levels as well. Fibroids tend to grow larger during pregnancy, however, there is little scientific proof that suggests that fibroids multiply during pregnancy. Most women who have fibroids do not experience difficulty with fertility and are able to get pregnant, but may have a higher risk of miscarriage. Some evidence suggests that oral contraceptives may actually increase the size of uterine fibroids.

The types of uterine fibroids are: submucosal, intramural, subserosal, pendunculated, and parasitic fibroids. Submucosal fibroids grow below the lining of the uterus and may cause excessive and prolonged bleeding during the menstrual cycle and pelvic cramping. Intramural fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus and as the fibroids grow they can enlarge the uterus. Subserosal, or subserous, fibroids grow on the outer uterus wall and typically symptoms only occur if the fibroids interfere with other organs. Pendunculated fibroids develop when a subserosal fibroid grows a stalk that then becomes twisted which can result in exruciating pain in the pelvis area. Although rare, parasitic fibroids develop when a fibroid tumor attaches to another organ, and begins to "feed" off that organ like a parasite.

Although approximately 1 out of every 4 women develop uterine fibroids, most do not experience any symptoms. However, the typical symptoms experienced are: excessive bleeding during menstruation, pelvic cramping, pain during intercourse and frequent urination. While pelvic cramping can be attributed to uterine fibroids, the discomfort generally occurs only during the menstrual cycle. The treatments for uterine fibroids include: hysterectomy, UFE, hysteroscopy, myomectomy, resection of myomas, hysteroscopy, and other treatments. It should be noted that these treatments are not necessary in all cases. Today, uterine fibroids are listed as the most common elective reason for a hysterectomy. However, like other common treatments, hysterectomy may have undesirable side effects and complications. Therefore, a woman should thoroughly research all possible treatments before deciding which treatment is best suited for her needs. - 32372

About the Author:

Needed Preparation for Radical Hysterectomy

By Christine Tiu

Radical Hysterectomy is a procedure where the surgeon removes the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, the pelvic tissue around the cervix, lymph nodes and channels, and the upper portion of the vagina. This is used for the treatment of cervical cancer or, if the cancer has spread beyond the cervix, the endometrium.

It is the most complicated among all kinds of hysterectomy. Compared to the others, radical hysterectomy requires longer hospital confinement, and longer periods of healing and recovery. There is the ever present danger of damage to some internal organs.

Given the complexity of this procedure, it is then best to go into it prepared. Here are some things you should keep in mind if you're about to undergo a radical hysterectomy:

Expect some side effects from the radical hysterectomy. These would include swelling in the feet and legs, as well as numbness in the upper legs, lower abdomen, and the area around the incision.

2. As the period of recovery will interfere with daily responsibilities in work and the like, contingency measures must be taken.

You will experience menopausal symptoms after undergoing a radical hysterectomy. These symptoms would include mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes among others.

Despite your acceptance of the loss of your fertility, you can still expect bouts of depression. Also allow yourself to mourn this loss.

5. Also bear in mind that side effects may occur. These include swelling in the feet and legs, numbness in several areas like the upper legs, area of incisions, and lower part of the abdomen.

Refrain from smoking or stop it altogether prior to undergoing a radical hysterectomy. Smoking thins the blood, which can prevent you from easily clotting.

Make necessary arrangements for duties and activities that will be affected during your period of recovery, as it may last around three months.

8. Inquire if more treatments would be necessary. This can include radiation and chemotherapy after operation.

Ask if additional treatments are needed, such as radiation treatment and chemotherapy, after the operation.

10. The good news is that one can still have a normal sex life as the operation won't hamper it. - 32372

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here