A few decades back, removing the uterus as a whole was considered to be the best way to deal with fibroids. Thanks to advances in the medical field, there are various other alternatives today. If you have uterine fibroids and are considering treatment or removal, you should invest your time exploring your options to determine the best one.
According to specialists, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous, benign growths that are not life-threatening. Therefore, there is no compelling reason to panic. However, if you want permanent relief from the symptoms, such as excessive bleeding, back pain, constipation, etc., you can consult with a uterine fibroid embolization Houston, TX expert today.
Treatment options for fibroids
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Conscious waiting.
In most cases, fibroids are harmless and do not pose a threat. Therefore, doctors recommend not worrying about it or taking medical help unless necessary. If your fibroids are not presenting any severe symptoms, you should be able to manage them without medication or surgery. Monitor your condition and watch out for any new symptoms or changes. Conscious waiting is also a good alternative for women who believe their fibroids won’t interfere with their pregnancy.
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Hormone therapy.
While the root cause of fibroids is still unknown, researchers believe that hormones and growths play a large role. Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy or the stoppage of birth control pills intake to prevent more growth. In some cases, your doctor may suggest certain birth control medications to prevent anemia and excessive bleeding caused by fibroids.
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Tough it out for a while.
If you are nearing the age of menopause and your symptoms are not extreme, you might want to consider bearing with the problems for a little longer. With menopause, the estrogen levels in your body decrease, and so does fibroid activity. The time just before menopause can present itself with wild symptoms. Along with hot flashes and other menopause-related issues, you will also have to deal with fibroids. If you can bear and wait, things will take a turn.
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Uterine artery embolization.
Referred to as uterine fibroid embolization, this medical procedure limits the blood supply to the fibroids, causing their shrinkage and, eventually, death. The doctor fuses small particles into the arteries that carry blood to your fibroids, and the particles set up a barricade to obstruct the blood flow.
This technique is often recommended for women with extreme symptoms, like excessive bleeding, pain, or when fibroids become too large. However, it is not for women who want to get pregnant, as the procedure itself can decrease your chances of getting pregnant.