Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are extremely common. Fibroids are often first found during a routine pelvic exam. To double check, an ultrasound may be performed, either transvaginally or abdominally. A three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can also be used to find the fibroids.
If your fibroids aren’t causing you any problems, it is reasonable to consider doing nothing however, its growth must be monitored, especially if symptoms develop such as bleeding or pain, by having exams every six months.
If you have uterine fibroids, you should consider all your treatment options and work with your doctor to identify the best treatment option for you.
Treatment Options
To help prevent more growth of the fibroid, your doctor may recommend that you stop taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. But in some cases, oral contraceptives are prescribed to help control the bleeding and anemia from fibroids, even though in some circumstances hormones may cause fibroids to grow.
Myomectomy, sometimes known as a Fibroidectomy, is a procedure for removal of fibroids. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the womb. The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly. Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus: Myometrial (in the muscle wall of the uterus), Submucosal (just under the surface of the uterine lining), Subserosal (just under the outside covering of the uterus), Pendunculated (occurring on a long stalk on the outside of the uterus or inside the cavity of the uterus).
Laparoscopic-robot assisted myomectomy is a relatively new treatment for uterine fibroids. Among the advantages of robotic surgery is it can often allow a women to continue fertility during her child-bearing years. Through robotic surgery, your surgeon can remove uterine fibroids through small incisions with unmatched precision and control.
Using the da Vinci surgery system, you will have an increased opportunity for future pregnancy, lesser risk for infection and shorter hospital stay.
To learn more about your options, make an appointment with your doctor today.