If the medication does not improve the bleeding after 3-4 months, speak to your doctor. Women older than 35 who smoke cigarettes should not use oral contraceptives. Oral contraceptive pills and progestational agents will not have an effect on the size of fibroids. Side-effects can include: spotting between periods, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, lower sex drive, weight gain, mood changes, and/or skipped periods.
This type of IUD can stay in your body for up to 5 years. IUDs will only treat symptoms of fibroids, not shrink or diminish them. Side-effects can include: heavier menstrual bleeding during the first 2-3 weeks after insertion, breakthrough bleeding, mild back pain, headache, nervousness/anxiety, mild dizziness, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and/or breast tenderness.
This medication is usually taken 3 times a day for up to 5 days during your monthly period. You cannot take it for more than 5 days. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Side-effects can include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness.
Sometimes this is used to shrink fibroids prior to surgical removal. Side-effects can include hot flashes, depression, insomnia, lower sex drive, and joint pain. In general this medication should be used longer than 6 months. You should not take this medication if there is any chance you might be pregnant. After you stop taking GnRH agonist medications, it can take 2-8 weeks for your menstrual cycle to return.
UAE is performed by a radiologist, in a radiology suite rather than an operating room. After the procedure, you must lay in bed for 6 hours. This usually does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Complications can occur if the blood supply to your ovaries or other organs becomes compromised, though this is rare. Choose this procedure if you do not hope to conceive in the future.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy - For this procedure, your surgeon removes fibroids using instruments inserted through your vagina. This can only be done for submucosal fibroids (fibroids inside the uterus). This is an outpatient procedure and can be done in a couple of hours. Most women will need 1-4 days at home to recover completely. Laparoscopic myomectomy - This procedure uses instruments inserted through small incisions in your abdomen to remove fibroids. Most women will stay 1 night in the hospital, followed by 2-4 weeks recovering at home. Abdominal myomectomy - For this procedure, a small incision is made through the skin on your lower abdomen. Fibroids are removed through this opening. The uterine muscle is sewn back together with several layers of stitches. Most women will stay for 2 nights in the hospital, followed by 4-6 weeks recovering at home.
Depending on the location of your fibroids, this procedure may use a laparoscope (which requires a small incision) or a hysteroscope (which is inserted into your vagina). Hysteroscopic myolysis can be done in a matter of hours. Laparoscopic myolysis may require an overnight stay in the hospital. Most women will need 1-4 days to recover at home. Choose this procedure if you do not have immediate plans to get pregnant. Your uterus will need time to recover, but you may be able to conceive in the future.
This procedure can be performed with heat, hot water, microwave energy, or an electric current. Endometrial ablation greatly reduces your ability to have children and increases the likelihood of complications if you should become pregnant. Endometrial ablation is not recommended for women who still hope to conceive. This is considered an outpatient procedure and can be completed in a few hours. Most women will need 1-4 days of rest at home to recover.
Subtotal hysterectomy (partial hysterectomy) - In this procedure, only the upper part of the uterus is removed. This is ideal if you are still a long way from menopause. Total hysterectomy - In this procedure, the entire uterus and the cervix are removed. In some cases, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are removed, as well. Radical hysterectomy - This procedure involves the removal of the uterus, the tissue on both sides of the cervix, and the upper part of the vagina.
Heavy bleeding and painful periods Feeling of fullness or pressure in the pelvic area Swelling of the lower abdomen Frequent urination Pain during intercourse Pain in the lower back Complications during pregnancy Reproductive problems, including infertility (which is extremely rare)
Make a list of your symptoms. Include anything that is bothering you, even if you’re not sure it’s related. Make a list of any medications and supplements you take. Write down your dosages. Take something to write on. You may want to note important information during your visit. If possible, ask a friend or family member to go with you.
”How many fibroids do I have?” ”How big are my fibroids?” ”Where are my fibroids located?” (They could be on the outer surface, the inner surface, or in the uterine wall. ) ”Do you think my fibroids will continue to grow?” and “How will I know if they grow larger?” ”What health problems can my fibroids cause?” ”Should I have regular tests to monitor my fibroids?” and if so, “What tests?” ”What are my treatment options?” ”What is your recommended treatment plan?”
