Treatments Available for Fibroids

March 16, 2010 by Martha Brooks  
Filed under pregnancy

Many women suffer from serious ovarian cysts or fibroids which can cause agonizing pain. These are benign tumors, but because they cause so much pain and discomfort, they can be very disturbing. There comes a point in time when a woman wonders if there are fibroids treatment options other than surgery. Surgery can be a very effective fibroids treatment; however, it can also be very invasive with many 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.

There are other treatment options available, however, many of them are not very effective. As a woman suffers though the pain and anguish of uterine fibroids, they may end up seeking the ultimate solution – total hysterectomy. Of course, if a woman is of child bearing age and has not yet has children, this is not really an option. Many of the effective medication have unbearable side effects such as headaches, cessation of periods, weight gain and bone loss from decreased estrogen levels.

Certain homeopathic treatments including herbal remedies and reki are very effective for some women. One of the most important things a woman can do to reduce the occurrence of uterine fibroids is to reduce stress and change their diet, where possible, to eliminate dairy products, processed foods, sugar, saturated fats, red meat, sugar and alcohol.

It is believed that certain stimulants, such as caffeine can also contribute to stress, so it is equally important to reduce or eliminate it from your diet. Moving towards a healthier, more natural diet and reducing the amount of toxins in the body can also help to reduce the occurrence of uterine fibroids.

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