Fibroids are muscular tumors that are almost always benign. They can grow on the inside, outside or within the walls of the uterus. There are a few different treatment options. The best course of treatment will depend on your individual situation, so discuss the options with your doctor.
There are some medicines that can be used to treat fibroids. Generally, injections of medications known as gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists (GnRHa)are used. These inhibit gonadotropin releasing hormones and when you are on them, you won’t get a period. Lupron is one of the common drugs used.
The problem with medications is the effect is only temporary. Drugs such as Lupron will shrink the fibroids, just as they shrink naturally during menopause. This drug puts your body in a state of temporary menopause.
The problem is that once the treatment is stopped, the fibroids can come back to their original size. Sometimes Lupron is used to shrink the tumors in preparation for surgery. Lupron can only be used for a maximum of six months or thinning of the bones can occur.
Surgery is an option that is often used. The type of surgery will vary according to the location of the fibroids. For tumors located inside the uterine cavity a procedure known as hysteroscope resection is done to cut away the tumors in the uterus. This is often done as an outpatient procedure.
If the tumors are outside the uterus or within the walls, this procedure won’t work. The tumors can’t be reached by going through the cervix. In these cases, a laparotomy may be done. This procedure uses a laparoscope to reach the uterus and remove the tumors.
In extreme cases, a hysterectomy may be needed. This is the only option that guarantees the fibroids will be gone permanently. This is done when there are many large fibroids and the woman is having severe symptoms. There are advantages and disadvantages to this procedure, so discuss this option thoroughly with your doctor in order to make an informed decision.
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