NON SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS

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Fibroids are tumours that grow in a woman’s womb (uterus). These growths are not cancerous. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, painful periods, painful intercourse, fullness in lower belly or an urge to urinate more often.

Traditionally, fibroids were treated surgically – either total removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) or removal of the fibroid alone (myomectomy). But due to advances in technology, many non-surgical techniques are available to treat fibroids.

Medications are available which adjust the hormonal system and shrink the tumours or help to alleviate the symptoms. Iron supplements may be prescribed to prevent or treat anaemia due to heavy periods.

A technique called uterine artery embolization is currently available in Kauvery Hospital where pellets are introduced into the arteries that feed fibroids to choke off their blood supply. Without blood, the fibroids die. Most fibroids shrink dramatically within six weeks, but relief from symptoms usually occurs much earlier. This is being done in the US since 1997 and has been proven as a safe alternative to the much more invasive surgeries like hysterectomy or myomectomy. Meet your doctor to know more about this technique.

UTERINE FIBROID EMBOLIZATION – 5 POINTS TO KNOW

Minimally invasive treatment for fibroids
Relieves symptoms
Short recovery time
Minimal complication risk
Preserves uterus

Article by Dr Iyappan Ponnuswamy, MD, FRCR,
Consultant Interventional Radiologist
Kauvery Hospital