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How Progesterone Affects Fibroids

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Imbalance of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can deeply affect women’s health. Each of these hormones has a direct relationship to the development of reproductive organs and cognitive functions, making it crucial to keep them in balance to ensure a productive and healthy life. Women who have experienced long-term imbalances may be at risk for many conditions including menstrual and perimenopausal difficulties as well as fibroids.

While the cause of uterine fibroid tumors is still unknown, there is a link between fibroids and estrogen production. For instance, fibroids can grow large during pregnancy when estrogen levels are high, and can begin to shrink during menopause, when estrogen levels are low. Although hormones work in tandem with one another, in cases where one is imbalanced such as when estrogen increases, progesterone can act as an inhibitor. This type of hormone therapy can help stop pain and the growth of fibroids.

According to the National Institutes of Health, when estrogen levels are too high, it can cause fibroid tumors to grow and when there is insufficient progesterone present, there are no proper signals to stop this growth. Not only does it curb the effect estrogen has on fibroids, which includes bleeding and pain, it can also, in some cases, inhibit the growth and shrink the size of fibroids.

However, while many studies have shown positive results with progesterone therapy, it is only meant to relieve pain and stop growth temporarily. When undergoing progesterone therapy, many women have shown side effects ranging from weight gain to insomnia and fatigue. Because of this, it is mainly recommended as a temporary solution prior to proper fibroid treatment.

Fibroid Treatment

If you are currently looking for a more effective fibroid treatment, progesterone therapy may not be enough. Not only can this therapy cause side effects, but fibroids may return once progesterone treatment has stopped. For a permanent, non-surgical solution to fibroids, embolization may be the answer. Embolization, like progesterone therapy, shrinks fibroids. However, this minimally invasive treatment ensures they will not regrow. To safely shrink fibroids rather than surgically remove them, learn about fibroid embolization by contacting The Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866)479-1523.

Hormone Therapy for Fibroids

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hormone therapy for fibroids

To reduce symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, certain hormone therapies may be suggested by your doctor. These types of medications target hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, which treats heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and disorders such as endometriosis; the abnormal tissue growth outside of the uterine lining. While hormone therapy in some instances, can also temporarily shrink fibroids by reducing estrogen levels, they cannot eliminate them completely. Here are a few of the most common hormone medications prescribed for fibroid and fibroid symptoms:

Danazol

Danazol is a synthetic compound and/or androgen like testosterone. It is used mainly to treat endometriosis, fibrocystic breast disease, stop menstruation, correct anemia and even shrink fibroid tumors by decreasing the number of hormones produced by the ovaries. However, this medication has occasional side effects such as weight gain, dysphoria (feelings of depression or uneasiness) acne, headaches, unwanted hair growth and a deeper voice.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives are another solution that many women turn to for hormone therapy. These medications are primarily used to control painful menstruation and heavy bleeding; however, they cannot reduce fibroid size and in some women, may even cause the tumors to grow larger.

Progesterone-Releasing Intrauterine Device (IUDs)

Progesterone-releasing intrauterine device (IUDs) can help provide relief for fibroid symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain, but cannot directly treat or shrink fibroids. It is not recommended for women with an extremely large uterine cavity.

Lupron

Lupron effectively overstimulates the body’s production of certain hormones and temporarily shuts down production. For women, this stops estrogen levels from rising and makes the body temporarily “menopausal”. In some cases, this treatment can shrink fibroids and decrease symptoms associated with it, but only while the medication is in use.

Gn-RH Agonists

Gn-RH agonists reduces estrogen and progesterone levels, resulting in a temporary menopausal state. This stops menstruation, improves anemia, and shrinks fibroids. However, the treatment can cause menopausal side effects such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and possible bone loss. That is why it is only recommended for short-time use, preferably prior to fibroid surgery.

While hormone therapy has benefits for women suffering from fibroids, all are either recommended for temporary use due to their side effects or have no direct effect on the tumors themselves. None of these approaches are a cure to fibroids, but may bring some necessary relief prior to having surgery or embolization. For a permanent fibroid-shrinking treatment with no surgery required, learn more about the benefits of fibroid embolization by contacting The Fibroid Treatment Collective today at (866)479-1523.

A Less-Invasive Procedure to Treat Fibroids; Uterine Artery Embolization Offers Shorter Hospital Stays and a Faster Return to Normal Activities

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The article discusses the advantages of embolization as a non-surgical, non-invasive approach with several distinct advantages to fibroid patients.  Key benefits include ease, effectiveness and safety of the procedure. But a very significant difference, according to the Wall Street Journal, is embolization’s extremely quick recovery time.

The fibroid patient can now avoid the life/work impact associated with traditional fibroid surgeries.  Myomectomy and hysterectomy, the two most common surgeries associated with fibroids, involve months of rest and recovery. This can have a serious effect on a patient’s home life, work life and economic situation.  Embolization allows patients to receive fibroid treatment and symptom relief quickly and permanently, in a very short time.  The article concludes that can embolization provide fibroid patients with a non-surgical and streamlined treatment that gets them back to normal, back to work and back to health in a few days, rather than a few months.

Dr. McLucas is quoted on several additional points concerning fibroid embolization.  Interestingly, embolization eliminates the chance of fibroid regrowth.  This is important because one of the most common fibroid surgeries, myomectomy, carries a 50+% chance of fibroids reappearing within 1 year post- surgery.  Patients undergo myomectomy, but may experience a reappearance of fibroids fairly quickly, requiring additional surgery, additional recovery and additional time out of the workplace.  Embolization, on the other hand, permanently inhibits fibroid growth and regrowth.

Correctly performed, embolization means a single procedure, a short recovery time, and no repeat in treatment.

For the practical-minded patient, the difference between surgery and embolization is clear.  Months off work, with the distinct possibility of repeated surgery.  Or a few days off work, with the problem solved quickly. And completely.

For more information about the treatment of Fibroids, contact us today

Will Fibroids Shrink After Menopause?

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Fibroids are noncancerous tumors in the uterus that can cause abnormal bleeding. The hormones estrogen and progesterone stimulate their growth and when fibroids are large enough, they can cause discomfort and pain. Common sense says that when you stop having periods, chronic conditions of your female reproductive organs will also go away. But that isn’t necessarily true.

Fibroids and Menopause

For many years, doctors would tell their patients the fibroids would shrink after going through menopause. Women who are close to menopause are often advised to “hang in there” and wait out their treatment options. But few patients with fibroids made it to menopause because they ended up undergoing a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) instead.

You might think that fibroids will shrink or disappear once you’ve gone through menopause because your hormone levels drop dramatically, however that’s not always the case. If a woman chooses hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause, she could still experience bleeding symptoms and even fibroid growth after menopause. Menopause is a time of wildly fluctuating hormone levels. Estrogen levels generally decline during perimenopause, but they do so in an irregular fashion. Sometimes there can be more estrogen present during perimenopause than in the past. Fibroids are estrogen sensitive as it has been proven that estrogen increases the growth of fibroids. Although menopause is a time when hormones are decreasing, estrogen levels in a woman’s body surge during this time. Certain substances in fat cells will mimic the effects of estrogen which result in fibroid growth. The time from perimenopause to menopause varies for each woman and it could take years to see any reduction of fibroid size or symptoms. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options.

Many women end up choosing hormone replacement therapy to alleviate menopause issues such as hot flashes and sleeplessness. However, whether bioidentical, over-the counter or prescription hormone pills, introducing estrogen may stimulate fibroid growth.

Very large or multiple fibroids may not shrink enough to alleviate certain fibroid symptoms, such as a distended abdomen, pelvic pressure similar to period cramps, and urgency to urinate when fibroids press on the bladder.

The best time to treat fibroids that are causing symptoms is right now. If you’re in your late 40’s, you are in what amounts to an “estrogen bath.” Right before menopause when estrogen is removed from the body as the ovaries stop functioning, women will experience several months to years of estrogen dominated menstrual cycles. This period in a woman’s life is almost always a growth spurt for fibroids. Waiting for fibroids to shrink during menopause is likely to result in a few more years of growth and worsening symptoms of pain and bleeding.

Fibroid Treatment Collective

The Fibroid Treatment Collective has pioneered a safe treatment for fibroids that is both minimally invasive and effective. Fibroid embolization involves inserting a catheter and running it to the uterine artery, where embolic agents are released that significantly shrink the fibroids present.

Embolization protects fertility by not cutting, removing, or scarring any uterine tissue. For questions and concerns about fibroids and menopause or fibroid embolization, contact The Fibroid Treatment to schedule a consultation.

Watch & Wait Method for Fibroids

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This method is recommended only under certain circumstances. This method is for someone with fibroids and no symptoms, or symptoms that are minimal and/or manageable.

The logic is that since some fibroids will disappear on their own or will cause only minimal symptoms, it is better not to undergo active treatment unless it is necessary. Fibroid treatments can involve an incision and its inherent risks, as well as a sometimes-lengthy recovery time that takes you away from your daily activities. So, in special circumstances it is best to simply wait and see what happens.

The watch and wait method is a reasonable approach if:

● Your fibroids are small or asymptomatic.
● Your fibroids aren’t causing significant health issues.
● You aren’t dealing with pain, excessive bleeding, anemia due to bleeding, chronic fatigue, etc.
● Your fibroids don’t appear to be growing quickly.
● You don’t wish to become pregnant.

Fibroids can affect pregnancy in the following ways:

● Fibroids that change the shape of your cervix can affect the number of sperm able to enter the uterus.
● Fibroids that block the Fallopian tubes can make the journey of a fertilized egg to implantation difficult or impossible.
● Fibroids which change the shape of your uterus may decrease the number of places an embryo can successfully implant or reduce uterine space needed for embryo development.
● Fibroids that weaken the lining of the uterine cavity or decrease the blood supply to a growing embryo can cause a miscarriage.

As you “watch and wait,” your doctor will monitor them at regular intervals. Development and growth of fibroids isn’t unusual in premenopausal women, but in postmenopausal women, a new or enlarging mass may indicate a malignancy and should be followed up on.

I’m watching & waiting. Now what?

If you and your doctor have decided that this method is the right one for you, you should know the answers to these questions:

● How long do I want to watch and wait? Set a reasonable time line.
● What do I do if the fibroids have a growth spurt and existing symptoms get worse?
● Do I know all my treatment options?

If your fibroids worsen and treatment is needed, make sure you are informed and confident about what direction you will be going in.

Fibroid Treatment Collective

The Fibroid Treatment Collective has developed a minimally invasive treatment for fibroids. Fibroid Embolization is performed by inserting a catheter and running it to the uterine artery where the fibroid is located. Embolic agents are released that cause the fibroid to shrink. This procedure is non-surgical, low-trauma and offers a speedy recovery. Fibroid embolization is extremely effective, with over 90% of women who have undergone embolization seeing their condition resolve. This procedure also protects a woman’s fertility and does not carry the same level of risks as other surgical procedures.

If you have questions about fibroids and treatment options, contact The Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866) 479-1523 for more information or schedule a consultation here.

Food and Fibroids: Should I Follow a Diet Plan?

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fibroids diet

Living with fibroids often means living with pain and anxiety. It makes sense to explore ways that might prevent this condition or at least lessen its symptoms. While no diet can guarantee fibroid prevention, altering the food you eat may help slow fibroid growth. An even better plan? Take control of the problem while fibroids are still small. Research all your treatment options. Be in the driver’s seat when it comes to your body.

Below is a complete guide on how fibroids and your diet may interact and what changes you can make that might help with a fibroid issue. While there is little medical data that supports foods shrinking fibroids, there is evidence that changing your diet may help soften or suppress fibroid symptoms.

As with all dietary-based approaches, the hard part is sticking to the program. Many women prefer to shrink fibroids with a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE alleviates fibroid symptoms by reversing the fibroid growth process.

What Does a Fibroids Diet Look Like? Does It Help?

Studies have yet to provide complete evidence as to why fibroids occur. Many scientists suspect estrogen levels play a significant role in fibroid development. Some fibroid treatments focus on methods to reduce a woman’s estrogen levels. Generally, this involves estrogen suppressant therapy. Most physicians will only recommend this kind of treatment for a short time. The adverse elements to interrupting a body’s natural hormone levels and/or artificially supplementing the body with suppression or stimulation of hormones have significant risks in the long term.

But what if the diet is an important factor in hormones that stimulate fibroid growth? What if you are getting estrogen ‘boosts’ from foods you eat regularly?

How Do Diet Increase Estrogen Levels?

You already know that many modern food products are treated with environmental estrogens. Industrial-agro fruits and vegetables are often sprayed with xenoestrogens to stimulate quicker growth. Farmed fish are treated with estradiol for the same reason.

Many of the things we eat have been treated with hormones. Switching to organic-based products can help lower the amount of estrogen in your diet. You can also try eating foods that help lower the estrogen that you, yourself, are producing. And you can avoid foods that are naturally high in estrogen.

Combine all these efforts, and you decrease the amount of estrogen intake from food. This can work toward slowing fibroid growth and lessening your symptoms.

Foods that support liver function are also very important. By keeping the liver healthy, you help the body rid of excess toxins, which boost your immune system.

Best Food Candidates for a Fibroids Diet

There are no foods proven to shrink fibroids. However, consider adding these foods to your diet plan in order to decrease estrogen levels.

Cruciferous Vegetables

These veggies are crucial for helping your liver detox. We recommend you don’t overcook them, or they lose a lot of nutrients.

  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • Bok choy
  • Kale
  • Turnips
  • Watercress
  • Radish
  • Arugula

Detox Agents

Explore foods that boost the body’s detox ability.

  • Garlic
  • Beets
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Plenty of water

Polyphenol (Antioxidant)

An antioxidant called polyphenol, which is found in green tea, can help counteract estrogen. Incorporating green tea into the diet daily may help curb estrogen levels.

Carotenes

A good amount of carotenes supports overall health.

  • Apricots
  • Cantaloupe
  • Carrots
  • Pumpkin
  • Spinach

High Vitamin E Foods

Vitamin E, Vitamin B, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce fibroid symptoms. Foods with plenty of Vitamin E include:

  • Almonds
  • Wheat germ
  • Hazelnuts
  • Cod liver oil

Anti-Inflammatories Are Your Friends

You may have heard about pineapple and fibroids. Pineapple is one of the major anti-inflammatory foods. Fresh rosemary also helps decrease inflammation.

Multivitamins Daily

Vitamin balance in the body contributes to overall health. While we prefer getting vitamins directly from natural foods, an adult multivitamin is often the default setting for many women. Look for multivitamins that include 100% Daily Value amounts of:

  • B1 (thiamin)
  • B2 (riboflavin)
  • B3 (niacin)
  • B12
  • B6
  • Vitamins C, D, E
  • Folic acid
  • Max of 15,000 IUs of beta-carotene (Vitamin A).

Worst Foods For Fibroids

While no single food has been linked to causing fibroids, certain foods could put you at greater risk for fibroid occurrence. Why? They contain and elevated estrogen. Eliminating them may help you better regulate your estrogen levels.

Foods that Increase Estrogen

  • Red meat
  • Alcohol
  • Animal fats
  • Cheese
  • Cream
  • Butter
  • Ice cream
  • Chocolate
  • Soy and soy products

Be sure to trim fat from turkey and chicken, as it could boost estrogen levels as well.

Type of Milk

Whole milk might be delicious, but low-fat is a better option. Better still? Switch to non-dairy. Oat or almond milk is less likely to aggravate a fibroid condition. Be aware that soy milk is not a wise choice. Soy products are estrogen elevators. (see below)

Soy Products

Prolonged consumption of soy products has been linked to higher estrogen levels. While the occasional bite of tofu or a soy latte won’t cause too much harm, the overall pattern for soy-rich foods is pretty clear. Soy and soy products are estrogen rich. And the prevalence of soy and soy-based products across our modern diet makes removing them a challenge.

Sweetener Types

Watch out for artificial sweeteners. While they aren’t estrogen rich, there is evidence they affect gut bacteria and hormone balance. Eating natural sugar isn’t a good idea either. High insulin (caused by an elevated sugar intake) lowers the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which dumps estrogen in your system and can contribute to symptoms like sore breasts, fibroids, and heavy menses. Eliminating sweeteners from your diet is doable but difficult.

Plastic Containers

While durable and convenient, plastic containers can influence estrogen levels in the body. BPA, a chemical found in many plastic containers, mimics estrogen. Studies show that food often absorbs small amounts of plastic from plastic containers. Consider storing edibles in glass, paper, or ceramic containers.

Speak With Your Doctor About a Fibroid Diet

An estrogen suppressive diet doesn’t guarantee you will stop fibroid growth or eliminate symptoms. But it may be worth the work. Positive dietary changes are attainable (and you don’t need medical insurance to reap their benefits). You might see positive results from a diet that lowers estrogen and raises your immune system.

The reality is that dietary changes alone are unlikely to end a fibroid problem. Diet can’t address the root cause. As long as your body produces estrogen (which is natural, if you’re not well into menopause), as long as fibroids have a blood supply (which allows them to grow and thrive), you are likely to be stuck in a symptom cycle.

Know all your treatment options

Think about treatment earlier versus later. Think less invasive versus surgical. You’re the boss of your body. Research all your choices.

Some women will move from symptomatic to asymptomatic with a strict dietary change. Others will get minimal or zero relief. Lowering estrogen levels and boosting antioxidants might help. But it won’t cure. The most important thing in a treatment journey? Address fibroids before they have a chance to change your life, your body, your freedom. You will save months, or years, or even decades of ill-health, restriction, and regret.

To learn more about treating uterine fibroids non-surgically by blocking fibroid blood supply, please contact us. You may find relief with dietary changes. If you don’t, we’re here with a proven and highly successful non-surgical alternative. Find out about Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

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At some point, most of us will experience abdominal pain. Most causes of abdominal pain are not worrisome and can easily be diagnosed and treated. The following is not intended to diagnose or treat abdominal issues, but merely to familiarize you with common causes and related conditions.

The Basics of Abdominal Pain

The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs and diaphragm above, the pelvic bone below, and the flanks on each side. Organs in the area include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas. Also the female reproductive system is within the abdominal cavity.

Typically, various amounts of pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (such as the skin and abdominal wall muscles) and can range in intensity from a mild stomach ache to severe, acute pain. The pain is often nonspecific and can be caused by a number of different conditions such as inflammation, infection, or the stretching or distention of an organ (obstruction of the intestine or swelling of the liver), or by loss of blood supply to the organ (ischemic colitis).

Diagnosing Abdominal Pain

Doctors determine common causes of abdominal pain by relying on physical examinations or tests, the actual characteristics of the pain, and by surgical or endoscopic options.

Information can also be obtained by taking down a patient’s medical history in order to better determine the cause of pain. This might include tracing back the origins of the pain by time, specific location, pattern, and duration, as well as looking at things that might allow the pain to worsen or relieve itself on its own. Associated signs and symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, or bleeding also are taken into close consideration.

Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Whether it is a mild stomach ache you are suffering from, or sharp pain and cramps, abdominal pain–as mentioned– has many causes. For instance, it might merely be indigestion or constipation. Or perhaps it is a stomach virus, or, if you are a woman, monthly menstrual cramps.

Other possible causes include:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Food poisoning or food allergies
• Gas
• Lactose Intolerance
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Fibroids
• Colitis
• Gallstones
• Kidney Stones
• Obstruction of the Intestine
• Ulcers
• Hepatitis
• Endometrioses
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Colon Cancer
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Viral Gastroenteritis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Persistent, severe or reoccurring abdominal pain simply isn’t normal. There may well be an underlying health condition related to internal organ issues, tissue inflammation or food sensitivity. The sooner you consult with a doctor, the sooner you can determine probable cause and appropriate treatment.

Chronic abdominal pain is a warning sign that should not be ignored. Women often endure pain in this area, assuming it’s associated with monthly menstrual discomfort or changes within the reproductive system. Which it may well be. But it’s always better to investigate and know…than to suffer in uncertainty.

Could your abdominal pain be fibroid related? A few simple tests can confirm or rule out the presence of fibroids. Contact The Fibroid Treatment Collective for fibroid-related diagnostic and treatment advice, click here for a free, online consultation.

What is the Difference Between Endometriosis and Fibroids?

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Both endometriosis and fibroids have a role in menstrual irregularity and pelvic pain. They can present similar symptoms and can cause similar problems. And both are leading causes for a hysterectomy. But they are very different conditions.

What is Endometriosis?

The muscular walls of the uterus bear a lining called the endometrium. Every month, the endometrium adds additional layers in preparation for a fertilized egg. When fertilization occurs, the fetus is nourished by this lining. When fertilization does not occur, various portions of the lining will be shed, along with the unfertilized egg, in the monthly menstrual cycle.

Endometrial cells may migrate to different organs, such as the fallopian tubes, bladder, large intestine, and even the lungs. Outside the uterus, these cells may grow and create endometrial tissue in areas where it doesn’t belong. The body reacts to this irregularity with scarring, cysts, inflammation and discomfort.

Endometriosis is the presence of tissue normally found in the uterus, outside the uterus.

Common Symptoms of Endometriosis

o Infertility
o Pain during and before menstrual cycles
o Pain during sexual intercourse
o Painful urination during menstrual period
o Painful bowel movements during menstrual period
o Nausea, constipation, diarrhea

What are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are solid tumors containing smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue that develop within the uterine walls. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors. But they can seriously impact health, depending upon their size and location.

Fibroids vary in size and shape. They can grow slowly or very quickly. Fibroid symptoms such as hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy and prior to menopause, are believed to trigger sudden, rapid fibroid growth. For most women, fibroids will remain small and asymptomatic. But for some patients, fibroids create persistent, life-impacting challenges.

Fibroids are benign tumors that grow within the walls of the uterus.

Fibroid Symptoms

o Heavy, excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding
o Infertility
o Pelvic pain and pressure
o Pain during menstrual cycles
o Back pain
o Pain in the upper thighs
o Pain during intercourse
o Frequent urination
o Constipation
o Abdominal swelling
o Weight gain

Causes

The exact causes for these two conditions remains unknown, but many doctors believe that estrogen may be the main culprit.

Only a doctor can determine the presence of endometriosis or fibroids. Medical imaging and other tests are needed to confirm which (or both) conditions might be present. While symptoms may be similar, these are two distinct diseases. They require distinct and specific treatments. Remember, the sooner you identify the problem, the more likely you are to successfully handle it. Endometriosis and fibroids rarely solve themselves.

Questions concerning endometriosis or fibroid symptoms? We’re here to help. Click here to speak with us.

The Relationship Between Fibroids and Infertility

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Most women will develop fibroids during their life time. Typically, fibroids develop when a woman is in her thirties or forties. Today, many women are choosing to start their families later in life which is why understanding the relationship between fibroids and infertility is so important.

Fibroids

Many women who have fibroids are still able to have children. Fibroids can remain small and develop in areas that will not affect the reproductive system. Unfortunately, there are also certain fibroids that can affect a woman’s chances of conceiving and carrying a baby. The sperm and egg can be prevented from meeting for conception depending on the location of the fibroid. It is common for fibroids to develop in places or grow to certain sizes that make it difficult to continue a pregnancy. Fibroids can even affect the overall health of the fetus.

Fibroids & Infertility: How are They Linked?

The location of the fibroid is typically what affects your ability to have children. Fibroids may reduce your fertility in these ways:

• Fibroids that change the shape of your cervix can affect the number of sperm able to enter the uterus.
• Fibroids that block the Fallopian tubes can make the journey of a fertilized egg to implantation difficult or even impossible.
• Fibroids that change the shape of your uterus may also limit the number of places an embryo can successfully implant or decrease uterine space needed for embryo growth.
• Fibroids that weaken the lining of the uterine space or decrease the blood supply to a growing embryo can cause a miscarriage.

What Are My Options If I Have Fibroids and Want Children?

If you have fibroids and are trying to get pregnant, it’s best to discuss with your doctor whether the fibroids are in places that might prevent you from conceiving or carrying a baby. If that is the case, fibroid treatment will most likely be recommended.

If you are already pregnant, it is important for your doctor to monitor any fibroids that are present. Fibroids can grow as the baby develops which can cause issues for the pregnancy and delivery.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy, which cuts out existing fibroids, is a common surgery to increase a woman’s chances for conception and pregnancy. However, a myomectomy does have some disadvantages which include:
• Scarring- Uterine scarring can cause issues for the implantation of the embryo.
• If any part, even a few cells, of a fibroid are left behind, that fibroid will have a 50% chance of regrowth within a period of about 10 months. Your window of opportunity for conception and pregnancy will be limited.
• If you have a myomectomy and do not get pregnant quickly, you could face multiple surgeries as fibroids repeatedly grow back.
• Surgery to the uterine walls can weaken them which can compromise carrying a baby to term and/or its delivery.

Embolization

Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a non-surgical treatment that can help with your fertility. Embolization shrinks fibroids instead of cutting them. It is minimally invasive and extremely precise. Embolization blocks the blood supply to each fibroid, depriving oxygen and nutrients that fibroids need to grow and thrive. The uterus and reproductive organs remain uncut and unscarred. The procedure only affects fibroids and will not impact healthy uterine tissue. It is also important to note that a woman’s window for conception and pregnancy is greater with embolization than with surgery, as there is virtually no fibroid re-growth.

Fibroid Treatment Collective

The Fibroid Treatment Collective pioneered embolization and performed the first procedure in America. Embolization is significantly less invasive than other procedures and has been safely and successfully used on hundreds of thousands of women. Embolization represents an excellent treatment option for women who want to have children.

To read one of the medical studies published by the Fibroid Treatment Collective on embolization and fertility click here.

Questions about fibroids and infertility? Contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866) 479-1523. Or schedule a free consultation here.

Types of Hysterectomies and Their Effects

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Uterine fibroids are responsible for more hysterectomies than any other health condition. Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Of the 600,000 hysterectomies performed in the US annually, nearly half will be performed to address a fibroid problem. Cancer and endometriosis are also commonly treated by hysterectomy, but are not nearly as prevalent in the female population as fibroids. These are the most common types of hysterectomy for fibroids.

Total Hysterectomy:

In a total hysterectomy, the entire uterus and cervix are removed. Total hysterectomy can be done abdominally with an incision most often made along the bikini line. This procedure requires a longer healing time, approximately 6 weeks to 2 months for full recovery. A total hysterectomy can also be performed vaginally, which does not require a large incision through the belly. Recovery time is roughly 3 weeks to 1 month.

Sub-Total Hysterectomy:

A sub-total hysterectomy, also known as a partial hysterectomy, leaves the cervix intact but the rest of the uterus is removed. Many doctors remove the cervix automatically as a precaution against cervical cancer. These procedures can be performed abdominally, vaginally, or laparoscopically.

Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy

This operation is the removal of the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. This is a separate decision which a patient and her doctor make before the surgery is performed. There are several considerations to think about before consenting to this surgery. This surgery causes an artificial onset menopause due to the loss of natural sex hormones. If this is the only choice available, look into methods of regaining hormonal balance through maintaining a healthy lifestyle and other support measures.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

This procedure is performed through an incision in the stomach. It is the most common form and typically requires the longest recovery time.

Vaginal Hysterectomy

This procedure is performed through the vagina.

Whether your doctor performs the procedure vaginally or with a small incision in the abdomen will depend on the size of the uterus and the causes of surgery to begin with.

Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

The newer and more sophisticated procedures use laparoscopy to assist the hysterectomy procedure. During a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the organs are visualized and manipulated through a laparoscope, and the uterus is removed either vaginally or through a small incision in the abdomen. This type of surgery results in a much quicker recovery, (typically 1 to 2 weeks) with far less disruption of the bowel and pelvic floor. It is best performed by a laparoscopic specialist, someone that performs this type of surgery often, as not all surgeons are as skilled at this procedure. The choice here depends on the reasons for doing the surgery, the patient’s anatomy, and the surgeon’s preference. If you have a personal preference, definitely communicate this to your surgeon.

While a hysterectomy for fibroids will certainly cure a fibroid problem, many women don’t want to lose their uterus. Fibroids are usually not cancerous so you don’t have to rush into anything. Take the time to research your options and find what will work best for you and your lifestyle. Fibroids may be treated by other, non-surgical means like embolization.

Embolization

Embolization has existed as a medical procedure since 1975. Members of the Fibroid Treatment Collective noticed that embolization shrank fibroids. The promise of an effective, non-invasive treatment led to research, trials and eventually medical acceptance. Thousands of women all over the world have found great relief with this safe and simple procedure. The Fibroid Treatment Collective performed the very first fibroid embolization in America, and has authored many important articles on the subject since then. Embolization treats fibroids by shrinking them.

Fibroid Treatment Collective

Fibroid Treatment Collective has pioneered an innovative and minimally invasive treatment for fibroids. Fibroid Embolization involves inserting a catheter and running it to the uterine artery, then releasing embolic agents that block the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. This procedure is significantly less invasive than any other procedure to remove fibroids. For most patients, recovery from fibroid embolization is a matter of days. 90% of women who have this procedure see their condition resolve with fibroid embolization. This procedure also protects a woman’s fertility and does not carry the same level of risks as other surgical procedures.

If you have questions about hysterectomy for fibroids or hysterectomy types, contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866) 479-1523 for more information or schedule a consultation here.

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