The affect of contraceptives on fibroid size has long been a mystery. Click inside to read what leads some researchers to speculate the positive association between birth control and fibroid growth.

Can birth control pills cause fibroids to grow?

As of yet, there is no research that supports a definite correlation between birth control use and fibroid growth.  However, some researchers speculate that since female hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to be involved in the growth of fibroids, hormonal drugs such as birth control pills that contain such hormones may lead to fibroid enlargement.

At any rate, research continues to be carried out to solidify whether or not contraceptives affect fibroid growth. Until then, the answer remains uncertain and should patients with fibroids choose to use contraceptives, they should meet with their GYN consistently so as to monitor their individual health situation.

For help with any additional questions or concerns, please call 866-362-6463 and we will be more than happy to assist you.

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Are you worried that having large fibroids eliminates you as a candidate for UAE? Guess again! UAE may be an optimal option for you regardless of size and location.

 I have been told that my fibroids are too large and since I no longer have a menstrual cycle the embolization won’t help me. I don’t want surgery. Is there any other help for women like me?

Generally speaking, the embolization procedure is capable of treating fibroids irrespective of the size and location; therefore, the size of the fibroids should not be an issue when considering UAE as a viable treatment option.

Also, you mentioned that you no longer have a menstrual cycle.  Although this does not eliminate you as a feasible UAE candidate, you should consider the idea that often times fibroids tend to shrink on their own after a women hits menopause.  This is not for certain; however, many women tend to experience a decrease in fibroid size after they reach menopause due to a change in their hormone levels.

All things considered, being that you are looking to explore a less invasive approach for the treatment of your fibroids, UAE may serve as an optimal approach.  If you are considering UAE or have any questions about the procedure, we encourage you to call the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 so that we can answer any of your questions.  You may also want to explore the option of coming in for an in-office consultation with Dr. McLucas so that he can better assess your individual health situation and advise you on what your options are.

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Curious to find if and how fibroids affect you and your baby during and after pregnancy. Read on!

What are the chances of a child being born healthy by a mother affected by fibroids during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and have fibroids, you may be able to sleep a little better at night knowing that the battle is half over. Several of the complications related to fibroids occur prior to becoming pregnant.  It is because of certain types of fibroids that women experience infertility.  This is often due to the fact that these fibroids may either block a fallopian tube, thereby stopping the sperm from ever reaching the egg or may bulge into the uterine cavity, changing the natural shape of the uterus and preventing a newly fertilized egg from being planted.  Therefore, if you have successfully passed this stage and are now well into your pregnancy, you may have a little less to worry about.

It is not to say, however, that you will be problem-free if you have fibroids during your pregnancy. Although many fibroids do not cause any problems during pregnancy, some fibroids -especially those located in the cavity of the uterus-may increase the chance of a miscarriage (in which the pregnancy ends before 20 weeks) or may cause a woman to go into premature labor. They may also increase the chance that the baby is not positioned to come out headfirst which can increase the need for cesarean section.  Other complications due to fibroids may include discomfort, feelings of pressure, or pain.

Because of the reasons stated above and simply to ensure the proper growth of your baby, it is important to constantly have your pregnancy monitored by your physician.  Although fibroids, almost never directly affect the health of your baby during pregnancy, it is necessary to keep close watch.

All things considered, if you are able to successfully deliver your baby, you should feel comforted knowing that the fibroids have no affect on the health of your newly born baby.

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Read about a 24 year old women who, after a myomectomy, is looking for an alternative to hysterectomy to treat her returning fibroids.

Q: I’ve suffered with fibroids since I was 24 yrs, had a myomectomy in 1992. Currently I’m suffering from large fibroid tumors and was told I need a hysterectomy, but I’m looking for a less invasive approach.

If you are looking into a less invasive approach, then your best bet would be to look into UFE, or Uterine Fibroid Embolization.  To date, this is the only non-surgical procedure (accepted by insurance companies) that is  used to treat fibroids and  is an optimal option for individuals, like you, that seek a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.

Among other advantages, UFE patients experience a shorter recovery period of no more than 7 days and immediate symptom relief. If you would like to know more about the embolization procedure and its advantages, we encourage you to browse our website.  You will be able to view videos of the procedure, read about how embolization can protect your fertility, and view some frequently asked questions.  Also, you will have access to a thorough, step-by-step account of what to expect before and after the procedure, recorded by one of our very own patients.

Hopefully you will be able to use our website as a resource so that you can clear up any questions that you have about fibroids and the embolization procedure. Additionally, we encourage you to call the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 so that you may speak with one of our health professionals.  They will be more than happy to answer any of your standing questions.

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Already had the UFE procedure and are experiencing some symptoms? Find out if what you are experiencing is a common post-UFE symptom.

UFE is intended to impede the blood flow to the uterus by way of blocking blood supply to the uterine artery and for that reason, it should not influence the function of the ovaries that dictate the onset of your cycles.

However, there can be varying degrees of sharing of the blood supply between the uterus and ovaries (collateral blood supply) which can influence the function of the ovaries after UFE.  If this is the case, your cycle should resume on schedule the following month.  If it does not, or you are skeptical about your individual situation, we suggest that you consult your physician to ensure that you are not experiencing premature menopause.

Premature menopause occurs in a small number of women and its cause is unknown.  Patients older than the age of 40 may face a higher risk of premature menopause as they are closer in age to approaching  menopause.

Regarding the abdominal swelling that you are experiencing, it should gradually subside. Abdominal fullness or swelling is common after the procedure and the time it takes for the swelling to go down varies on an individual bases.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact our medical team at 866-362-6463. We will be more than happy to answer any of your post-UFE questions!

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Read up on how fibroids can affect your excretory system.

Can an enlarged uterus affect your bowel and kidneys and should it be removed if you are 46 and no signs of menopause yet?

It is very possible for large fibroids to put pressure on organs in the pelvis.  At times, large fibroids that put pressure on the bladder can cause a woman to experience frequent urination.  As a result, when using the restroom the individual may pass only small amounts of urine and may feel as though she has not completely emptied her bladder. Additionally, pressure caused by fibroids on the bowel system may cause constipation as the increased pressure may slow the movement of the bowels.

Also, you stated that you are deciding whether to remove your fibroids.  This decision is a personal one and only you can come to this answer.  However, if you are experiencing discomforting symptoms, you may want to look into embolization as a plausible method of fibroid treatment. The embolization procedure can be effective for women of all ages and there are many advantages to choosing this less invasive fibroid treatment.

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Do you have fibroids and use birth control pills? Read how contraceptive use may or may not be a benefit to your health.

Do birth control pills help fibroids grow?

Thus far, epidemiological evidence from cohort studies show no association between the use of oral contraceptives and risk of uterine fibroids.

There is speculation, however, that birth control pills can stimulate fibroid growth since they contain estrogen.  Because estrogen and progesterone levels have been known to play a role in the growth of fibroids, some believe that using oral contraceptives may increase estrogen levels, furthermore leading to possible fibroid growth.

At any rate, without definitive research findings, a conclusion cannot be made regarding the use of birth control pills and their effect on fibroids. What is known, however, is that birth control pill use improves heavy menstrual bleeding which can be caused by uterine fibroids.

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