Uterine fibroids are relatively common, but treatment of them can vary, depending on various factors. If you're asymptomatic and not planning to become pregnant in the near future, you and your doctor may choose not to treat them.
If you do decide to treat, though, there are several possible options.
Medicines for treating uterine fibroids
There aren't any medications that can "cure" uterine fibroids or make them disappear completely, Shao-Chun Rose Chang-Jackson, MD, FACOG, Ob/Gyn at ARC Center Street says in this interview with Health.com. But there are medications that can alleviate some of your worst fibroid-related symptoms and, in some cases, slow down the growth of fibroids or even shrink the growths during the course of treatment.
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Iron supplements
- Hormonal birth control-- Dr. Chang-Jackson says that some forms of birth control can reduce symptoms like pain and bleeding. "Birth control is first-line for symptom management, but only some types work, like the combination pill and progesterone-only IUDs," she advises. "Other types of birth control, like the progesterone-only contraception pill, the implant, and injections, are not proven to help with symptoms."
Surgery for treating uterine fibroids
"Size and location, [such as if the fibroid is growing] into the uterine cavity, matter in terms of the operative approach, including whether or not you get surgery and, if so, which type," advises Dr. Chang-Jackson. "If the woman has a desire for fertility, the surgery is focused on removing fibroids versus performing a hysterectomy."
What is the expected outcome after fibroid treatment?
The prognosis for fibroids depends on the type of treatment. Since medication options don't remove the fibroids, once you discontinue the medication, your symptoms return, or the fibroids begin to grow again.
If you've had surgery to remove fibroids, the outlook may be different. Many people experience relief from their symptoms after fibroid removal, and some may find it easier to become pregnant if they struggled previously with infertility.
However, it's important to note that any non-hysterectomy surgery isn't foolproof; fibroids can grow back, and new fibroids can begin growing.
Book an appointment with Dr. Chang-Jackson
If you would like to book an appointment with Dr. Chang-Jackson to discuss treatment options for your uterine fibroids, do so by calling ARC Center Street at 737-404-0347, or book online.