Advanced Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Diagnostic Tests and Treatment Procedure for Uterine Fibroids

Diagnosis for Uterine Fibroids

During diagnosis, the doctor asks about the medical history and physically examines the uterine fibroids. To check the number, size, and exact location of the fibroids in the uterus doctor suggests a few diagnostic tests. Some common diagnostic tests for fibroids include the following:

• Ultrasound scan of the pelvis: It is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images. Gynecologists usually recommend it to confirm the exact location of fibroids.
• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan: It is a non-invasive procedure that provides more details of soft tissues, blood vessels, and internal organs. 
• Pelvic MRI scan: This medical test uses a powerful magnetic field to produce images of soft tissues, bones, organs, and all other internal structures of the abdomen and pelvis.
• Blood tests: Doctors recommend a Complete blood count (CBC) and a determination of estrogen/progesterone levels in the blood. A blood test also helps in identifying any underlying health condition that may complicate the treatment procedure.
• Hysteroscopy: This test is useful in detecting submucosal leiomyomas. This procedure involves placing a probe through the cervix to examine the uterus cavity.
• Hysterosalpingography: This test is usually recommended for individuals with infertility. In this procedure, the structure of the uterus and fallopian tubes are studied by using a dye and X-ray images.
• Open biopsy of tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, which examines the biopsied sample under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, and microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis.

Uterine Fibroids Treatment

Uterine fibroids treatment options are determined by various factors like severity of the signs and symptoms, location of fibroids, woman’s age, whether the woman is pregnant or not, and if the woman wants to get pregnant in the future. Mainly, there are two treatment options for uterine fibroids- medication and surgery.

• Medical treatment for uterine fibroids: The doctor may prescribe certain medications to shrink the fibroids. These medications may not necessarily eliminate them. The common medications include:

• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH): These drugs temporarily mimic menopause to treat fibroids by preventing the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, the fibroids diminish, the anemia usually gets better, and the menstruation ceases. However, these drugs should not be taken for longer than three to six months at a time because they can cause bone loss if taken long-term.

• Tranexamic acid: This class of drugs, such as Lysteda or Cyklokapron, can help prevent heavy menstruation but should only be used on days when considerable blood loss is expected.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Despite not being hormonal treatments, these medications may be quite successful at reducing pain, but they do not affect reducing bleeding caused by fibroids.
  

Uterine Fibroids Treatment Aftercare

• Rest well but stay lightly active as well: You don’t have to bedridden, just refrain from too strenuous activities until complete recovery. 

• Light and nutritious diet for recovery: Avoid packaged and processed foods that can cause constipation and result in straining the abdomen. 

• Check for any abnormal symptoms: Keep an eye out on warning signs like 

• Don’t strain or lift heavy things: Exerting too much pressure or heavy weight lifting can trigger bleeding and stinging pain and may result in an emergency situation

• Timely follow up is a must: Even when everything seems fine, it’s important to go for follow-up consultations. Your doctor will check for internal healing, rule out infection or inflammation and advise you on when it is safe to resume routine life activities. 

• Prioritize sound sleep and mental well-being: It’s normal to experience emotional ups and downs after uterine surgery because of hormonal shifts or the stress of recovery. Sharing your concerns with your partner, loved ones and the doctor for overall speedy recovery.

• Plan well if you want to conceive:If pregnancy is a part of your future plan, share it with your gynecologist. They’ll help you with the right time to try and the right steps to take toward healthy conception.