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Uterine Fibroids Health Center

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Uterine Fibroids - Treatment Overview

Most uterine fibroids are harmless, do not cause symptoms, and shrink with menopause. But some fibroids are painful, press on other internal organs, bleed and cause anemia, or cause pregnancy problems. If you have a fibroid problem, there are several treatments to consider. Fibroids can be surgically removed, the blood supply to fibroids can be cut off, the entire uterus can be removed, or medicine can temporarily shrink fibroids. Your choice will depend on whether you have severe symptoms and whether you want to preserve your fertility.

Watchful waiting for minimal fibroid symptoms or when nearing menopause

If you have uterine fibroids but you have few or no symptoms, you do not need treatment. Instead, your health professional will recommend watchful waiting. This means that you will have regular pelvic exams to check on fibroid growth and symptoms. Talk with your health professional about how often you will need a checkup.

If you are nearing menopause, watchful waiting may be an option for you, depending on how tolerable your symptoms are. After menopause, your estrogen and progesterone levels will drop, which causes most fibroids to shrink and symptoms to subside.

For heavy menstrual bleeding or pain

If you have pain or heavy menstrual bleeding, it may be from a bleeding uterine fibroid. But it may also be linked to a simple menstrual cycle problem or other problems. (For more information, see the topic Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding.) The following medicines are used to relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, or painful periods, but they do not shrink fibroids:

For infertility and pregnancy problems

If you have fibroids, there is no way of knowing for certain whether they are affecting your fertility. Fibroids are the cause of infertility only 2% to 3% of the time. Many women with fibroids have no trouble getting pregnant.

If a fibroid distorts the wall of the uterus, it can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. This may make an in vitro fertilization less likely to be successful, if the fertilized egg doesn't implant after it is transferred to the uterus. 6

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 11, 2009
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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