Grapefruit Sized Fibroid & Treatment

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus. These tumors are painful and can often grow to the size of a grapefruit. The symptoms of fibroid tumors include heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, bloating and painful sex. There are several treatments that are available to women suffering from fibroids.

SERMS

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators, also called SERMS, are hormone-type medications used to shrink fibroids. No menopausal state is triggered and fibroids are not expected to grow back.

Uterine Artery Embolization

• Uterine artery embolization is a non-surgical procedure used to treat fibroid tumors. An injection of polyvinyl alcohol is used to block the blood supply to the fibroid, causing the tumor to shrink in size.

Myomectomy

• Myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove fibroid tumors. The uterus is not removed, therefore future pregnancy is still an option.

GnRH Agonists

• GnRH Agonists, or donadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, decreases bleeding and anemia by creating a state of menopause. This treatment may cause osteoporosis and should not exceed four months of treatment. Fibroids tend to regrow upon conclusion of this treatment.

Hysterectomy

• This is a procedure that surgically removes the entire uterus. There is no chance of fibroid regrowth because the uterus is no longer present. Pregnancy is not possible after this surgery.