Author -Dr Preety Aggarwal

MBBS, DGO, DNB,

Medical Director (Gurgaon)- Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

All You Need to Know About Fibroid Treatments

Treatment for fibroids can range from no treatment at all to surgery. Usually, small fibroids do not cause any symptoms and are not treated. The big fibroids, on the other hand, show symptoms including excessive bleeding or bladder problems for which treatment is required. According to Dr Preety Aggarwal, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Medical Director (Gurgaon)- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, fibroids are generally harmless until they show disabling symptoms. If your fibroids are causing excessive pain and making it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities, it is time to get yourself treated.

All You Need to Know About Fibroid Treatments

The best laparoscopic gynaecology doctors in Gurgaon suggest the following treatment modalities for patients with fibroids:

1. Medications

The medications are a temporary solution to fibroids and generally improve symptoms. The medications cannot make your fibroid go away. The medications, however, do help with heavy bleeding or pain.

2. Intrauterine Devices (IUD)

Although IUDs are normally used to prevent pregnancy, they may also provide other benefits. An IUD releasing a small amount of hormone into the uterine cavity can decrease the bleeding caused by fibroids.

3. Myomectomy

Myomectomy refers to removing fibroids while preserving the uterus. The surgery is suitable for women with fibroids who want to have children in the future. Although the surgery is effective the fibroids can re-grow. The surgery can be performed in the following ways:

• Abdominal myomectomy: During this procedure, the doctor will make an incision on the lower abdomen. The fibroids will be removed and the incision will be sewn back together. The recovery may take four to six weeks. 

• Laparoscopic myomectomy: During this procedure, the doctor will make a small incision on your abdomen. A thin, telescope-like tube will be inserted through the incision to remove the fibroid. The recovery with this procedure is shorter from around two to four weeks. 

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Women with only submucosal fibroids are treated with this procedure. During this surgery, the doctor will place a speculum in the vagina and a telescope will be inserted. The telescope will remove the submucosal fibroids. The recovery with this procedure is also within two to four weeks.

4. Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy refers to the surgical removal of the uterus. The majority of women go for a hysterectomy instead of a myomectomy to prevent the recurrence of fibroids. After hysterectomy, however, a woman cannot get pregnant. It is performed in the following ways:

• Vaginal hysterectomy: During this procedure, the uterus is removed through the vagina. The recovery is for four weeks. 
• Abdominal hysterectomy: During this procedure, the uterus is removed through the lower abdomen.  
• Laparoscopic hysterectomy: During this procedure, the best laparoscopic gynaecology doctors in Gurgaon will create a small incision on the lower abdomen. The doctor will insert a telescope fitted with a camera and tiny surgical instruments. The surgical tools will cut the uterus into small segments and remove it from the incision. The recovery after this procedure is usually shorter with two to four weeks.

5. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

Uterine artery embolization is a new procedure that blocks the blood flow to the fibroids. Limiting blood flow causes the fibroids to shrink and die. This helps with decreased menstrual blood flow, pain, and urinary frequency.

Fibroid symptoms can cause excruciating pain and make it difficult for you to carry out your daily activities. If you are suffering from fibroids or are noticing such symptoms, consult Dr Preety Aggarwal  at the Motherhood Hospitals.