Uterine fibroids (uterine myomas/leiomyomas) are smooth muscle tumors that grow within the uterus. They are almost always benign. Their size can vary from very small (like an apple seed) to very large (cantaloupe-size and bigger).

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids  |  Treatment Options for Fibroids  |  Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Fibroids

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Most women will develop uterine fibroids before menopause. As many as 1 in 5 will seek medical attention for symptoms. Since these tumors are sensitive to female hormones, they continue to grow until the onset of menopause. Uterine Fibroids can cause a combination of progressively uncomfortable symptoms, which include:

Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding

Diminished energy from anemia

Severe menstrual cramping

Pain during intercourse

Abdominal pain, pressure and fullness

Enlargement of the waist line

Frequent and urgent urination

Urinary incontinence
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Treatment Options for Fibroids

Except for the use of hormonal medications to create a state of menopause, there are no medical treatments currently available for treating fibroids. There are several surgical options to consider as reasonable options. Key factors that must be considered include size, number and location of fibroids, desire for childbearing, the types of associated symptoms and the willingness to undergo another surgical procedure for persistent or recurrent fibroids.
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Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment of Fibroids

For women who desire childbearing or uterine preservation, minimally invasive surgical treatments of fibroids include:

Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM)--same-day surgery, removing fibroids by laparoscopy

Hysteroscopic myomectomy (HM)--same-day surgery, removing fibroids by hysteroscopy

Two options for women open to considering some type of hysterectomy to ensure the elimination of all symptoms are:

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH)--same-day surgery, removing the upper portion of the uterus and preserving the cervix by laparoscopy

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH)--same-day surgery, removing the entire uterus by laparoscopy

For both types of laparoscopic hysterectomies, the ovaries and tubes are typically preserved unless there is a strong family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Be sure to discuss these approaches with your doctor to determine which is best for you.
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