How to Treat Fibroids

For some women, the intense pain of uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts is too much to bear. Although uterine fibroids are benign tumors, they can cause intense episodes of pain and discomfort. At some point, a woman who suffers from fibroids will seek out fibroids treatment options including surgery. Although surgery is an effective fibroids treatment, it is not without some costs and risks.

Of surgical fibroids treatments, the most common treatment option is uterine artery embolization. This treatment works by blocking blood flow through the artery that supplies blood to the fibroid. A radiologist will perform the treatment on a conscious patient, who is under sedation. A small incision is made near the groin and then a catheter is inserted into the artery that feeds the blood supply to the uterus. The catheter is pushed through that artery until it meets up with the uterus. Once the catheter is in place, a mixture of small plastic particles and x ray dye are injected into the catheter which blocks blood flow to the fibroid.

It has not been proven whether or not uterine artery embolization effects a woman’s ability to have a child. Some of the more disconcerting side effects of this treatment are intense cramping, the need for pain medication and an overnight stay at the hospital. Although this method of fibroids treatment can be an effective way to reduce or improve symptoms, certain women will suffer from complications and about 27 per cent of those will suffer a full return of their uterine fibroids six years after their fibroids treatment.

There are other treatment options available, however, many of them are not very effective. As a woman suffers though the pain and anguish of uterine fibroids, they may end up seeking the ultimate solution – total hysterectomy. Of course, if a woman is of child bearing age and has not yet has children, this is not really an option. Many of the effective medication have unbearable side effects such as headaches, cessation of periods, weight gain and bone loss from decreased estrogen levels.

There are homeopathic treatments available such as reki and herbal remedies which can actually work for certain women. Stress is a large contributing factor to uterine fibroids, so reducing stress, where possible is one of the best ways to lessen the incidence of these fibroids. Changes in diet including eliminating certain foods, such as sugar, dairy, saturated fats, red meat and alcohol are also known to be helpful.

Caffeine is known to raise stress, and it can be very important to reduce the intake of caffeine or eliminate it where possible. Working towards a healthy way of eating and an awareness of what effect certain foods have on the body can also be very helpful.

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