Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. These growths can vary in size and number and can cause various symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, fibroid pain in the pelvic area, and difficulty getting pregnant. While fibroids are not cancerous, they can still cause significant discomfort and disruption to a person’s daily life. This article will explore the various treatment options for fibroids, including surgical and non-surgical approaches.

What Does Fibroid Pain Feel Like?

Fibroid pain can vary in intensity and duration and may feel different for each person. That said, the top signs of uterine fibroids include:

  • A dull or sharp ache in the lower abdomen or pelvis
  • Painful periods (dysmenorrhea)
  • Pelvic pain or pressure that may radiate to the back or legs
  • Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Constipation or bloating

The fibroids’ location and size can affect the pain’s type and intensity. Large fibroids that press on nearby organs, such as the bladder or rectum, may cause more severe pain. Fibroid pain may also be worse during menstruation or sexual intercourse. In that sense, the answer to what fibroid pain feels like is rather individual.

If you are experiencing fibroid pain, you must speak with a healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of the pain and recommend appropriate fibroid treatment options.

Medicine Treatment Options for Symptom Management

Woman - Doctor Consults Her Female Patient in Clinic.

Some medications can help lighten your periods, but their efficacy decreases as fibroids get bigger. Several meds can be used to manage fibroid pain and other symptoms. These include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by uterine fibroids. They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that contribute to pain and inflammation.
  • Hormonal therapies: Hormonal therapies can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the size of fibroids. These medications may include oral contraceptives (birth control pills), progestins, and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
  • Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists): These medications work by reducing the production of estrogen, which can help shrink fibroids. GnRH agonists can cause significant side effects, including hot flashes and osteoporosis, and are usually only used for short periods of time.
  • Progesterone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD): The Mirena IUD is a small, T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. It releases a small amount of progesterone, which can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding caused by fibroids.

Discussing the benefits and risks of each medication with a healthcare provider before starting fibroid treatment is essential. Some meds may not be suitable for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or for those with certain medical conditions.

It is also important to note that medications do not cure uterine fibroids and may not completely eliminate all symptoms. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the fibroids or the uterus.

Surgical Treatment Options for Fibroids

In cases where medical fibroid treatment has been ineffective and fibroids are causing severe symptoms, surgery to remove them may be considered.

Fibroids can be treated with a variety of surgical methods. You will see a specialist after being referred by your primary care physician; they will go through all of the available treatment options with you, along with their benefits and potential drawbacks.

Hysterectomy for Fibroids

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed. It is often recommended for women with uterine fibroids who have severe symptoms that cannot be managed with other treatments or for those who are no longer interested in becoming pregnant.

Several types of hysterectomy can be performed for uterine fibroids, including total hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix, and partial hysterectomy, which removes only the uterus. 

It is essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of a hysterectomy for fibroids with a healthcare provider before making a decision. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require a hospital stay of several days. Recovery time can vary, but most women can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgical procedure in which uterine fibroids are removed from the uterus. It is a treatment option for women with fibroids who wish to preserve their fertility or who are experiencing severe symptoms that cannot be managed with other treatments.

There are several approaches to myomectomy, including laparoscopic surgery, abdominal surgery, and hysteroscopic surgery. Laparoscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the abdomen and using laparoscopic instruments to remove the fibroids. Abdominal surgery involves making a larger incision in the stomach to remove the fibroids. Hysteroscopic surgery is performed through the cervix and does not require any incisions.

Hysteroscopic Resection and Morcellation of Fibroids

Hysteroscopic resection and morcellation of fibroids is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove uterine fibroids. It is performed using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted instrument that is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.

During the procedure, the fibroids are first visualized using the hysteroscope. The fibroids are then resected or cut away using specialized instruments. In some cases, the fibroids may need to be morcellated or broken into smaller pieces to be removed through the cervix.

Hysteroscopic resection and morcellation of fibroids are usually performed on an outpatient basis as there’s no need for incisions. It is typically recommended for women with small to medium-sized fibroids experiencing mild to moderate symptoms.

Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment Procedures

Treatment for fibroids can be accomplished in a number of ways, including those that don’t involve in-patient surgery.

Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) 

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat uterine fibroids. It is performed by a radiologist or interventional radiologist, who uses imaging guidance to locate the uterine arteries and inject small particles into them. These particles cut off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

UAE is usually recommended for women with moderate to large fibroids who are experiencing heavy bleeding or pressure symptoms but wish to preserve their fertility. It is a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy and does not require any incisions.

Endometrial Ablation 

Hispanic Doctor Taking Some Notes and Talking to a Patient During a Consultation at His Office

Endometrial ablation is performed by a gynecologist, who uses a specialized instrument to remove the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. This can help reduce heavy bleeding and improve symptoms caused by fibroids.

Endometrial ablation is usually recommended for women with small fibroids who are experiencing heavy bleeding and do not wish to undergo a hysterectomy or myomectomy. 

MRI-Guided Procedures

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided procedures are a type of minimally invasive treatment used to manage the symptoms of uterine fibroids. These procedures are performed using an MRI machine to guide the treatment and provide real-time images of the uterus and fibroids.

There are several MRI-guided procedures available for the treatment of uterine fibroids, including:

  • MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS)
  • MRI-guided laser ablation
  • MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

MRI-guided procedures are usually recommended for women with small to medium-sized fibroids experiencing mild to moderate symptoms.

To Conclude

Aside from hysterectomy, fibroids may recur even after treatment, with or without symptoms that need addressing. That is why an individual and tailored approach is the best route to take. You can count on that and more from professional gynecological treatment in Tamarac, available at Gynecology & Women’s Wellness clinic.