Description

Uterine fibroids are common growths in the uterus. Appear often during the years in which usually you are able to become pregnant and give birth. Uterine fibroids are not cancer, and almost never develop into cancer. They are not linked with an increased risk of other types of cancer in the uterus, either. They are also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas.

Fibroids vary in size and number. You can have a single fibroid or more than one. Some of these growths are too small to see with the eyes. Others can grow to the size of a grapefruit or more. A fibroid is very large may distort the inside and the outside of the uterus. In extreme cases, some fibroids grow large enough to fill the pelvis or in the stomach area. They can make a person look pregnant.

Many people have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But you might not know you have, because it often causes no symptoms. Your health care professional may occur to find the fibroids during a pelvic exam or ultrasound of the pregnancy.

Symptoms

Many people who have fibroids have no symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, the size and number of fibroids.

The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods.
  • Longer or more frequent periods.
  • Pelvic pressure or pain.
  • Frequent need to urinate or difficulty urinating.
  • Growth in the area of the stomach.
  • The constipation.
  • Pain in the stomach area or in the lower back, or pain during sex.

Rarely, a fibroid can cause sudden, serious pain when it exceeds its supply of blood and begins to die.

Often, fibroids are grouped according to their location. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Fibroids subserosal form on the outside of the uterus.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have:

  • The pelvic pain that does not go away.
  • Heavy or painful periods that limit what you can do.
  • Spotting or bleeding between periods.
  • Trouble emptying your bladder.
  • Course of tiredness and weakness, which may be symptoms of anemia, which means a low level of red blood cells.

Get immediate medical attention if you have heavy bleeding from the vagina or sharp pelvic pain that comes on fast.

Causes

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unclear. But these factors may play a role:

  • The changes in the genes. Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from the typical cells of the uterine muscle.
  • Hormones.Two hormones called estrogen and progesterone, which causes the tissue lining the inside of the uterus to thicken during each menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy. These hormones also seem to help grow fibroids. Fibroids contain more cells than the estrogen and progesterone bind to the typical of cells of the uterine muscle. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a drop in hormone levels.
  • Other growth factors. Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.
  • Of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This material causes it to adhere to the cells, as the mortar between the bricks. ECM is higher in fibroids and becomes fibrous. ECM also stores of growth factors and causes biological changes in the cells themselves.

Hormones. Two hormones called estrogen and progesterone, which causes the tissue lining the inside of the uterus to thicken during each menstrual cycle to prepare for pregnancy. These hormones also seem to help grow fibroids.

Fibroids contain more cells than the estrogen and progesterone bind to the typical of cells of the uterine muscle. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a drop in hormone levels.

The doctors believe that the uterine fibroids can develop from a stem cell in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. A single cell divides more and more. At the time it becomes a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue.

The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary. They may grow slowly or quickly. Or they can stay the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some shrink on their own.

Fibroids that form during pregnancy may reduce or disappear after pregnancy, when the uterus returns to its normal size.

Risk factors

There are few known risk factors for uterine fibroids, other than being a person of reproductive age. These include:

  • Of the race. All people of reproductive age who have been born female can develop fibroids. But Black people are more likely to have fibroids than are people of other racial groups. Blacks have fibroids at younger ages than non-whites. Also are likely to have more or larger fibroids, along with the worst of the symptoms, that the white people.
  • The history of the family. If your mother or sister had fibroids, you're at higher risk of getting them.
  • Other factors. Beginning your period before the age of 10 years; obesity; being low in vitamin D; have a diet higher in red meat and lower in green vegetables, fruits and dairy products; and the consumption of alcohol, including beer, appear to increase the risk of developing fibroids.

Complications

Uterine fibroids are often not dangerous. But they can cause pain, and can lead to complications. These include a drop in red blood cells, called anemia. This condition can cause fatigue of heavy blood loss. If you have heavy bleeding during your period, your doctor may tell you to take an iron supplement to prevent or help manage anemia. Sometimes, a person with anemia need to receive blood from a donor, it is called a transfusion due to blood loss.

Pregnancy and fibroids

Often, fibroids do not interfere with the possibility of becoming pregnant. But some of fibroids — especially the submucosal type could cause infertility or pregnancy loss.

Fibroids can also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications. These include:

  • Abruption of the placenta, when the body that carries oxygen and nutrients to the baby, named the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus.
  • Fetal growth restriction, when a baby does not grow as well as expected.
  • Preterm birth, when a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Prevention

The researchers in the study of the causes of fibroid tumors. More research is needed on how to prevent them, though. It might not be possible to prevent uterine fibroids. But only a small percentage of these tumors need treatment.

You may be able to reduce your fibroid risk with lifestyle changes, healthy life. Try to stay at a healthy weight. Get regular exercise. And eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

Some research suggests that taking birth control pills or long-acting, progestin-only contraceptives can reduce the risk of fibroids. But the use of birth control pills before the age of 16 may be linked with an increased risk.

Diagnosis

Uterine fibroids are often found by chance during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor may feel irregular changes in the shape of your uterus, suggesting the presence of fibroids.

If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, you may need these tests:

  • Ultrasound.This test uses sound waves to obtain a picture of your uterus. You can confirm that you have fibroids, and the map and the extent of them. A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound device, called a transducer over the area of your stomach. This is called a noninvasive transabdominal ultrasound. Or the device placed into the vagina to obtain images of your uterus. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound.
  • The laboratory tests. If you have irregular menstrual bleeding, you may need blood tests to look for possible causes of the same. These may include a complete blood count to check for anemia due to the continuous loss of blood. Other blood tests can look for the bleeding disorders or thyroid problems.

Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to obtain a picture of your uterus. You can confirm that you have fibroids, and the map and the extent of them.

A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound device, called a transducer over the area of your stomach. This is called a noninvasive transabdominal ultrasound. Or the device placed into the vagina to obtain images of your uterus. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound.

Other imaging tests

If the ultrasound does not provide enough information, you may need other imaging studies, such as:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test may show in more detail the size and location of the fibroids. You can also identify the different types of tumors, and to help determine treatment options. More often, an mri is used in people with a larger uterus, or in those who are approaching the menopause, also referred to as perimenopause.
  • Hysterosonography. Hysterosonography (his-tur-o-suh-NOG-ruh-fee) uses sterile salt water, called saline to expand the space in the interior of the uterus, called the uterine cavity. This makes it easier to obtain images of submucosal fibroids and the lining of the uterus if you are trying to become pregnant or if you have heavy menstrual bleeding. Another name for hysterosonography is a saline infusion sonogram.
  • Hysterosalpingography. Hysterosalpingography (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fee) uses a contrast dye to highlight the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes in the x-ray images. Your doctor may recommend if infertility is a problem. This test can help determine if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked, and that may show some of submucosal fibroids.
  • The hysteroscopy. For this test, the doctor inserts a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope through the cervix into the uterus. Then, saline is injected into your uterus. This expands the uterine cavity and allows your doctor to check the walls of your uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes.

Treatment

There is No single best treatment for uterine fibroids. Many of the treatment options that exist. If you have symptoms, talk with your health care team about ways to get relief.

Watchful waiting

Many people with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. Or have slightly bothersome symptoms that you can live with. If that is the case for you, watchful waiting may be the best option.

The fibroids are not cancer. Rarely interfere with the pregnancy. Often grow slowly or not — and tend to decrease after the menopause, when the levels of reproductive hormones drop.

Medications

Medications for uterine fibroids target of the hormones that control the menstrual cycle. The treatment of the symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. Don't get rid of the fibroids, but you can reduce the size of them. The medications include:

  • The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists.These treat fibroids by blocking the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This puts you into a temporary menopause-like state. As a result, the menstrual periods stop, reduce fibroids & anemia often improves. GnRHagonists include leuprolide (Lupron Depot, Eligard, others), goserelin (Zoladex), and triptorelin (Trelstar, Triptodur Kit). Many people have hot flashes while usingGnRHagonists. Often, these medications are used for not more than six months. That's because the symptoms reappear when the drug is stopped, and the long-term use can cause bone loss. Sometimes,GnRHagonists are taken with low-dose estrogen or progesterone. You may listen to this call add-back therapy. It can ease the side effects, and it can allow you takeGnRHagonists up to 12 months. Your doctor may prescribe aGnRHagonist to reduce the size of fibroids before a scheduled surgery. Or you may be prescribed this medicine to help the transition to menopause.
  • The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists.These medications can treat heavy menstrual bleeding in people with uterine fibroids who have not gone through menopause. But not to shrink fibroids.GnRHantagonists can be used for up to two years. Take them along with add-back therapy can decrease the side effects, such as hot flashes and bone loss. Sometimes, the low dose of estrogen or progestin are already included in these medications. GnRHantagonists include elagolix (Oriahnn) and relugolix (Myfembree).
  • Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD). A progestin-releasing IUD can relieve heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. Only relieves the symptoms, however. Do not reduce fibroids or make them disappear. It also prevents pregnancy.
  • Tranexamic acid (Lysteda, Cyklokapron). This non-hormonal medicine can relieve the menstrual periods. Just take in the heavy bleeding days.
  • Other medicamentos.Su health care provider might recommend other medications. For example, the low-dose birth control pills can help control menstrual bleeding. But not to reduce the size of the fibroid. Medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) can help relieve the pain linked to fibroids, but did not reduce the heavy bleeding caused by fibroids.NSAIDsaren non-hormonal medications. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Your doctor may also suggest that you take vitamins and iron if you have heavy menstrual bleeding and anemia.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists. These treat fibroids by blocking the production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This puts you into a temporary menopause-like state. As a result, the menstrual periods stop, reduce fibroids & anemia often improves.

GnRH agonists include leuprolide (Lupron Depot, Eligard, others), goserelin (Zoladex), and triptorelin (Trelstar, Triptodur Kit).

Many people have hot flashes, while the use of GnRH agonists. Often, these medications are used for not more than six months. That's because the symptoms reappear when the drug is stopped, and the long-term use can cause bone loss. Sometimes, the GnRH agonists are taken with low-dose estrogen or progesterone. You may listen to this call add-back therapy. It can ease the side effects, and it can allow you to take GnRH agonists up to 12 months.

Your doctor may prescribe a GnRH agonist to reduce the size of fibroids before a scheduled surgery. Or you may be prescribed this medicine to help the transition to menopause.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists. These medications can treat heavy menstrual bleeding in people with uterine fibroids who have not gone through menopause. But not to shrink fibroids. GnRH antagonists can be used by up to two years. Take them along with add-back therapy can decrease the side effects, such as hot flashes and bone loss. Sometimes, the low dose of estrogen or progestin are already included in these medications.

GnRH antagonists include elagolix (Oriahnn) and relugolix (Myfembree).

Other medications. Your doctor may recommend other medications. For example, the low-dose birth control pills can help control menstrual bleeding. But not to reduce the size of the fibroid.

Medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids) can help relieve the pain linked to fibroids, but did not reduce the heavy bleeding caused by fibroids. Nsaids are non-hormonal drugs. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). Your doctor may also suggest that you take vitamins and iron if you have heavy menstrual bleeding and anemia.

Non-invasive procedure

A non-invasive treatment does not involve surgical incisions, called incisions. Also, it's not about instruments that are placed in the body. With uterine fibroids, a procedure called magnetic resonance -guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is:

  • A non-invasive treatment option that preserves the uterus. Is performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you don't have to spend the night in the hospital after.
  • Done while you are on the inside of anMRIscanner equipped with a high-energy ultrasound device for the treatment. The images give your doctor the precise location of the fibroids. When the location of the fibroid is objective, the ultrasound device focuses sound waves into the fibroid to heat and destroy small areas of fibroid tissue.
  • The new technology, so researchers are learning more about the long-term safety and effectiveness. But until now, the data collected show that the FUS for uterine fibroids is safe and works well. Even so, it is possible that they do not improve the symptoms of both as a slightly more invasive procedure called uterine artery embolization could.

Minimally invasive procedures

These procedures use no cuts or incisions are small. That is related to faster recovery times and fewer complications compared with traditional open surgery. Minimally invasive treatments for uterine fibroids are:

  • Embolization of the uterine artery.Small particles called embolic agents are injected into the arteries that supply the uterus with blood. The particles cut off the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. This technique can help to shrink fibroids and relieve the symptoms that cause. Complications can occur if the blood supply to the ovaries, or other organs is reduced. But research shows that complications are similar to surgery fibroid treatments. And the risk of needing a blood transfusion is less.
  • Radiofrequency ablation.In this procedure, the heat of the radiofrequency energy destroys the fibroids and shrinks the blood vessels that feed them. This can be done through small cuts in the area of the stomach, a type of surgery called laparoscopy. Can also be done through the vagina, called a transvaginal procedure, or through the neck of the uterus, called the transcervical procedure. With radiofrequency ablation, the doctor makes two small incisions in the abdomen. A thin viewing tool with a camera on the tip, called a laparoscope, is inserted through the cuts. The use of the camera and an ultrasound of the tool, your doctor finds that the uterine fibroids treatment. After finding a fibroid tumor, the doctor uses a device to send small needles into the fibroid. Needles to heat the fibroid tissue and destroy it. The destruction of fibroid changes immediately. For example, happens to be hard as a golf ball to be soft as a marshmallow. During the next 3 to 12 months, the fibroid continues to decline, and the symptoms improve. Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation is also known as the Acessa procedure or Lap-RFA. Because there is no cutting of tissue in the uterus, doctors considerLap-Pgrfa treatment less invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy and myomectomy. Most of the people who have the procedure to return to their regular activities within a few days. The transcervical or through the cervix — approach to radiofrequency ablation is called Sonata. It also uses ultrasound guidance to locate the fibroids.
  • Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy.In a myomectomy, the surgeon removes the fibroids and leaves the uterus in place. If the fibroids are few in number, you and your doctor may opt for a laparoscopic procedure. This slender used the instruments placed through small incisions in the abdomen to remove the fibroids from the uterus. Sometimes, a robotic system is used for the laparoscopic procedure. Your doctor views your stomach area in a monitor via a small camera attached to one of the instruments. Robotic myomectomy gives your surgeon a magnified,3Dview of your uterus. This can make the procedure more accurate than is possible using other techniques. Large fibroids can be removed through incisions smaller, break into pieces with a device that cuts the tissue. This is called morcellation. Can be done within a surgical bag to reduce the risk of spread of the cancer cells that the doctors had not expected to find. Or you can do it by extending a cut to remove fibroids without morcellation.
  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy. This procedure may be an option if the fibroids in the uterus, also called submucosal fibroids. The fibroids are removed using tools inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.
  • Endometrial ablation.This procedure can reduce heavy menstrual flow. A device that is inserted into the uterus emits heat, microwave energy, hot water, cold temperature, or an electric current. This destroys the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus. It is not likely to get pregnant after endometrial ablation. But it is a good idea to take the birth control to prevent a fertilized egg is formed in one of the fallopian tubes, called an ectopic pregnancy. Without treatment, the tissue culture can cause life-threatening bleeding.

Embolization of the uterine artery. Small particles called embolic agents are injected into the arteries that supply the uterus with blood. The particles cut off the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.

This technique can help to shrink fibroids and relieve the symptoms that cause. Complications can occur if the blood supply to the ovaries, or other organs is reduced. But research shows that complications are similar to surgery fibroid treatments. And the risk of needing a blood transfusion is less.

Radiofrequency ablation. In this procedure, the heat of the radiofrequency energy destroys the fibroids and shrinks the blood vessels that feed them. This can be done through small cuts in the area of the stomach, a type of surgery called laparoscopy. Can also be done through the vagina, called a transvaginal procedure, or through the neck of the uterus, called the transcervical procedure.

With radiofrequency ablation, the doctor makes two small incisions in the abdomen. A thin viewing tool with a camera on the tip, called a laparoscope, is inserted through the cuts. The use of the camera and an ultrasound of the tool, your doctor finds that the uterine fibroids treatment.

After finding a fibroid tumor, the doctor uses a device to send small needles into the fibroid. Needles to heat the fibroid tissue and destroy it. The destruction of fibroid changes immediately. For example, happens to be hard as a golf ball to be soft as a marshmallow. During the next 3 to 12 months, the fibroid continues to decline, and the symptoms improve.

Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation is also known as the Acessa procedure or Lap-RFA. Because there is no cutting of tissue in the uterus, the doctors consider that the Lap-RFA treatment less invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy and myomectomy. Most of the people who have the procedure to return to their regular activities within a few days.

The transcervical or through the cervix — approach to radiofrequency ablation is called Sonata. It also uses ultrasound guidance to locate the fibroids.

Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy. In a myomectomy, the surgeon removes the fibroids and leaves the uterus in place.

If the fibroids are few in number, you and your doctor may opt for a laparoscopic procedure. This slender used the instruments placed through small incisions in the abdomen to remove the fibroids from the uterus.

Sometimes, a robotic system is used for the laparoscopic procedure. Your doctor views your stomach area in a monitor via a small camera attached to one of the instruments. Robotic myomectomy gives your surgeon a magnified, 3D view of your uterus. This can make the procedure more accurate than is possible using other techniques.

Large fibroids can be removed through incisions smaller, break into pieces with a device that cuts the tissue. This is called morcellation. Can be done within a surgical bag to reduce the risk of spread of the cancer cells that the doctors had not expected to find. Or you can do it by extending a cut to remove fibroids without morcellation.

Endometrial ablation. This procedure can reduce heavy menstrual flow. A device that is inserted into the uterus emits heat, microwave energy, hot water, cold temperature, or an electric current. This destroys the tissue that lines the inside of the uterus.

It is not likely to get pregnant after endometrial ablation. But it is a good idea to take the birth control to prevent a fertilized egg is formed in one of the fallopian tubes, called an ectopic pregnancy. Without treatment, the tissue culture can cause life-threatening bleeding.

With any procedure that does not remove the uterus, there is a risk that new fibroids may grow and cause symptoms.

The traditional surgical procedures

Options to the traditional open surgery is that the use of a larger incision, which include:

  • Myomectomy Abdominal.This type of surgery to remove the fibroids through a larger incision in the area of the stomach, also called the abdomen. Your doctor may recommend if you have more than one fibroid, fibroids are too large or too deep of fibroids. Many people say that the hysterectomy is your only option may be to have a myomectomy abdominal in its place. Healing after surgery can reduce the chances of being able to get pregnant in the future, however.
  • The hysterectomy.This surgery removes the uterus. She remains the only proven permanent solution for uterine fibroids. Hysterectomy ends your ability to have children. If you also decide to have your ovaries removed, the surgery is carried in the menopause. Then you will be able to choose whether to take hormone replacement therapy, which is a medicine that can relieve the side effects of menopause, such as hot flashes. The majority of people with uterine fibroids may be able to choose to keep their ovaries.

Myomectomy Abdominal. This type of surgery to remove the fibroids through a larger incision in the area of the stomach, also called the abdomen. Your doctor may recommend if you have more than one fibroid, fibroids are too large or too deep of fibroids.

Many people say that the hysterectomy is your only option may be to have a myomectomy abdominal in its place. Healing after surgery can reduce the chances of being able to get pregnant in the future, however.

The hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus. She remains the only proven permanent solution for uterine fibroids.

Hysterectomy ends your ability to have children. If you also decide to have your ovaries removed, the surgery is carried in the menopause. Then you will be able to choose whether to take hormone replacement therapy, which is a medicine that can relieve the side effects of menopause, such as hot flashes. The majority of people with uterine fibroids may be able to choose to keep their ovaries.

Morcellation during fibroid removal

Morcellation is a process of rupture of the fibroids in to smaller pieces. It can raise the risk of spread of cancer if a cancerous tumor that had not been detected before breaking with morcellation during a myomectomy procedure. The risk can be reduced if:

  • The surgical team is seen in the risk factors prior to surgery.
  • The fibroid is divided into a surgical pocket during the morcellation.
  • The incision is expanded to remove a large fibroid without morcellation.

All myomectomies carry the risk of cutting in cancer has not been found. But the young people who have not reached menopause usually have a lower risk of undiagnosed cancer in people over 50 years.

Also, complications during open surgery are more common than the chance of the spread of an unsuspected cancer in a fibroid during a minimally invasive procedure. If your doctor is planning to use the morcellation, ask the doctor to explain the risks before you start the treatment.

In the united States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against the use of a morcellator device to the majority of people who have fibroids removed through myomectomy or hysterectomy. The FDA recommends that people who are approaching the menopause or have reached menopause to stay away from power morcellation. Older people who are in or entering menopause, may have an increased risk of cancer. And the people who already do not want to get pregnant have other treatment options for uterine fibroids.

If you are trying to get pregnant or might want to have children

With hysterectomy or endometrial ablation, you will not be able to get pregnant in the future. Also, uterine artery embolization and radiofrequency ablation may not be the best options if you want to keep as part of your fertility as possible.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of these procedures if you want to keep the ability to get pregnant. And if you are actively trying to get pregnant, get a complete fertility evaluation before deciding on a plan of treatment for uterine fibroids.

If fibroid treatment is necessary — and you want to preserve their fertility, a myomectomy is often the treatment of choice. But all treatments have risks and benefits. Talk with your doctor.

Risk of new fibroids

For all procedures except hysterectomy, the seedlings — small tumors that your doctor is not detected during the surgery— and could one day grow and cause symptoms that require treatment. Often, this is called the rate of recurrence. New fibroids also may form, and these may need to be treated.

Also, some of the procedures can only treat some of fibroids present at the time of treatment. These include laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, radiofrequency ablation, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS).

Alternative medicine

Some websites and books health promoting alternative treatment for uterine fibroids. These include the recommendations for diet, therapy magnet, black cohosh, herbal preparations or homeopathy. So far, there is no scientific evidence to show that some of these helpful techniques.

Small studies suggest that acupuncture may be helpful when used in conjunction with the main treatment for uterine fibroids. With this technique, a practitioner places of very thin needles in certain points of the body.

Preparing for your appointment

Your first appointment will probably be with your primary care doctor or a gynecologist. Appointments can be brief, so it is a good idea to prepare for your visit.

What you can do

  • Make a list of the symptoms that you have. Include all the symptoms, even if you don't think that is related to the reason for your appointment.
  • List of medicines, herbs and vitamin supplements you take. Include the amount you take, called the dose and the frequency with which you take them.
  • Have a family member or close friend to join you, if possible. You can give a lot of information during your visit, and can be difficult to remember everything.
  • Take a notebook or electronic device with you. Use that key note of the information during your visit.
  • Prepare a list of questions to ask. The list of your most important questions first, to make sure that the cover of the points.

For uterine fibroids, some basic questions to ask include:

  • How many fibroids do I have? How big are they and where are they located?
  • What medications are available to treat uterine fibroids or my symptoms?
  • What side effects can I expect from the medicine?
  • Under what circumstances is it recommended to the surgery?
  • I know that I have to take the medicine before or after the surgery?
  • My uterine fibroids affect my ability to get pregnant?
  • Can the treatment of uterine fibroids to improve my fertility?

Make sure that you understand everything your doctor tells you to. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor to repeat information or to ask questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Some of the questions your doctor may ask include:

  • How often do you have these symptoms?
  • How long have you had it?
  • How painful are your symptoms?
  • Do your symptoms seem to be related to your menstrual cycle?
  • Is there something to improve the symptoms?
  • Does anything make your symptoms worse?
  • Do you have a family history of uterine fibroids?
The symptoms and treatment of Uterine fibroids