Uterine fibroids and other causes of pelvic pain have long been treated with hysterectomy and other surgeries. Often, there are better alternatives to a hysterectomy available for women. Especially for non-cancerous conditions, including fibroid tumors, women should be aware of all possible treatment options before moving forward.
Treating Fibroids without Surgery
For patients in Dallas with fibroid tumors who do not want to have a surgical procedure, Uterine Fibroid Embolization is the best treatment option when watchful waiting and medication do not successfully treat symptoms. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed at an outpatient procedure, like at North Texas Fibroids. The procedure is done by blocking the blood flow to the fibroid tumors through a small incision in your femoral artery.
Side Effects of Fibroid Treatment
Depending on the type of hysterectomy, side effects can include pain, abrupt menopause, and surgical complications. The least invasive procedure possible is recommended to avoid side effects like these from a procedure that isn’t necessary. Side effects of UFE can include abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms after treatment. Some of the advantages of UFE over a hysterectomy include no blood loss, no bone-thinning, and no menopausal symptoms after the procedure.
Becoming Pregnant after Fibroid Treatments
For women who are done having children and do not need to preserve their fertility, uterine fibroid embolization and a hysterectomy can be options. There is no conclusive data that it is safe to become pregnant after UFE, therefore it is not recommended for patients who plan on becoming pregnant in the future. However, in addition to the inability to conceive after a hysterectomy, hormonal changes can also occur that can be prevented by choosing UFE.
Do you want to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of different fibroid treatment options?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Handley at our offices in Dallas or Flower Mound, TX. Call us today (972) 640-9720 or schedule an appointment online.
