When it comes to effectively treating uterine fibroids, there can be a lot of options to consider in choosing. If you have any questions or concerns regarding which treatment is best for you like Uterine Fibroid Embolization, please call Dr. Handley today and request an appointment!
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that Dr. Handley and our staff perform at North Texas Fibroids. It cuts off blood flow to all the fibroids, causing them to shrink. There is no fibroid too big or too small for this procedure.
UFE is a low-risk, minimally-invasive procedure that is an alternative to traditional surgery. With our pain protocols, our North Texas team reduces the pain and discomfort so it is minimal and your recovery time is reduced to days instead of weeks or months.
Medications
Medications for uterine fibroids focus on hormone regulation for your period cycle, including birth control pills, hormone injections, and medicated intrauterine devices (IUD). This means they can help some of your symptoms, however, they will not remove your fibroids. All these medications prevent pregnancy, and some can cause unpleasant side effects.
Endometrial Ablation
Several techniques exist to remove the inside lining of the uterus, which is the part that causes heavy bleeding. All the techniques involve a gynecologist placing a thin instrument into the uterus through the cervix and using heat, laser, electricity, microwaves, or freezing to remove the lining. This treatment is not used if you still want to get pregnant. It will not shrink fibroids, which means you will still have some fibroid symptoms.
MR-Guided
In an MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound procedure, MRI is used to focus an ultrasound beam on a fibroid to break it down. This technique is presently being studied and not widely available. Most insurance does not cover this procedure.
Myomectomy
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids without taking out the uterus. The size and location of the fibroids determine how this surgery is performed.
Acessa
In the Acessa surgical procedure, a small probe is placed into a fibroid which is then heated up to destroy the fibroid. This procedure is good if you have a few fibroids.
If you have large or difficult to reach fibroids, Acessa is not a good choice. It is also not covered by some insurance companies.
Hysterectomy
This is the removal of the entire uterus, thus removing all fibroids. If the ovaries are left in place, it is called a “partial hysterectomy.” If the ovaries are also removed, the procedure is called a “total hysterectomy.” Like a myomectomy, a hysterectomy can be performed in several ways depending on the size of your uterus and the size and location of fibroids.
