This is a story of a friend who had uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign and they rarely become malignant. She said she was asymptomatic and did not know she had those until she went to the gynecologist for a routine pelvic exam. She was told that the pain and heaviness she felt were the symptoms and not the result of having dysmenorrhea. It was through a gynecologic ultrasonography that she was diagnosed of having uterine fibroids.
Fortunately, there was no endometriosis found along with the benign tumors found in her uterus. This relieved her worries of infertility. Her doctor suggested these treatment options: medications, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and other methods to shrink or destroy fibroids through myolysis or uterine fibroid embolization (also known as uterine artery embolization). Weighing her options, she considered taking medications such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) agonists, androgens, and other oral contraceptives or progestins for the tumors.
Hysterectomy is totally out of the question as she still has plans of conceiving. This procedure will induce menopause and there is the possibility of hormone replacement therapy. Surgical removal of the tumors is also out of the question. She prefers less invasive procedures and is aware that there is a chance the fibroids will recur even after surgery. She chose uterine fibroid embolization. This is a less invasive procedure as it does not require an incision.
Embolic agents are injected into both uterine arteries to occlude the blood supply going to the fibroids. This procedure is done by an Interventional Radiologist by inserting a small catheter into the femoral artery. She was given a local anesthesia as there was no need for sedation and general anesthesia. She has fully recovered from uterine fibroids. She is now 8 months gravid. Her obstetrician is keeping a close eye on her. She, however, fears of post-partum complications after having gone through uterine fibroid embolization.