Does a hysterectomy for fibroids make sense? Medications only help with symptoms caused by fibroids as long as they are used. That’s why many women with heavy menstrual bleeding and pain eventually ask themselves whether they should have a fibroids hysterectomy. Various procedures are available at the USA Fibroids Center, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (Uterine Artery Embolization or UAE).
What is a hysterectomy for fibroids?
When women with fibroids have surgery, they hope to get rid of their symptoms permanently. Fibroids hysterectomy can relieve some women’s symptoms in the long term. But every intervention also carries risks. Whether a hysterectomy for fibroids is an option—and if so, which one—depends on how a woman assesses the pros and cons of the various procedures for herself. When deciding on a specific treatment, the size, location, and number of fibroids play an essential role. Not all surgical methods suit women wanting to have another child.
When to get a hysterectomy for fibroids? When is the right time?
Before a hysterectomy for fibroids, it can make sense to use hormone preparations such as GnRH analogs for a few months. They are supposed to shrink the fibroids. The fibroids hysterectomy can be performed more gently so that the uterus is affected as little as possible. The active ingredient ulipristal is sometimes used with this goal.
However, removing individual fibroids does not make sense if too many scars could form on the uterus or if the risk of bleeding and secondary bleeding is too high. In addition, it is not always sure that the symptoms will improve after the procedure. Then a hysterectomy is an option, possibly a non-surgical treatment method such as fibroid embolization. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroid.
When to get a hysterectomy for fibroids
In fibroids hysterectomy, the fibroids are surgically removed. The uterus is preserved. When to get a hysterectomy for fibroids? Here are several ways to remove a fibroid:
General anesthesia is required for all operations. The suitable procedure depends on how many fibroids are present, where, and how large they are. An attempt is almost always made to avoid an abdominal incision, which is more stressful than the other procedures and leaves a larger scar on the abdominal wall.
An intervention via the vagina is particularly suitable if a fibroid protrudes into the uterine cavity. This can be the case with fibroids in the wall of the uterus or under the lining of the uterus. Removal via the vagina can then be gentler than a tummy tuck. Studies indicate that vaginal surgery is faster, and women lose less blood.
How does the operation affect the symptoms?
Most women who have had symptoms from their fibroids for a long time feel a significant improvement after the operation or have no symptoms. Studies show that around 90 out of 100 women with a hysterectomy for fibroids are still satisfied with the result 1 to 2 years after the operation. In up to 25 out of 100 women who have the operation, fibroids form again in the years after.
What are the risks of fibroids hysterectomy?
Studies on fibroid removal show that about 5 out of 100 women face complications such as abdominal injuries or reoperation. Fewer than 1 in 100 women may need a fibroids hysterectomy because of uncontrollable bleeding. Temporary symptoms such as fever or wound infections may occur.
How does the fibroids hysterectomy affect fertility?
A fibroid removal via hysterectomy for fibroids usually does not affect fertility – unless adhesions form later, for example, impede the function of the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Studies have examined whether the procedure type affects the chances of conceiving. However, the result showed no difference between an abdominal incision and a laparoscopy operation: In both groups, about one-third of the women had a child in the following two years.
For an alternative to hysterectomy, contact our fibroids specialist, who suggests Uterine Fibroid Embolization as a minimally-invasive, outpatient procedure to shrink your fibroids painlessly.
Schedule your appointment at the USA Fibroids Center.