Preserving Fertility

Dear Dr.,
I have enjoyed reading the information on your web site, but have three questions:

1)I am 27 and have been diagnosed with a subserosal uterine fibroid, 5×7 centimeters large. My doctor is recommending an abdominal myomectomy. I would like to become pregnant in the near future. How does FAS differ from myomectomies, in preserving fertility??

2) I am interested in FAS, but doubt my insurance company will pay for it. $20,000+ is more than I can afford to pay. Does your clinic offer a financial aid plan?

3) Is FAS considered an “experimental procedure?” If so, why?

Thank You for taking the time to address these questions!

Dear Sue-
FAS is not experimental-this type of surgery has been performed on many many women since the late 1980’s. It is just not a commonly accepted philosophy of most gyns to allow a woman to conserve her reproductive organs, especially post fertility.
Most myomectomyies will only address the smaller and easily accessible tumors. Many fertility problems can arise from tumors lining the endometrial cavity;these can either prevent implantation or produce miscarriages. Unlike the traditional myomectomy procedure, FAS will address these smaller and more difficult to reach tumors to rid the uterus of all fibroids not just the easily reachable and superficial ones.
At one time we did have a payment plan for cash paying patients, however a few patients left the state and did not pay their bill. We now collect all fees at the time of the service. Please contact my office and ask them about your policy-many women do have some type of coverage if it is a private insurance plan. There is no coverage however with HMO’s of any kind.
Good Luck.