To get straight to the point, Ablation therapy does not treat fibroid tumors. Endometrial Ablation only treats the symptoms of fibroids like heavy bleeding and clotting. The technique only destroys the lining of the uterus (endometrial lining) but does not access or treat intrauterine (submucosal, subserosal or intramural) fibroids tumors. Ablation may stop the bleeding but the procedure is a false sense of hope for dealing long term with fibroids. The tumors will continue to grow as long as they remain in the uterine muscle and are fed with an estrogen supply. Treat your disease, not your symptoms!
D&C for Bleeding
What is a D&C? It stands for Dilatation and Curettage. This is a minor surgical procedure that is often recommended by healthcare practitioners to treat heavy bleeding. The cervix is dialated and a small curette is used to scrape the lining of the uterus away. This can significantly reduce bleeding until the lining is regenerated. Unfortunately, a D&C is used all too often as a treatment for fibroid tumors and adenomyosis. This procedure can temporarily reduce the bleeding symptoms but does nothing to actually treat the primary diseases. Women often get a false sense of security once the bleeding is reduced…..take care, the fibroid tumors and adenomyosis are still growing.
Fertility with Pedunculated Fibroids
We have many many women hoping to preserve their fertility when they arrive for fibroid tumor surgery. Pedunculated tumors are fibroids on a stalk extending from the uterus into the abdomen. They are often assymptomatic pertaining to monthly bleeding, as the endometrial lining is not effected. These are the best tumors to have when considering fertility options, as they do not damage the uterus. The larger pedunculated fibroids become they can press on surrounding tissues and organs and produce abdominal discomfort, bloating and pain, but as mentioned, they do not effect monthly periods. Depending on size, the tumors may be able to be removed via laparoscopy.
Fertility with Fibroids
Fibroid tumors are benign solid tumors of the uterus.
Many women can get pregnant and carry to term with these tumors. The outcome
is often dependent on 3 factors: the size of the fibroids, the number of the fibroids and the specific location of the tumors. The greater the size, and the greater the number, will decrease chances of fertility. Location is also vital for outcome. Tumors that are deep within the intramural area of the uterus or those impinging on the endometrial cavity can and often produce miscarriage. If you get a diagnosis of Fibroids, do not wait for treatment. Have them removed as soon as possible.
