Several new procedures offer alternatives to hysterectomy or myomectomy, especially for the removal of smaller fibroids. An advantage of these new procedures is that they do not involve abdominal surgery. They may be performed on an outpatient basis, or they may require only an overnight hospital stay. Recovery time is usually quicker, too. However, because […]
Fibroids: Newer Treatment Options Read More »
Doctors may prescribe drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) to treat fibroids. Most fibroids shrink by one-third to one-half of their original size after two to three months of treatment with these drugs. Smaller fibroids may cause fewer problems and they are often easier to remove surgically. Women should not take GnRH agonists for more than
Can Fibroids Be Treated With Medication? Read More »
No treatment for fibroids is best for all women who have this problem. Every woman should discuss the treatment options with her doctor. The treatment that is best for any individual woman will depend on a variety of factors. Are the fibroids causing problems? Fibroids that are not causing problems may need no treatment at all.
Choosing The Best Treatment For Fibroids Read More »
Here are some frequently asked questions related to fibroids. Q: Can I take birth control pills if I have fibroids? A: Birth control pills contain estrogen. Higher levels of this hormonemay help fibroids to grow, although exactly how this might happen is not understood. Some doctors are concerned that taking birth control pills may cause fibroids to grow.
Fibroids: Frequently Asked Questions Read More »
Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to fibroids. Fibroids are growths of tissue that are usually found in the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as a pinpoint or as large as a basketball. Although they are called tumors, fibroids are not cancerous. More than half of women
Fibroids: Putting It All Together Read More »
Here are definitions of medical terms related to endometriosis. Adhesions: Web-like tissue that develops from endometriosis and may bind pelvic organs together. CA-125 blood test: A test to measure a certain protein in the blood and a tumor marker for ovarian cancer; it often is elevated when certain conditions, including endometriosis, are present. Cervix: The neck of the
Endometriosis: Glossary Read More »
Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on endometriosis. Endometriosis Association Phone: 414-355-2200 Phone: 414-355-6065 http://www.endometriosisassn.org/ Resolve Phone: 617-623-0744 Online: http://www.resolve.org. US National Library of Medicine http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Phone: 202-638-5577 Online: http://www.acog.com
Endometriosis: Additional Sources Of Information Read More »
Endometriosis is a disorder in which bits of tissue from the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) grow inside a woman’s body, outside of the uterus. The uterus is a hollow organ within a woman’s abdomen where a fertilized egg implants and where a developing baby is nourished and grows. These misplaced bits of
What Is Endometriosis? Read More »
The precise cause of endometriosis is unknown, but there are several theories to explain it: Retrograde Menstruation – It is known that menstrual blood can flow backwards along the fallopian tubes during a woman’s period, carrying with it living endometrial cells. Then, instead of flowing out through the cervix and vagina as in normal menstruation, the
What Causes Endometriosis? Read More »
Several factors make a woman more likely to develop endometriosis: Age – Endometriosis occurs most commonly in women between the ages of 25 and 44. It can also occur in teenagers, although this is less common. Women who have given birth after the age of 30 may also be more prone to develop it. Race – Endometriosis
Who Is At Risk For Endometriosis? Read More »
Endometriosis does not always produce symptoms. When it does, it can cause: Painful periods Pain during intercourse Pelvic pain unrelated to periods or intercourse Other symptoms In some women, the only sign of endometriosis may be infertility. Occasionally, endometriosis is discovered unexpectedly during an exam or surgery for an unrelated condition. Need To Know: Endometriosis
What Are The Symptoms Of Endometriosis? Read More »
Endometriosis is diagnosed by: Physical examination Laparoscopy Transvaginal ultrasound Other tests Physical Examination It’s not unusual for a pelvic examination to reveal no sign of possible endometriosis. In some cases, however, there are some signs: Occasionally during a pelvic exam, a physician may feel a cyst on an ovary that is caused by endometriosis. A
How Is Endometriosis Diagnosed? Read More »
