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What is fibroid?
a relatively new, less-invasive procedure in which blood vessels that feed the fibroids are blocked, causing the growths to shrink.
What is fibroid emolization?
a relatively new, less-invasive procedure in which blood vessels that feed the fibroids are blocked, causing the growths to shrink.
Can Hot water shrink Fibroids?
The idea that hot water can shrink fibroids is not scientifically supported, and it's important to approach such claims with caution. Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus, and their growth is influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes. While heat therapy, like warm baths, can provide temporary relief from symptoms such as pain and discomfort associated with fibroids, it does not have the capability to shrink or eliminate the fibroids themselves. Medical treatments, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions are typically recommended for managing fibroids. It's crucial for individuals with concerns about fibroids to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate information and personalized advice based on their specific health situation.
Diet for Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids affect around 20 percent of women over 35 years old. Estrogen, blood sugar levels, and growth hormones trigger the growth of the fibroid so changing your lifestyle to a high-fiber diet will aid in shrinking them. High-fiber foods, such as beans, whole grains, berries and melons, assist the liver in processing estrogen and removing unneeded estrogen from your body and shrink your fibroids. In addition to adding food to shrink your fibroids, you should also avoid certain foods like red meat, processed sugars and dairy products. These foods increase estrogen production and trigger fibroid growth.
What is a good diet for fibroids?
You want a diet that help shrink fibroids. This means lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts and lean protein. You can also eat olive oil and omega fats.
Can a uterine fibroid shrink on it's own?
Yes, with the proper coaxing.
What is done before a myomectomy?
Surgeons often recommend hormone treatment with a drug called leuprolide (Lupron) two to six months before surgery in order to shrink the fibroids. This makes the fibroids easier to remove.
At what age do fibroids develop?
Fibroids typically develop during the childbearing years, with most women developing them between the ages of 30 and 40. However, fibroids can develop at any age once a woman begins menstruating, and can even occur during menopause.
Do gummy bears shrink when put in salt water?
No. They dissolve eventually.
Uterine fibroids?
DefinitionUterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the uterus (womb), a female reproductive organ.Alternative NamesLeiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; FibroidsCauses, incidence, and risk factorsUterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor. As many as 1 in 5 women may have fibroids during their childbearing years (the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause).Fibroids usually affect women over age 30. They are rare in women under 20, and often shrink and cause no symptoms in women who have gone through menopause. They are more common in African Americans than Caucasians.The cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. However, fibroid growth seems to depend on the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly.Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there are more than one.Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus:Myometrial -- in the muscle wall of the uterusSubmucosal -- just under the surface of the uterine liningSubserosal -- just under the outside covering of the uterusPendunculated -- occurring on a long stalk on the outside of the uterus or inside the cavity of the uterusSymptomsMore common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:Abdominal fullness, gas, or constipationBleeding between periodsIncrease in urinary frequencyHeavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), sometimes with the passage of blood clotsMenstrual periods that may last longer than normalPelvic cramping or pain with periodsSensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomenPain during intercourseNote: There are often no symptoms.Signs and testsA pelvic examination may show an irregularly shaped, lumpy, or enlarged uterus. Frequently, this diagnosis is reliable. In some cases, it is difficult to diagnose fibroids, especially in obese women. Fibroid tumors have been mistaken for:PregnancyOvarian tumorsInflammation of the fallopian tubesUterine adenomyosis (a condition in which the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus)A transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may be done to confirm the diagnosis of fibroids. Sometimes, a pelvic MRI is used to confirm the diagnosis.An endometrial biopsy (biopsy of the uterine lining) or laparoscopy may be needed to rule out cancer.TreatmentTreatment depends on various factors, including:AgeGeneral healthSeverity of symptomsType of fibroidsWhether you are pregnantIf you want children in the futureSome women may just need pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while to monitor the fibroid's growth.Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) to help control heavy periodsIntrauterine devices (IUDs) that release the hormone progestin to help reduce heavy bleeding and painIron supplements to prevent or treat anemia due to heavy periodsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naprosyn for cramps or painHormonal therapy (gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or Depo Leuprolide injections) may be used to help shrink the fibroids. This therapy is used only for a short period of time, either before surgery to remove a fibroid or when a woman is expected to reach menopause soon. Side effects include hot flashes and vaginal dryness.Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids: Women who have fibroids growing inside the uterine cavity may need this outpatient procedure. In this procedure, a small camera and instruments are inserted through the cervix into the uterus to remove the fibroid tumors.Uterine artery embolization: This procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to die and shrink. Uterine artery embolization is not used to treat large fibroids. Women who may want to become pregnant in the future should NOT have this procedure.Myomectomy: This surgery removes the fibroids. It is often the chosen treatment for women who want to have children, because it usually can preserve fertility. Another advantage of a myomectomy is that it controls pain or excessive bleeding that occurs in some women with uterine fibroids. More fibroids can develop after a myomectomy.Hysterectomy: This invasive surgery may be an option if medicines do not work and other surgeries and procedures are not an option.Support GroupsNational Uterine Fibroid Foundation - www.nuff.orgExpectations (prognosis)Some women with fibroids have no symptoms and may not need treatment.During a pregnancy, existing fibroids may grow due to the increased blood flow and estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after the baby is delivered.ComplicationsFibroids may cause pregnancy complications, although the risk is thought to be small:Most women are able to carry their babies to term, but some end up delivering prematurely because there is not enough room in the uterus.Some pregnant women with fibroids may need a cesarean section because fibroids can occasionally block the birth canal or cause the baby to be positioned wrong.Some pregnant women with fibroids have heavy bleeding immediately after giving birth.Other complications of fibroids include:Severe pain or excessively heavy bleeding that may require emergency surgeryA pedunculated fibroid can become twisted and cause a kink in the blood vessels feeding the tumor (this type of fibroid may need surgery)Anemia (which may be severe if the bleeding is very heavy)Urinary tract infections, if pressure from the fibroid prevents the bladder from fully emptyingCancerous changes called leiomyosarcoma (in rare cases)Infertility (rarely)Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:You have gradual changes in your menstrual pattern, including a heavier flow, increased cramping, or bleeding between periodsFullness or heaviness develops in your lower abdomenReferencesKatz VL. Benign gynecologic lesions: Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 18.Viswanathan M, Hartmann K, et al. Management of uterine fibroids: an update of the evidence. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2007;154:1-122.Van Voorhis B. A 41-year-old woman with menorrhagia, anemia, and fibroids: review of treatment of uterine fibroids. JAMA. 2009;301:82-93.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:387-400.
Uterine artery embolization?
DefinitionUterine artery embolization (UAE) is a procedure to treat fibroids without surgery. Instead, the doctor (a radiologist) uses special imaging methods to treat your uterine fibroids. During the procedure, the blood supply of the fibroids is cut off, causing the fibroids to shrink.Alternative NamesUterine fibroid embolization; UFE; UAEDescriptionUAE is done in the radiology department of a hospital. Usually local anesthesia is used. You will be awake but unable to feel pain. (This is called conscious sedation.) The procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes.The procedure is usually done this way:You will receive a sedative, a medicine that will make you relaxed and sleepy.A local anesthetic (pain-killer) will be applied to your skin around your groin. This will numb the area so you do not feel pain.Your radiologist will make a 1/4-inch-long incision (cut) in your skin. Then the radiologist will insert a catheter (a thin tube) into your femoral artery. This artery is at the top of your leg. Next the radiologist will thread the catheter into your uterine artery. This artery supplies blood to the uterus.Small plastic or gelatin particles will be injected through the catheter into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroids. These particles block the blood supply to the tiny arteries that carry blood to the fibroids. Without this blood supply, the fibroids shrink and then die.UAE will be done in both your left and right uterine arteries.Why the Procedure Is PerformedUterine artery embolization is an effective way to treat fibroids that are not very large. Sometimes women have UAE done after childbirth to treat very heavy vaginal bleeding.Women who may want to become pregnant in the future should NOT have this procedure.RisksUterine artery embolization is generally safe. Ask your doctor about these possible problems.A risk for any anesthesia is having a bad reaction to the anesthetic that is used.The risks for any invasive procedure are:BleedingInfectionBruisingThe risks of uterine artery embolization are:Injury to an artery or to the uterusComplications with a future pregnancy. Some of these are intrauterine growth restriction (a condition that causes the baby to grow more slowly than usual in the uterus), preterm delivery (the baby is born early), bleeding after delivery, problems with the placenta, and miscarriage.Pregnancy is not recommended after this procedureEarly menopauseBefore the ProcedureAlways tell your doctor or nurse:If you could be pregnantWhat drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescriptionBefore your UAE:You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), warfarin (Coumadin), and any other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help.On the day of your UAE :You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 8 hours before this procedure.Take the drugs your doctor told you to take with a small sip of water.Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the hospital.After the ProcedureWomen usually stay in the hospital overnight after UAE. Some women are able to go home a few hours after treatment, but this is less common.You will receive pain medicine. You will be asked to lie flat for 4 to 6 hours after the procedure.Pelvic cramps are common for the first 24 hours after the procedure. They may last for 2 weeks. Cramps may be severe and may last more than 6 hours at a time.The treated fibroid tissue may pass through your vagina.Outlook (Prognosis)Uterine artery embolization usually works well to decrease pain, pressure, and bleeding from fibroids. Up to 30% of women who have UAE done:Need to have the procedure again within 1 or 2 yearsHave a hysterectomy within 5 years after the procedureReferencesEdwards RD, Moss JG, Lumsden MA, Wu O, Murray LS, Twaddle S, et al. Uterine-artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med. 2007 Jan 25;356(4):360-70.Katz VL. Benign gynecologic lesions : Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Duthie EH, Katz PR, Malone ML, eds. Practice of Geriatrics. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 18.Volkers NA, Hehenkamp WJ, Birnie E, Ankum WM, Reekers JA. Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids: 2 years' outcome from the randomized EMMY trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2007 Jun;196(6):519.e1-11.
How do you treat fibroid tumors?
Fibroids are nothing serious. They do not cancer ( only 1% do, so it's closer to zero). Do not let them take out your uterus... What to do: - Go to your gynecology and request a test. He/She will also order an ultrasound to see the location and size of the fibroid(s). - Also ask him to have your hormones tested ( a blood test) - DO NOT get convince into getting a hysterectomy. The risk of getting cancer is only 1%. The consequences of hysterectomy are huge ( your whole body will be affected and every day more negative effects of not having the uterus are being discovered) - The doctor may offer you drugs that will put you in menopause for 3 months and shrink the fibroid temporary. Then they will do a surgery to remove them or use any other treatment.... think about the consequences and take a smart decision. You can also start doing natural remedies. I know of many women who have cure themselves of fibroids. You need to lower your estrogen and raise the progesterone. Start by buying a progesterone cream ( In amazon they sell Emerita Pro-Gest Natural Progesterone Cream made of Mexican yam) , stop eating dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, all of them) , stop eating meat and reduce chicken. If you can afford eat only organic food. Estrogen are found in almost all processed food so if it comes in a package, try to avoid it. Also avoid food that are in plastic containers ( bottle of water, etc). Do not use plastics in the microwave... You need to take super hot bath for 15 minutes ( the hotter you can stand) in a bath at least 3 times a week before going to sleep. Only your body no the head. Try to relax and get in peace with yourself also... yoga is good. You will see results in months. If you can find a naturopathic doctors is even better.
