If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids or think you may be experiencing symptoms of the ailment, you are not alone. Over half of all women experience uterine fibroids at some point in their life, and sometimes they don’t experience any symptoms at all until the condition reaches a critical stage.
You should know when you can be more prone to developing uterine fibroids than other women. For example, you have a higher risk to suffer from fibroids if you’ve never had children, are obese, started menstruating before age 10, or are of African-American descent.
The unfortunate truth for many women was that a hysterectomy was their only option for uterine fibroids surgery. However, as technology as progressed, less-invasive procedures have been developed to spare you from this major surgery. Here is a breakdown of all uterine fibroids treatment options, past and present:
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Classic treatments for uterine fibroids. Fibroid treatments vary depending on the size of your cyst. A laparoscopy is used for smaller ovarian cysts, in which a small incision is made above the navel to remove the fibroid. Larger, possibly cancerous cysts are removed in a more serious procedure called a laparotomy. The worst case scenario is a hysterectomy, which is a complete removal of the uterus.
New and improved treatments for uterine fibroids. With recent developments in the treatment of uterine fibroids, a hysterectomy is no longer needed. Radiofrequency ablation is an outpatient uterine fibroids surgery that allows you to go home a few hours after the procedure. Women can usually return to their normal everyday activities in about five to nine days. This is tremendous news for women who wish to avoid the harsh consequences of a hysterectomy and continue to lead a full, healthy life.
Be sure to talk to your doctor and understand all of your options when it comes to uterine fibroids surgery. Do not feel as if you are resigned to having a hysterectomy just because that used to be the most common treatment. There are other non-invasive ways to treat your condition and get back to feeling great as quickly as possible.