A uterine fibroid is a benign growth in the womb, a condition that is so common that it affects almost 80% of women of childbearing age. While fibroids do not cause symptoms in most cases and are discovered accidentally, without requiring any treatment, there are cases in which fibroids can cause very severe symptoms, such as painful and very heavy periods as well as compromised fertility. There are several uterine fibroids Denver area treatment options available for the women diagnosed with the condition – here are some of the methods for the treatment of uterine fibroids:
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists – these medicines are recommended for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms and they act by discontinuing the production of the two major female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, inducing a temporary menopause. Without the hormones, the fibroids are likely to start shrinking or they might even disappear completely;
- Uterine artery embolization – the minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists involves the introduction of a catheter into the blood vessels that feeds the fibroids and the injection of tiny particles into the blood vessel to cut off the blood supply to the growth to cause it to shrink;
- Myomectomy – the surgical removal of the fibroids;
- Hysterectomy – the most radical treatment involves the removal of the uterus alone or of the uterus as well as of the ovaries.
