Are you bleeding for more than 7 days every cycle?
Is your bleeding so heavy that you bleed through your underwear and clothes?
Are you embarrassed to be out in public during your period because of the bleeding?
Do you have to miss work because of heavy bleeding?
Do you plan your life around when your period comes?
Do you have to skip trips or vacation because you are on your period?
Have you had to get an iron or blood transfusion?
If you said yes to any of the above questions, your fibroids are significantly impacting your quality of life.
Bleeding from Fibroids
The location of your fibroid may influence what kinds of symptoms you are facing. Fibroids that are “submucosal” or inside the uterine cavity are the ones that often cause the most bleeding. Click HERE to learn more about how the location of the fibroid can influence bleeding.
Treatment options for heavy bleeding from fibroids
Natural treatment options
The first question many patients ask is “What can I do naturally to get rid of fibroids?” Click HERE to learn more about fibroids and diet.
Hormonal medications
Hormonal medications come in a variety of forms and can dramatically reduce bleeding with fibroids. These include birth control pills, the nuvaring, the birth control patch, the progesterone IUD, lysteda, lupron, depo provera, oriahn, and myfembree. There are risks and benefits to each of these options.
Minor surgical procedures
Minor surgical procedures can help with heavy bleeding. They are “same-day” procedures, meaning you do not need to stay overnight at the hospital. The recovery time is short and you can be back at work within a few days. These procedures include:
Hysteroscopy: This is a procedure where a camera is inserted into the uterine cavity to visualize the fibroids. The fibroids are then shaved off and removed. This procedure is perfect for submucosal fibroids or fibroids in the cavity. It is commonly performed prior to fertility treatments such as IVF. Learn more about it HERE.
Endometrial ablation: In this procedure, heat is applied to burn the lining of the uterus to minimize bleeding. Most women get a very light period or no period at all after this procedure. It is best for those who are not planning on having any more children. Learn more about it HERE.
Acessa procedure: This technology destroys the fibroid via radiofrequency ablation. Your surgeon can remove multiple fibroids between 2-10 cm in size. It is done via laparoscopy and it is also a “same-day” procedure. You can return to work within 3-5 days. Learn more about it HERE.
Uterine artery embolization: UAE is a procedure performed by a radiologist. Little particles are used to block blood supply to the uterine arteries. This cuts off blood supply to the uterus and can greatly reduced bleeding from fibroids. Click HERE to listen to an interview about UAE with an interventional radiologist.
Major surgical procedures
Perhaps you never want to deal with fibroids again, or you have tried multiple other treatment options already and they haven’t stopped your bleeding. There are two other surgical procedures to consider:
Myomectomy: This is an ideal option for those who are not finished having children. A myomectomy can be done via a robotic or open approach. In my practice, I do them robotically. With just 4-5 tiny incisions (about 8 mm each), large fibroids can be removed (even up to 14 cm). This is also an ideal treatment options for those with numerous fibroids who are trying to get pregnant. “Learn more about robotic surgery in these two videos: Part 1 & Part 2
Hysterectomy: This surgery involves removing the fibroids along with the uterus. The Fibroids can never grow back again. This procedure does not involve removing the ovaries. A hysterectomy does not put you into menopause. This can also be a “same-day” procedure. Recovery is between 4-6 weeks. Learn more about hysterectomies HERE.
Ready to enjoy a better quality of life?
To schedule an appointment over the phone, call Lamorinda Gynecology & Surgery at (925) 744-7473.
If you are not in CA, but would still like to consult with Dr. Prabakar, fibroid coaching may be right for you.