Do you feel a bulge in your abdomen?
Do you feel pressure and pain when you button your pants?
Do you feel pain and pressure on your bladder, making you urinate often?
Do you feel constipated?
Do you experience back pain?
If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, your symptoms could be due to fibroids.
Fibroids can cause pain and pressure when they grow to large sizes. They can appear as a bulge in the abdomen and can press on muscles, nerves, the bladder, or the rectum. They can cause urinary frequency/urgency or constipation. Large fibroids that compress nerves can cause numbness and tingling. FIbroids near the tailbone can cause back pain.
Pain from Fibroids
Treatment options for Pain from fibroids
In order to treat fibroids that cause pain, one can either shrink the fibroid or remove it.
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.
Shrinking fibroids
Shrinking a fibroid can be done two ways:
Using a medication called Lupron
A procedure called uterine artery embolization (UAE). 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.
Fibroid removal
To remove large fibroids that are causing pain, surgery is also an option. There are 3 types of procedures that are most common:
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.
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.