Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Birmingham, AL

How Are Fibroids Treated?

Uterine fibroids are an especially tricky and perplexing condition to have. A majority of the time, these non-cancerous tumors within the uterus will not present any symptoms at all, making them quite difficult to diagnose.

For others, symptoms of fibroids can cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding and intense pain. Women who experience daily struggles due to their fibroid symptoms are encouraged to seek treatment because these symptoms will likely only worsen as the fibroid(s) continue to grow even larger over time.

The board-certified OB/GYNs at Birmingham Obstetrics & Gynecology provide comprehensive treatment for fibroids. A specialist will evaluate your symptoms and may perform other tests to determine the best available treatment option. Contact our OBGYN office in Birmingham, AL if you have symptoms of fibroids or would like more information regarding treatment options. Request an appointment online today.

Lifestyle Changes

If you experience mild symptoms associated with your uterine fibroids, then you may be able to manage them with simple changes to your diet or daily routine. Some preliminary treatments to try at home include:

• Applying a hot compress to your lower abdomen several times a day can significantly reduce pain caused by uterine fibroids.
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers and blood thinners such as ibuprofen to reduce pressure and inflammation within the uterus can be quite helpful.
• Modifying your diet to cut out processed foods or foods that contain high levels of the estrogen hormone.

What are the Medications for Uterine Fibroids?

There are a variety of prescription medications that can be utilized to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can help to alleviate fibroid symptoms. Such medications can range from common forms of hormonal birth control to drugs specifically designed to treat uterine fibroids.

It should be noted that medications for fibroids are fairly new, meaning that their potential side effects are not entirely known.

What is a Myomectomy?

A myomectomy is the surgical removal of a fibroid. This treatment is ideal for those who have a fibroid that protrudes from the uterine wall. Any fibroid that is situated deep within the uterine tissue will be difficult to remove without causing significant damage or scarring to the uterus or the uterine lining.

What is a Hysterectomy?

Patients who experience especially severe complications as a result of their uterine fibroids may be recommended for a hysterectomy. This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus, which subsequently is the only way to guarantee a permanent reprieve from uterine fibroids and their symptoms.

This procedure is not recommended for women looking to preserve their fertility as there is no natural way to conceive and carry a child without a uterus. Many who choose to undergo a hysterectomy will consider it as a last resort after attempting other, less invasive treatment methods.