What’s best for you?

Your treatment for uterine fibroids depends on several factors:

• Your symptoms
• Size and location of the fibroids
• Your desire to become pregnant
• Your age and how close to menopause you might be

Keep in mind that you might not be a candidate for the treatment you prefer. Ask questions and get a second opinion. Talk to a gynecologist and an interventional radiologist. For many women procedures other than open surgery are available.

Treatment

Definition

Advantage

Disadvantage

Medications

Hormones

Controls heavy bleeding
Can shrink fibroids

Short-term use
Can cause menopause-like symptoms

Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus

Completely cures fibroids

Long recovery time
Loss of ability to have children

Myomectomy

Surgical removal of the fibroids only

Uterus is spared Preserves ability to have children

Long recovery time depending on approach
New fibroids may develop

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Destruction of blood supply to the fibroids

Minimally invasive technique

Effect on fertility uncertain

MRI-Guided Ultrasound Surgery

Obliteration of fibroids using high intensity ultrasound waves

Non-surgical outpatient procedure

No long-term results available
Not reimbursed by most insurance companies