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Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy

Description

An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of uterine fibroids

Alternative Names

Hysterectomy and uterine fibroids; Leiomyoma; Myoma

Highlights

Fibroids and Pregnancy

Fibroids can cause birth delivery complications for a mother and her baby. According to a 2006 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology , fibroids increase the risk of:

• Cesarean delivery (by 57%)
• Breech birth (by 64%)
• Preterm delivery (by 45%)
• Excessive bleeding after birth (by 157%)

Uterine Artery Embolization

• Uterine artery embolization (UAE), also called uterine fibroid embolization, is highly successful in shrinking fibroids and has few complications, according to several recent studies.
• Women who receive UAE have shorter hospital stays and miss fewer days of work than those who have hysterectomies or myomectomies.
• In the largest study to date, 85% of 1,700 women who underwent UAE reported symptom improvement; 82% were satisfied with the treatment.
• Although some studies have suggested that UAE does not harm fertility, experts do not currently recommend the procedure for women who may wish to become pregnant.

Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)

• MRgFUS is the newest type of non-invasive procedure. It uses a device that combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with ultrasound waves. The procedure cannot treat all types of fibroids and is appropriate only for women who do not wish to become pregnant.
• Recent studies indicate that MRgFUS successfully shrinks fibroids. A 2006 study in Fertility and Sterility reported that women had symptom improvement up to 1 year after the procedure. Researchers still need to evaluate longer-term outcomes.

Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy

Women who have their uterus surgically removed (hysterectomy) may experience fewer hot flashes than women who enter menopause naturally. However, women who have both ovaries removed (bilateral oophorectomy) and who do not take hormone replacement therapy may have more severe hot flashes compared with women who have a natural menopause.

• Review Date: 6/13/2006
• Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

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