Fibroids

What to look for

• Incidence- Present in up to 70-80% of women by the time they are in their early 50s. The vast majority of these women do not have to be treated unless they have symptoms.
• Causes- Not completely understood, but they do appear to have genetic factors as well as hormonal and dietary factors. Fibroid growth is associated with estrogen which explains why symptoms tend to get better after the menopause.
• Symptoms-  Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Bulk-Related Symptoms- such as pressure and pain as well as urinary or rectal symptoms.
• Reproductive Symptoms- such as infertility, or obstetrical complications.

Treatment Options

Medication

Medication Includes hormonal treatments for symptom relief such as birth control pills, as well as injections/pills which reduce fibroid size and symptoms by having antiestrogen effects.

Uterine Artery Embolization

This procedure is performed by a specialized radiologist who obtains access to a major blood vessel through the groin (similar to a heart catheterization) and injects particles that shrink the size of the fibroid.  

Sonata and Acessa Radiofrequency Fibroid Ablation

This is a new outpatient incisionless radiofrequency ablation procedure which individually treats and shrinks fibroids. Dr. Balaloski was the first Central Ohio physician to offer this procedure. To see more, follow these links:

https://gynesonics.com/us/sonata-system/

https://gynsurgicalsolutions.com/patients/treatment-options/acessa/

Myomectomy

This procedure removes the fibroid without removing the uterus and can be often performed via robotic minimally invasive surgery, based on the size and location of the fibroid. This procedure is generally done to preserve fertility and improve chances of pregnancy.

Hysterectomy

For patients who have completed their childbearing, minimally invasive surgical options such as robotic, vaginal or laparoscopic surgery, can generally be performed with many patients being able to go home the same day.