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Fibroids & Polyps: Diagnosis & Treatment
Feb 12, 2009
Fibroids & Polyps: Diagnosis & Treatment
Fibroids
Fibroids are often discovered during a pelvic exam. To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may ask you to have a trans-vaginal or pelvic ultrasound, an MRI, or an endometrial biopsy.
Although there are several ways to treat fibroids, most treatments affect fertility. Hormone therapy, uterine fibroid embolization, and a hysterectomy can treat the symptoms but are not recommended for women planning to get pregnant. Fibroids can grow back (except following a hysterectomy) so you may need to be treated more than once.
The only treatment for women who want to maintain their fertility is a surgical procedure called a myomectomy. This procedure preserves the uterus but removes the fibroids that are causing pain or excessive bleeding. A myomectomy can be performed in a number of ways. The type of myomectomy recommended depends on the type, size and location of your fibroids.
Polyps
Polyps are also usually found during a pelvic exam. There are several ways to confirm the diagnosis. A type of ultrasound called a sonohysterogram uses sterile water to open the uterine cavity and let the doctor see any polyps that are there. Another type of diagnostic test is a hysterosalpingogram which uses dye to open the uterus. An x-ray then shows if any polyps are in the uterus. A procedure called a hysteroscopy uses a thin telescope-like viewing device to look inside the uterus and confirm the presence of polyps.
If you have polyps, they can be treated during a hysteroscopy. Used not only for diagnosis but also for treatment, a hysteroscope lets the doctor remove the polyps. If the polyps are infected you may have to take an antibiotic after the procedure.
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I am a post-menoposal, early-60's woman; recently diagnosed w/an approximately 1 cm uterine polyp. Mostly asymptomatic w/occasional quick, stabbing pain on either side of uterus. Recommendation is for hysteroscopy/removal of polyp.
Since I have no serious symptoms, I'm wondering if "cure" will cause more problems than leaving it alone?
Hi Judy --
If you have a concern about the hysteroscopy, I encourage you to get a second opinion. I will add though that hysteroscopy is a pretty easy procedure for most women.
:)
Claire
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claire@fertilityauthority.com
Iam 63 years old. My doctor has been concerned with my case for about a year now. I first visited her with vaginal spotting. Lasted a few days. She gave me a pap and it was normal. 3 months later I had a D/C with a biopsy (normal). 3 months later after an exam she noticed a vaginal mass.
I then had a cat scan and she did a biopsy of the cervix. All test came back normal except that some of my cells were abnormal. Then she sent me to a cancer specialist. After a brief exam he suggested that I needed a Historectomy. My question is if this is a fibroid why can't this be removed without the surgery for historectomy.
I'm sorry, Bea. I know how scary this must be. I encourage you to go back to the specialist and ask these questions and ask about alternative treatment or talk to your regular doctor to discuss further options. It can be so hard to figure out what to do for our health but your doctor is there to support you! So remember she is a resource and that she also wants what's best for you!!!
Good luck!
Claire
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Need help with our site? Contact me at claire@fertilityauthority.com. I'm happy to help!
I encourage you to use homeopathic treatments. They work! Do not let your body be put through test after test and then a surgery. Homeopathic is the way to go!
I'm 28 years old and I was diagnosed with polyps about 2 years ago. I had a D&C to have them removed. Last year, the symptoms came back and I believe they came back. I would love to have children soon. What are some suggestions to get rid of them again and get pregnant soon.
Hi I am 40 years old I was diagnosed with fibroids 3 yrs ago...I have had 2 miscarriages in the last 2 years..I am still trying to have another baby. I get an transvaginal ultrasound every 6 months but they say the fibroid is calm and small..is there any chance I could have another baby.
I was is your sitiation. I recently had the myosure procedure which took less than 30 minutes. It's removes fibroids or polyps that grow inside your uterus. It's better than a D&C because they see what they are removing. Good luck and I wish you success in getting pregnant.
I am 55 years old and post-menapausal. I've had abnormal pap smears for years and the latest treatment I received was cryosurgery. Soon after I started have pain and bleeding after intercourse. My doctor discovered the reason is I now have a pretty large cervical polyp. I no longer have access to this doctor with no health insurance and want to know what affordable options are available to me. I also wonder if the cryosurgery actually caused the polyp.
hi i'm 38,have 4 kids .just found out that i have uterine pollips,should i be worried about cancer.
I am 34 years old, noticed within the last month and half that i am getting heavier in my abdomen. I have had 2 pregnancy tests which came back negative. In the last month i have gained almost 10 pounds. i just had my period which only lasted 2 days and normally it lasts about 4 days. my ultrasound saw a possible polyp about 7 centimetres, i will be seeing a gynacologist, but this is very concerning to me as i dont have any children and i am experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned. is there something else that i may have besides this?
I am 50 years old , last year i had a pelvis ultra sound. I was told that i had a fibroid and the only treatment was a hysterectomy, this year i had a cat-scan and was told that i had five fibroid tumors. I adbomen has grown large and i feel blotted most of the time. I heard that enzymes can cause them to shrink. Is this true?
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