Alternatives to a Myomectomy

For women wishing to avoid a myomectomy, various treatment options exist. Observation, which consists of watching the growth of a fibroid over time, is one of the alternatives to a myomectomy. Another possibility is to treat uterine fibroids with medication. One of the possible surgical alternatives to a myomectomy is to burn the lining of the uterus with a laser to create a scar.

Myomectomy Information

Alternatives to a Myomectomy: An Overview

Several alternatives exist for the treatment of fibroids.

However, these alternatives to a myomectomy are not appropriate for every situation, and your doctor may have tried some or all of these methods already. Possible alternatives include:

Observation
Medication
Other surgical options.

Observation

Fibroids that are small, do not cause symptoms, or occur near menopause often do not require treatment. Watching the growth over a certain time period is one alternative to a myomectomy. This involves regular exams to monitor the growth of any fibroids, and possibly medication to treat the symptoms of fibroids you may have.

Medication

Another possible option is to treat uterine fibroids with medication. However, individual responses vary greatly, from no response at all to an 80 percent reduction in the size of the fibroid within the first three months. After stopping medication, fibroids gradually grow back to their original size within six months. Therefore, fibroid medication can be used to shrink them temporarily and to control bleeding to prepare for surgery.

(Alternatives to a Myomectomy Continued: Page 2)