Search Results for: blog treatment options for fibroids

Tests, Treatments, and Nerves

In case I haven’t harped upon this enough in the last few days, I’m having an ultrasound this afternoon. And I’m a little nervous. Long story short: after my recent pelvic exam, my doctor suspects I have fibroids. I’m having an ultrasound today to confirm the diagnosis, so we can figure out a treatment plan. I’m glad to know that there’s a reason for my monthly misery — irregular periods, painful cramps, and other symptoms. I’m glad to know there is a wide variety of treatment options available. But I’m still nervous about the test. Let’s be honest: I get … Continue reading →

My Crash Course in Fibroids

Chances are, you know a woman who’s experienced fibroids — growths of the uterus. These growths are pretty common; at least a quarter of women have signs of fibroids that can be detected on an ultrasound or with a physical examination. And if you didn’t know someone with fibroids before, you might know someone now. Yesterday, I had a physical with a pelvic examination. Fun times! Let’s just say that my uterus is not the best-behaved organ out there. In the last year or so, my periods have been very irregular and have come with terrible cramps and hormonal migraines. … Continue reading →

The Pregnancy Blog Review for May 15 – 26

The pregnancy blog review is a good place to see all the recent postings to the blog in one convenient place. I try to cover a wide range of topics related to infertility, conception, pregnancy, birth and the post partum weeks. Sperm count tests freak out a lot of men. Many balk at the thought of giving the sample in a crowded doctor’s office. For these men, home testing seems like the perfect solution, but is it? Learn more in Home Sperm Count Tests. Pregnancy and Your Cell Phone discusses recent research about the use of cell phones during pregnancy. … Continue reading →

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Fibroids are muscular tumors that are almost always benign. They can grow on the inside, outside or within the walls of the uterus. There are a few different treatment options. The best course of treatment will depend on your individual situation, so discuss the options with your doctor. There are some medicines that can be used to treat fibroids. Generally, injections of medications known as gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonists (GnRHa)are used. These inhibit gonadotropin releasing hormones and when you are on them, you won’t get a period. Lupron is one of the common drugs used. The problem with medications is … Continue reading →

My Mystery, Solved!

Did you miss me? I missed you! But my computer’s breakdown came at a pretty opportune time, as it gave me a few days to focus on my health. Here’s the latest news. First, a quick recap: a pelvic exam suggested that I might have fibroids. My doctor ordered an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis, but the results weren’t quite clear. I was handed off to a teaching clinic for more testing. Or so I thought. The doctor walked into the exam room and greeted me with a cheery, “So, you’re here to talk about surgery?” After I picked my … Continue reading →

Hurry Up and Wait

I’ve been joking lately that I’d like to take the next step in figuring out my health mystery soon — and not “soon” in dog years. Things feel like they’re moving very slowly. To recap: just before New Year’s, I had a physical and pelvic exam. Because my uterus was enlarged, the nurse midwife suspected I had fibroids. She ordered an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. But the ultrasound results were unclear… so the plan is to hand me off to a specialist for further testing. It hasn’t quite been a month since the pelvic exam and original diagnosis… but … Continue reading →

Alternatives to Hysterectomy

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Each year, approximately six hundred thousand women undergo surgery to remove the uterus — a hysterectomy. For many women with menstrual difficulties, hysterectomy seems like the best (or only) option. However, a study from UCLA found that nearly seventy percent of women could have been treated with non-surgical means — with equally positive results. In some cases — uterine cancer, for example — a hysterectomy is the best option. In other cases, you may want to investigate non-surgical alternatives. If you have heavy, painful periods but may want to become pregnant in the future, talk to your doctor about hormone … Continue reading →