Question: Is Hysterectomy My Only Surgical Choice for Treating Uterine Fibroid Tumors?
Answer: No. Hysterectomy is one of three choices for surgically treating uterine fibroid tumors. Surgical treatments for fibroid tumors should be carefully thought out and take place only when non-surgical and pharmaceutical treatments fail to provide relief.
Surgical treatments for uterine fibroid tumors include:
Endometrial ablation which uses either electrical or heat energy to destroy the lining of the uterus. This procedure is not for women who desire future pregnancy.
Myomectomy which surgically removes the fibroids without harming the uterus. Women who want to get pregnant should discuss the possibility of future pregnancy thoroughly with their physicians before choosing myomectomy.
Tip: An uncomplicated pregnancy with a vaginal delivery is possible even without treatment for uterine fibroid tumors.
Hysterectomy is the final choice for treating uterine fibroid tumors. Hysterectomy is the partial or complete removal of the uterus. Pregnancy is not possible after hysterectomy. Before choosing hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroid tumors, you should fully investigate all your options.
See also:
Non Surgical Treatments for Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Pharmaceutical Treatments for Fibroids
Sources:
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia; National Library of Medicine; Uterine Fibroid Tumors Treatment; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002090.htm; accessed 03/19/08
