WOMEN’S HEALTH It can certainly be cause for alarm. You’ve discovered a lump in your abdominal area, which has prompted you to see your GP. After some poking and prodding and a few tests, you’re back in your doctor’s offi ce and the diagnosis is in. You have fi broids. Although the news comes as a relief (you’ve probably been imagining the worst case scenario for the past few days), you’re still wondering what kind of impact this will have on your plans to start a family someday. Well to understand the effect fi broids can have on your reproductive health, we should break it down and cover all the basics. Dr Alwyn Dunn of City Fertility Centre at Pindara Specialist Suites explains what fi broids are and what you can expect after a fi broids diagnosis. What are Fibroids? Fibroids (Uterine Leiomyoma) are benign pelvic tumours that affect up to 70% of women during their lifetime. Fibroids vary in size, and symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding in the form of heavy menstrual loss (HML); pelvic pressure; pain during intercourse and/ or diffi culty with urination and defecation, although many women with fi broids will not experience any symptoms at all. How are Fibroids Treated? Treatment options depend on the size, number and location of the fi broids and fertility ambitions of the woman. In the past, hysterectomy has been the surgical treatment of choice for fi broids; however, social changes and improvements in surgical techniques mean many women are choosing not to have a hysterectomy, preferring less invasive treatment options or options that will allow them to retain their fertility well into their forties. Medical Treatment The most commonly used medical management for fi broids is the Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (COCP) and the Progesterone Oral Contraceptive Pill (POCP). Epidemiological studies suggest that while the COCP and the POCP decrease the risk of developing clinically signifi cant fi broids, once fi broids are found to be present, many choose surgical treatment. Heavy menstrual bleeding that is often caused by fi broids can be managed with the use of a hormone-releasing intrauterine device (IUD), namely Mirena. This small contraceptive device is placed inside the uterus to prevent pregnancy, but can also work to reduce the growth of fi broids. GnRH agonists and Aromatase inhibitors are also other forms of medical treatment and while these are effective the side effects preclude long-term treatment. Surgical Treatment Traditionally, the surgical alternative to hysterectomy was an abdominal myomectomy. Clinical studies show this to be a safe and effective treatment option for fi broids. While the risk of serious complications is low (less than one percent) and comparable to a hysterectomy, pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 47
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue One
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