How are uterine fibroids treated?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Thai Bang - Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Depending on the status of uterine fibroids and the wishes and wishes of the patient, the doctor can choose the appropriate treatment method, in which the last option is hysterectomy.

Reduce the size of fibroids. Relieve disease symptoms such as pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, symptoms caused by fibroids. Currently, there are many methods of treating uterine fibroids, the doctor will choose the intervention method depending on the patient's condition and condition based on the following factors:
Size and location of fibroids: big or small Small, where is it? Accompanying symptoms: pain, bleeding, compression, infertility. Menopause status. Patient's wishes: desire to preserve uterus, cost, side effects....

2.1. Natural home treatment Some home remedies and natural methods can have positive effects on mild uterine fibroids such as: acupuncture, yoga, massage, using herbal remedies, hot compress when having menstrual pain.
In addition, dietary changes have also shown positive results, by limiting the use of meats and high-energy foods, increasing the intake of tuna, salmon and foods high in flavonoids such as green vegetables, green tea....
Patients also need to limit stress and lose weight if they are overweight or obese.
2.2. Treatment with drugs Doctors may prescribe medication to patients to regulate hormone levels in the body, reducing the condition of uterine fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) such as leuprolide (Lupron) will help lower estrogen and progesterone levels, reducing uterine fibroids and bleeding.
In addition, your doctor may use medication or other methods to control excessive menstrual bleeding and severe pain caused by uterine fibroids, such as:
Using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen; Inserting a birth control device into the uterus to release the hormone progestin; Use birth control pills. 2.3. Surgical treatment If you have fibroids that are too large or have multiple growths at the same time, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the fibroids. There are 2 types of surgery:
Open surgery: The doctor makes an incision in the abdomen to gain access to the uterus and remove the fibroids; Laparoscopic surgery: Surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision in the abdomen and the tumor is removed. After surgery, fibroids may continue to grow back. If your condition worsens or there are no other suitable treatments, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy. At this time, the patient can no longer become pregnant and give birth.

Some of the less invasive fibroid removal procedures used include:
3.1. Focused Ultrasound This is a new and non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to remove or destroy fibroids while preserving the uterus.
3.2. Destruction of fibroids During endoscopy, the doctor uses an electric current or laser to destroy the fibroid and constrict the blood vessels that supply the tumour. In addition, the method of Cryomyolysis using liquid nitrogen to coagulate tumors is also effective. However, the safety efficacy and associated risks of this treatment have yet to be determined.
3.3. Endometrial ablation The surgeon inserts an instrument into the uterine cavity, using heat, microwave energy, hot water, or an electric current to destroy the lining of the uterus. Endometrial ablation is an effective method of preventing bleeding.
3.4. Uterine artery embolization Uterine artery embolization is also known as embolization. This procedure cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and thereby relieve symptoms of the disease. This procedure does not cause an incision, so the recovery time is fast.

Currently, Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital has applied the laparoscopic method of uterine fibroid removal in the treatment of uterine fibroids. This method has a treatment efficiency of over 95% and is considered an advanced, modern and safe method for patients. After surgery, the patient recovered quickly and left no sequelae. The technique is performed by a team of experienced doctors of Vinmec Nha Trang.