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Category Archives: Recent Fibroid Research

Dr. Parker will post summaries of recent fibroid research every week and will comment about the significance of the research and how it applies to women with fibroids. Feel free to add your comments or thoughts.

NOTE: Please click on the links below to read the full post.

Fibroids Effects on Pregnancy

fibroids rarely interfere with pregnancy and have no direct effect on the baby

Fibroid Research Update from the American Society of Reproductive Medicine Conference

New findings about what causes fibroids to grow and what possible treatments, diets, environmental changes might be used to reduce the health impact of fibroids.

Dr. Parker and Telesurgery

On November 19th, gynecologic surgeon William Parker, MD, performed live telesurgery from Saint John’s Health Center for the World Congress of Minimally Invasive Gynecology that was meeting in Orlando, Florida. The broadcast consisted of a laparoscopic myomectomy (remove uterine fibroids using a laparoscope) and was transmitted to an audience of over 1,000 gynecologists from over 60 countries who were attending the conference. See video here.

Mefipristone, a Medical Treatment for Fibroids, is Not Looking Good

Mefipristone was effective decreasing sympotms from fibroids, but it caused benign overgrowth of the uterine lining cells. While benign overgrowth does not turn into precancer or cancer, the worry is that longer treatment with Mefipristone could stimulate actual cancer cells to form. Further study will be needed, but this study is discouraging.

New Research on the Myths Regarding Instructions Doctors Give Following Surgery

Available studies of activity restrictions following surgery do not support many of the recommendations currently provided by doctors. Resumption of usual activities after gynecologic surgery helps integrate women back into normal life and, although more study is needed, they suggested more liberal recommendations after abdominal surgery

Uterine artery embolization for fibroids is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.

Women who get pregnant following UAE have higher risks of miscarriage and excessive bleeding after delivery.

Outcomes after Uterine artery Embolization for Pedunculated Subserosal Leiomyomas

UAE for subserosal pedunculated fibroids appears to be safe for most women, depending on the size of the fibroid and width of the stalk.

Quality of Life after Fibroid Embolization

Quality of life is very good after fibroid treatment with uterine fibroid embolization

What Size and Number of Fibroids Cause Symptoms that Lead to Treatment?

The Fibroid Growth Study: Determinants of Therapeutic Intervention.
Authors: Davis BJ, Haneke KE, Miner K, Kowalik A, Barrett JC, Peddada S, Baird DD. J
Journal: Women’s Health (Larchmt). 2009 May;18(5):725-32.
Study performed by: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA. Barbara.Davis@MPI.com
Problem: A common question in my office is “if these fibroids grow, [...]

A common blood clotting condition that can cause heavy periods and increase your risks of bleeding during surgery.

A blood condition commonly found in women , called von Willebrand disease, can cause heavy menstrual periods and also increase the risks of bleeding during surgery.

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Disclaimer: The ideas, procedures and suggestions contained on this web site are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision.

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