Dear Dr.Parker:

I have just turned forty and I have recently had a pelvic ultrasound , which revealed four uterine fibroids, the largest being 8.6 cm in diameter (my uterus measuring 16 x 14 x 8cm).

I have never had children and have chosen not to in the future, my gynecologist suggested a hysterectomy based on that fact.  I am really scared about this, as I was only in the hospital the first time ever in my life in 2009 to have my gall bladder removed. I have a conctraceptive implant Implanon, heavy bleeding only two days a month, but this has improved while taking iron tablets and vit B12 injections as perscribed for anaemia.

After reading your  informative website, should I seek a second opinion?  As I am not keen on the idea of making such a rash decision, I wish to make the right one.

I thank you for your kind attention.

There should be many options available to you , as outlined on my website, including the option of no treatment since the fibroids do not sound like they are bothering you.   Hysterectomy should not be necessary and you should seek a second opinion from a gynecologist who can offer you the other options in order to see what is right for you.

See these webpages: http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/treatment-for-fibroids/

http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/laparoscopic-myomectomy/

http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/uterine-artery-embolization/

I hope you find this information helpful,

Bill Parker, MD

Is it possible to build up hemoglobin enough to be able to just wait and watch fibroids. My hemoglobin was 6.6 and is now 7.5 from taking iron supplements. My uterus is 6 times normal size with one fibroid the size of a softball, and numerous others. My doctor is strongly recommending a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I just found your website today, and it is the most helpful and informative site I’ve found. Thank you for your help.

-Cynthia

You did not say, but I assume the anemia is from heavy menstrual bleeding due to the fibroids. If so, it is unlikely that you will be able to correct the anemia because you will be losing blood every month. However, there are many other ways to help you other than hysterectomy. Depending on the size, number and positions of the fibroids, hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic/robotic myomectomy, endometrial ablation, abdominal myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization are alternatives. Myomectomy is always possible and should work just fine. You should discuss these options with your doctor, or consider getting a second opinion. Also, take a look at these web pages regarding alternatives;
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/laparoscopic-myomectomy/
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/abdominal-myomectomy/
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/hysteroscopic-myomectomy/

Bill Parker, MD

Dear Dr Parker

I found your site while researching the possible treatment for my fibroids.  Thank you for creating such an informative resource.

I am 50 this year and have had fibroids for some time which recently began to grow.  This week I had a uterine ultrasound and my doctor has told me I have about “a pound and a half” of fibroids in my uterus.  I’m afraid I don’t have specifics as he called me last night to just go through the test results.  He seems keen on surgery (hysterectomy) and I am not keen on that for the following reasons:

I have only recently started having minor discomfort in association with the fibroids, some heaviness and some changes in the need to urinate but nothing drastic.  My periods have become lighter recently with far less pain than in the past when the fibroids were probably smaller.

What would be an alternate choice of action to surgery at this point?   My doctor says they fibroids don’t seem to be interfering with urine flow but I would be happy to have my kidneys checked out to make sure all is well there.  I am worried that some doctors are just too prepared to perform major surgery when this may resolve itself after menopause.  Of course, if things get worse then I would reconsider the surgery option.Any advice?   Thanks so much again for offering your views on this issue to women who are looking for a balanced view.

T.S.

Hi T.S.,

It is very, very rare for fibroids to block the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder and the fibroids would have to huge to do this.  I cannot give medical advice over the internet, but since you are close to menopause you should ask your doctor about watchful waiting.  Myomectomy, removal of just the fibroids is always an option if the symptoms increase.  If the doctor persists with talk of a hysterectomy, then get a second opinion.  Thanks for the kind words about the website.

Bill Parker, MD

For more information about fibroids and surgery, please see:

http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/surgery-for-fibroids/