LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Fibroids: Treatments
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Fibroids are a common condition, causing symptoms in about 25% of cases. Their effect on fertility is debatable. A range of conservative treatments now exists for the management of these symptoms, some of which may improve the chances of conceiving, either following fertility treatment or natural conception. Careful investigation and evaluation is recommended, together with a full and frank discussion with your fertility specialist in order that an appropriate management plan can be developed, taking into account your age, symptoms, desire for further pregnancies and social factors such as the demands of a busy career and/or family.
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Fibroids can require emergency treatment if they cause sudden, sharp pelvic pain. But this is rare. In general, fibroids cause no problems and seldom require treatment. Medical therapy and surgical procedures can shrink or remove fibroids if they cause discomfort or troublesome symptoms.
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Fibroids can be diagnosed during a physical exam by your doctor. He or she can often feel an enlarged, irregular uterus. Your doctor may use other tests (ultrasound, hysterogram) to help confirm the diagnosis, and/or to determine the best treatment option for you.
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Focused Ultrasound Surgery — MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a new, FDA-approved treatment for fibroids. It involves destroying fibroid tissue with high intensity, focused ultrasound heat energy. The treatment takes place in an MRI machine, which gives live, "real-time" images of the uterus, allowing for progress to be monitored while the procedure is done. Only short-term outcome data is available, but MRgFUS appears to provide good symptom relief without incisions. In addition, it can be done on an outpatient basis. The treatment is not widely available since it is expensive, time consuming, and requires special equipment.
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Since UAE for the treatment of fibroids was first introduced in the United States five years ago, there has been exponential growth. During 2000 alone, over 4500 procedures were performed in this country, which is greater than the aggregate experience of the first four years. According to a survey conducted by SIR in October 2000, approximately 10,500 procedures have been documented worldwide. It is ... worth noting the rapid diffusion of this procedure from academic to non-academic settings as well as geographically, as UAE is currently being performed in 47 states and the District of Columbia. UAE offers great promise for patient care as a safer, less invasive treatment for fibroids.
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Science is starting to evaluate other options for treating fibroids, including the use of Lupron which may be beneficial for those who want to become pregnant or for women approaching menopause when fibroids often shrink naturally. Lupron shrinks fibroids in most women with continued use, but one drawback is that the fibroids will quickly grow back once treatment is stopped. Many informed women have chosen to monitor their consumption of environmental estrogens (xeno-estrogens) and use progesterone in cream form. This safe, natural alternative to surgery is gaining acceptance among many members of the medical profession.
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