The most common reason hysterectomy is performed is for fibroids. Most fibroids don’t cause any symptoms and rarely cause a true medical problem. But if you had symptoms that were more than annoying, if they really impacted your ability to function, there would be no reason to undergo a hysterectomy. If you are told that a hysterectomy is your only choice to treat symptomatic fibroids, find another doctor who has the skill to perform a myomectomy, and who will respect your decision to choose the treatment that you think will be best for you. It’s your body, you always have the right to refuse treatment.
Here is basic fibroid information that can help you decide if what you have is a true medical problem or if it’s really a nuisance.
Fibroids are benign growths of muscle and connective tissue that grow until you reach menopause. Then they slowly and gradually shrink to a negligible size, at which time they will become small and calcified. Less than 1% of fibroids are cancer, a leiomyosarcoma.
The average size of the uterus including fibroids in the late thirties to early forties is a ten to twelve week pregnancy size (about 13cm in the largest dimension), in the middle forties fourteen to sixteen weeks is average (about 17cm in the largest dimension), and in the late forties to early fifties eighteen to twenty weeks is average (about 21cm in the largest dimension).
Fibroids have two rapid growth spurts that are natural, predictable, and not a cause for alarm. The first rapid growth spurt is in the late thirties to early forties. Then you have a few years of slower growth. Right before you go through menopause, when you have the hormone changes associated with the beginning of menopause, you have the second and last rapid growth spurt. Then the fibroids slowly and gradually shrink to a negligible size.
You develop all of the new fibroids you are going to have in your 30’s you do not develop new fibroids in your 40’s. Both estrogens and progesterone stimulate fibroid growth. Many women use the so called “natural” progesterone yam cream that promoters claim shrinks fibroids, but in fact it makes them grow.
Fibroids are not a disease, they are your genetic blueprint. If you can live with the symptoms it would probably be better than unnecessary intervention of any kind. If you cannot live with the symptoms a myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids leaving the uterus intact, is a reasonable option. Even in the case of leiomyosarcoma, some women choose myomectomy, if the leiomyosarcoma is in the wall of the uterus, and not attached to a ligament.
This blog provides invaluable insights into treating fibroids without resorting to hysterectomy. The expert advice and alternative options highlighted are enlightening and empowering for those seeking non-invasive solutions. Thank you for sharing such essential information!
This article is a refreshing reminder that hysterectomy isn’t always necessary for treating fibroids. It’s empowering to know there are alternative treatments available that preserve fertility and quality of life. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic!
This blog on fibroids offers a refreshing perspective, debunking the notion that hysterectomy is always necessary. It’s empowering to know there are alternative treatments. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic and advocating for informed choices in women’s healthcare.
I have a friend who has a fibroid the size of 23.5 cm and also have multiple fibroids. Two other fibrods measuring 8cm and 3cm. She is 39 years old and umarried and no children. The doctor said the only option is to do a hysterectomy. Are there any other options available?
When fibroids are measured during an imaging study such as an ultrasound the radiologist reports the overall size of the uterus including the fibroids. The overall size of your friends’ uterus may have been 23.5cm. It is also possible that she has a single fibroid that size. The largest fibroid I have seen in the last 38 years was 34cm, so it is possible. Regardless of the size or number of fibroids your friend has, if she has the right doctor they can perform a myomectomy and remove only her fibroids, not her uterus. You might want to suggest that she go to HERS website’s homepage at http://www.hersfoundation.org and click on the fibroids link. She can also contact HERS by phone 610-667-7757.
I am a 39 year woman with 28.5 cm fibroid along with alot of multiple fibroids. I also have two measuring 8cm and 3cm. I also have blocked fallopian tubes. I was told that a hysterectomy is my only option. I am unmarried and no children. Is there any hope for me instead of doing a hysterectomy?
Sheisha,
Please read my reply to the comment just before your comment. There is no reason for you to undergo a hysterectomy unless you have the wrong doctor.
Desiree,
Was the intramural mass diagnosed as a fibroid? If so, the location in the middle layer of the uterus, will not interfere with conception or carrying a pregnancy to term. The location of a fibroid that would interfere with conceiving is submucosal, it is in the inside, endometrial layer of the uterus. If you had a submucosal fibroid and you did conceive it would be likely that you would have a miscarriage in the first trimester.
I was told I have an anterior Intramural mass 1.5 cm can this cause infertility, I am 44 going on 45 BTW.
Nora Coffey, the president of HERS Foundation, a women’s health advocacy group based in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, which has counseled women since 1982, stresses that women need more accurate and clear advice about the female anatomy. (HERS stands for Hysterectomy Education Resources and Services.)
Hello Hers Foundation,
I am 46 years,recently diagnosed with multiple fibroid,Uterus Measured 12.8*5.3*4.5 CMS
Ultrasound reports are as below,Endomaterial Thickness 17.1 MM
Right Ovary Measured 4.0*2.5CMS,Right Ovary appeared Normal
Left Ovary Appeared Normal,Right adnexa appeared normal,Left adnexa appeared normal
Impression
Left Renal Calculus
Thickned Endometrium
Bulky Fibroid Uterus
I met a very famous gynec in Bangalore and she sounded we can go for laproscopic Myomectomy,however her assistant was not supportive she scared me saying chances of cancer is high,she can keep me on Lupron for few months and I should be ready mentally for hysterctomy as I am already crossed child bearing age,but i was not satisfied so i went to another surgeon and she says she will save my uterus by performing abdominal myomectomy,is it safe to undergo myomectomy ass in my case?
And i have symptomatic fibroids,the problem only started recently when I started to Alcohol almost everyday!
Now I left alcohol,i am pure veggie and on protein diet,as I am single for most of the years now I want to get married and want to save my uterus,in any case i am much scared.Kindly help me with your advise
Anu,
Where do you live? I suggest that you go to HERS website and read about fibroids. You can also call HERS at 610-667-7757 to speak with a counselor. While on the website you fill out the contact form and HERS will email information about fibroids.
Nora W Coffey
President, HERS Foundation
Hello Nora,
I live in INdia IN Bangalore
Thanks
i am 38 years and i have done my c-section on last year august. i háve calcified fibriod postèior wall of measuring 7.40×6.66 cm. dr suggest myomectomy could be tried if unsuccessful hystuctomy on 15 of Dec 18. pl suggest.
Manju,
Email HERS at HERS@hersfoundation.org or call 610-667-7757 to receive information by email or to schedule a telephone appointment to speak with a counselor. You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
Manju,
It is not clear if you are experiencing any problems related to the fibroid. Due to the complexity of the issues and need for clarification, you may want to email HERS at HERS@hersfoundation.org or call 610-667-7757.
The scan reports say: the uterus is anteverted and bulky measuring 16×10cm. There are multiple ( at least six) intramural uterine lesions in the anterior and posterior walls, the largest is seen in the mid posterior wall (6.5×5.0cm) which is multiple Uterine fibroid.
Please what is the best treatment for a married woman who want to have children? Thank you
Doris,
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. Are your fibroids causing you any problems, such as extremely heavy menstrual bleeding or pain? If your obstetrician is concerned about you conceiving and be able to carry a pregnancy to term, you can undergo a myomectomy, the surgical removal of the fibroids that leaves the uterus intact. If you would like more information about about fibroids and doctors who are skilled at performing myomectomy, contact the HERS Foundation by phone at 610-667-7757 or email hers@hersfoundation.org. You may also find the information on HERS Homepage, http://www.hersfoundation.org helpful. On HERS scroll down to the Fibroids link.
I’m 47 years old was given zolladex injection in September 2018 to shrink fibroid since that time to-date have not receive my periods. Please assist me so that I can receive back my period
Jano,
The first thing I would is to find a good acupuncturist, someone who studied Japanese or Chinese acupuncture. If you do not know of anyone, contact the Acupuncture Society http://www.asacu.org/ and ask if they recommend someone who treats endocrine imbalance. You should expect some positive results after five or six treatments. If it does not help, then I would try a low dose progesterone for a month or two. Please let us know what happens.
Nora
Nora W Coffey, HERS Foundation
Hi Sevi,
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. Have you considered a myomectomy, removal of the fibroids and leaving the uterus intact.
I suggest that you go to HERS website http://www.hersfoundation.org. On the Homepage scroll down to the "Fibroids" link. After reading that information, go up to the navigation bar and click on "Female Anatomy", then the "Adverse Effects Data".
If you would like information sent to you by email, when you go the HERS Homepage click on "Contact".
Nora W Coffey
President, HERS Foundation
I too have refused a hysterectomy. The nurse practioner made it clear that nothing would be done to make me more comfortable before,during or after the surgery. Her exact quote is everything is up to the surgeon. So, I said that I would be stupid if I agreed to sign the paper and did not.
i have a double uterus and double cervix and the gp says hystermatie is the only option because of the double uterus. Also i have one huge fibroid slightly bigger the a largte grapefruit and several others one orange size several smaller ones. They are in one giant mass. I am 41 I really do not want an hysterotomy or a least wait a couple more years until I do. I do bleed pretty bad for three days and 4 more lot less. If I take iron I feel fine. My bladder and bowels work fine. Any ideas it is hard to find info on double uterus. Also their mri doctor thought is a small % chance the larger one might be cancer do to size but the mri doctor felt it was probably not.
Eight days ago I received my ultrasound regarding my fibroids and would like to share with you. I would like to know if there is anything I need to do.
The uterus measures 18.0 x 9.2 x 10.0 cm on transabdominal imaging. The uterus has a hypoechoic and heterogeneous echotexture. Two hyperechoic ill-defined masses adjacent to each other that appear to be in the lower posterior wall measures 3.7 x 4.0 x 5.6 cm and 2.4 x 3.1 x 2.7 cm. These are most consistent with intramural fibroids and may contain tiny echogenic calcifications. A larger mass arising from the fundal region posteriorly measures approximately 13.0 x 12.0 x 8.7 cm and is most consistent with a subserosal or pedunculated fibroid. This largest resumed fibroid appears to have measured 8.3 x 8.1 x 8.5 cm on exam from 2015. The endometrial stripe measures 10 mm which is abnormally thickened in a postmenopausal patient. Anteverted.
The right ovary measures 3.4 x 2.3 x 2.4 cm on transvaginal imaging. A hypoechoic structure
within the right ovary measures 2.1 x 1.3 x 1.3 cm and may have been present on previous
ultrasound. Otherwise, unremarkable without evidence of torsion.
The left ovary measures 3.2 x 3.6 x 2.4 cm on transvaginal imaging. A somewhat hyperechoic
heterogeneous structure within the left ovary measuring 3.1 x 1.6 x 1.9 cm is poorly
characterized on this exam. Otherwise, unremarkable without evidence of torsion.
The left ovary measures 3.2 x 3.6 x 2.4 cm on transvaginal imaging. A somewhat hyperechoic
heterogeneous structure within the left ovary measuring 3.1 x 1.6 x 1.9 cm is poorly
characterized on this exam. Otherwise, unremarkable without evidence of torsion.
There is no free fluid in the pelvis.
Enlarged multi fibroid uterus the largest of which arises from the fundal region measuring up to
13 cm and may be pedunculated. Note, a leiomyosarcoma cannot be ruled out based on this exam.
Suggest continued ultrasound surveillance to evaluate stability of findings.
Thickened endometrial stripe in a postmenopausal patient. Neoplasia/malignancy is the diagnosis
of exclusion. Alternatively, findings could reflect hyperplasia or may be physiologic in
nature. Recommend gynecological consultation and careful follow-up.
Limited images of the ovaries show no evidence of torsion. However, there is suggestion of
a hypoechoic structure within the right ovary and a hyperechoic structure in the left ovary.
The finding in the right ovary may have been present on prior exam. Both are incompletely
characterized and could reflect normal ovarian parenchyma. These may be better assessed with MRI without and with IV contrast. Otherwise, continued ultrasound surveillance is recommended.
So, should I have a reason to be concerned with this report?
Hi,
Thank you so much for your quick response. Sure, I will get in touch with the telephone contact. Thank you very much for your services, this helps a lot to women who are suffering and a great relief to hear something positive in response.
Anonymous,
Please post your comments with an alias if you prefer to be anonymous. That way responses can be directed to you.
Due to the complexity of the issues it would be preferable for you to contact the HERS Foundation directly by phone at 610-667-7757 or by email at HERS@hersfoundation.org. You can schedule a telephone appointment to discuss these issues with a counselor.
A small submucosal fibroid such as the one that you have can be shelled out with a hysteroscope (a long periscope like instrument that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. The gynecologist chips away at the fibroid until nothing remains but the shell. If you have the submucosal fibroid removed in this way it may significantly increase your chances of conceiving and carrying to term without any fertility treatment.
Hi,
I have been suffering from heavy bleeding and clots during cycles even though my cycles are regular and on time. My scanning reports showing fibroid of 1.5cm. One radiologist say this is submucosal and some other radiologist say this is subserosal. My recent ultrasound scan done through transvesical & transvaginal approaches report shows that fibroid of 1.5cm diameter in the right lateral wall intramurally. My periods are very painful, heavy pain in the lower abdominal for at least 2 days during the clots get released. I'm unable to conceive as well. My Gynaecologist suggested me to go through IUI, but before going for further on fertility related treatments I would like to check whether this fibroid can be removed or not. Please advice.
hi i m 26 yrs old n want to ask is 11*8.5cm fibroid dagerous? n if thei are other natural ways to shrink out?? as i dnt wann do surgery..
Has anyone had a hysterectomy in Australia at Sydney NSW at the Royal Hospital for Women? Professor Bill Ledger was involved and gave me a hysterectomy without informed consent. Please contact me at emmagraciella@hotmail.com
He now will not take any responsibility and said there were no other options as my fibroids were large and would have killed me. I want to know if anyone has any information for large fibroids. I was 52 years old at the time and now have horrific life. Emma
HI, I am 51 years old and have a 4.6 cm fibroid. I do have lower left pain off and on, especially during my period. My abdomen swells during this time then goes back down after my period ends. I just saw my obgyn last week who wants to do a repeat ultrasound in June. I had one just in the middle of this month, March. First thing she said to me is that I could have a hysterectomy. Now that left me in a panic state. I didn't expect that. I'm usually a pretty calm and level headed person. WOW! I don't have heavy bleeding at all. I am basically regular as far as the timing of my period goes. I have read all the comments on this link and appreciate the fact that I can do so. Here is where I am incredibly confused. I have gone to other sites where woman over the age of 50, and there a so many, who are reporting that they are in menopause or post menopause and are still having problems with their fibroids. From what I have read here, fibroids are supposed to shrink and stop growing, and yet all of these women are experiencing so many issues with their fibroids even after menopause. Many are having hysterectomies. Many of them say that their fibroids never shrank, some reported getting larger. My sister is a nurse and told me that I shouldn't even consider a hysterectomy. I'm not even sure really how big a fibroid is at a measurement of 4 x 6. Again, so very confused from what I have read in regards to these women fifty and over and what they are experiencing after reading all that I have read on this site. I would so very much appreciate if someone from HERS could set me clear/straight on this. This website is incredible. I am again thankful to have found it and to be able to read and learn through other women's ordeals. Thank you all.
Hi Sats,
You have done a good job managing your fibroids. It is helpful to have a gynecologist who understands and is supportive of your determination to keep your female organs where they belong, in your body.
The size of your uterus is 17 weeks, which includes the fibroids, is average for your age. If they were larger it would not indicate a health issue, it would just mean the size is above average.
The fibroids that show specks of calcification will eventually shrink and be completely calcified. The two fibroids that are causing you to have some discomfort will also go through the same process. As long as the symptoms are an annoying nuisance, I would not be concerned. It will be easier to tolerate the discomfort if you keep in mind that they are going to shrink to a negligible size after menopause, and you will not be bothered by them again.
You did not mention having unusually heavy bleeding with large blood clots (a symptom often experienced when there is a submucosal fibroid, even when it is very small). Let us know if that does occur, and let's talk about how the symptoms can be managed.
Hi HERS Foundation,
Thank you so much for being there for us women from all over the world fighting to retain our uterus. I am 45 years old Indian and have been managing fibroids for the past decade. I consult a male gynec who is very supportive of my decision. I would like to share the most recent B-mode ultrasonography of pelvis report to get your opinion also:
Uterus is enlarged – 16.4 X 9.4 cms
8.8 X 5.4 X 5.1 cms lobulated fibroid in anterior wall
two fibroids 3.0 X 2.7 and 2.3 X 2.5 cms in the anterior wall and lower part of uterine corpus
two fibroids 5.5 X 8.8 and 5.5 X 4.5 are seen in the upper fundus, anterior wall
5.2 X 4.7 cms fibroid in posterior wall and fundal region
3.7 X 2.5 posterior wall
4.3 X 4.1 cms on left lateral wall
A small submucous fibroid 1.5cm is invading the cavity in the fundus
ALL fibroids except the two in the upper fundus, anterior wall shows specks of calcification
endometrial thicness is 5.7mm. No evidence of pressure effect on the ureturs
I feel a little discomfort just below the ribs for past couple of weeks and bloated. I practice yoga and consume organic vegetarian foods and my iron level is 13.5.
Please suggest if I am following the right course.
Thanks
Sats
Hi , I've been having symptoms for quite a few months now. Mainly pain in my right kidney every morning when I wake up and the feeling of wanting to go for a wee constantly! I was surprised to hear that my kidney was ok but I do have a 9cm x 6cm fundal submucosal fibroid. My uterus is very bulking and periods are extreme heavy but don't last long. I'm done with having children but just wanted to know the best option for treatment. I sometimes think a hysterectomy will be a good thing (no more periods/ contraception/ and no more cancer worries as my mum had cancer of the womb at its always a worry for me).
If your fibroids do not cause you but annoying symptoms, or no symptoms, there is no reason to do anything about them. The fibroids will grow until you reach menopause, then they will slowly shrink to a negligible size. It is important to know that fibroids have a rapid growth spurt right before you go through menopause, it is natural and not a cause for concern.
You may find it helpful to go to HERS Homepage, http://www.hersfoundation.org, and scroll down to the "Fibroids" link for more detailed information.
You can also contact HERS at 610-667-7757 to speak with a counselor or to request information by email.
Great reading. I am 57 years old and was told I needed a hysterectomy because my Fibroid was huge and has cause my uterus to enlarge. I am going through menopause now. My questions is can I live with these firboid forever.
Leiomyomasarcoma victim,
HERS has counseled a small number (leiomyosarcoma is not common) women who had fibroids that were leiomyoasarcoma removed successfully. One of them conceived and carried the pregnancy to term and she delivered a healthy baby. Leiomyosarcoma need not be a death sentence, unless a hysterectomy is performed using a morcellator.
You are right, you cannot guarantee that a fibroid, breast lump, or any other lump or mass or tissue in the body does not have cancer. however, there are some differences in the appearance of a fibroid vs a leiomyosarcoma with an ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. Benign fibroids are lobulated and leiomyosarcoma are a perfect sphere. That may not be true 100% of the time, but there is a high degree of probability that it will be.
Some women who were not diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma prior to surgery may not have had the imaging studies (if they were done, it may have been missed by the radiologist's interpretation of the findings, or both the radiologist and gynecologist may not have realized that the difference in appearance had significance.
HERS wishes you continued good health in your recuperation from your surgery.
I cannot believe that this article has said that even women with Leiomyosarcoma can have a myomectomy. This is not true. Yes they can have a myomectomy (total negligence) but only if they are prepared for a death sentence. Sarcomas need to be removed whole with clear margins. It is well proven that if a women has a myomectomy or a minimally invasive hysterectomy for fibroids which turns out to be a Leiomyosarcoma then the risk of reoccurrence is increase and the chances of death are dramatically increased too. Doctors can not tell the difference between fibroids and Leiomyosarcoma until the specimen/uterus have been removed and examined under a microscope. Sympathetic fibroids could potentially be Leiomyosarcoma and this needs to highlighted. Too many women with Leiomyosarcoma are misdiagnosed as benign fibroids without biopsy. These women are then offered myomectomy or a minimally invasive hysterectomy which could end up giving them a death sentence. Leiomyosarcoma is more common than your dr will tell you. 1:350 in women with symptomatic fibroids and much much higher in menopause. Ladies please be aware and do your research. It's only definitely a fibroid once it's examined under a microscope and until then it could be a Leiomyosarcoma
Not. I had an ultrasound that couldn't see the fibroid very well as there can see an unknown mass, then I had a MRI unfortunately I reacted badly to the muscle relaxer vascopan and ended up in heart unit looking anfrer my heart. As I had a reaction and tachi. The second MRI I had was without dye so they can't see everything but apparently I do have an unknown mass and the doctor told me "or your fibroid is a funny shape or something isn't right there" so he suggested to have the fibroid removed or an hysterectomy…..
Hi Paula,
HERS counsels women from all over the world. It may mean that you have to get up very early in the morning, or call late in the evening, but HERS will do what we can to help make it work for you.
You can have fibroids and other conditions of the uterus at simultaneously. Each condition should be diagnosed and treated separately. Were you diagnosed with fibroids by ultrasound, and with uterine or endometrial cancer by endometrial biopsy or D&C? If you have had a biopsy or D&C, you can email the Pathology Report to HERS at HERS@hersfoundation.org, If you have had an ultrasound you can email the Radiology Report, too. Then call or email HERS at 610-667-7757 (email address is above) to schedule a telephone appointment to review your records with me and discuss the options in treatment for your diagnosis.
Thank you , I am in London so it's harder to contact you on the phone, plus one more thing that nobody mention as far as I read, is possible to hsve a fibroid and uterus cancer at the same time?
You may find it helpful to read more detailed information about fibroids at hers@hersfoundation.org. On the Home page scroll down to the "Fibroids" link.
Fibroids have a rapid growth spurt just before menopause. That may explain what seems like rapid growth. There are many other possibilities, including an error on the earlier MRI or ultrasound report, they may have measured a different fibroid than the one that was measured four years ago.
If you would like to discuss whether any surgery or treatment are needed and the factors that may have contributed to the fibroid growth, you can contact HERS at 610-667-7757 and schedule a telephone appointment to speak with a counselor about these issues and a physician referral, if you need one.
Hello , I just had the results of my MRI after an ultrasound that showed my fibroid of 4years increased from 7cm to 17cm,I notice in your forum that almost nobody had this size…I am 52 and really confused as yes! my doc told me that there is mass that they can't tell what it's so it's better to remove part of the womb to remove it and make sure is nothing left in case of possible cancer of the uterus or if I prefer to put a camera into the uterus and see.
Any ideas on this???
Anonymous,
In numerous places on HERS website you will see that the functions of the uterus and the ovaries is clearly defined. Total hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus, partial hysterectomy is removal of the body of the uterus leaving a stump of the cervix, and oophorectomy is removal of the ovaries, the female gonads. Removal of the female gonads is castration.
HERS goal is to provide full, accurate information about the life long important functions of both the uterus and the ovaries. We have provided information to 1,600,000 people world wide. including telephone counseling, email written materials, conferences, work on Hysterectomy Informed Consent legislation, videos and numerous projects to advance the understanding of the critically important functions of the uterus and ovaries.
The vast majority of the adverse effects of hysterectomy occur even when the ovaries are not removed. It is a common misperception perpetuated by myth that removing the uterus and leaving the ovaries has only minor consequences. If you go to HERS website and click on "Adverse Effects Data" and scroll down to the three Charts that report what women experienced when only the uterus, the uterus and one ovary, and the uterus and both ovaries were removed.
It is in your best interest to research this information before making your final decision. Hysterectomy can only be done, it cannot be undone. Exercising is a good idea for everyone well enough to do it, but if you consider that the uterus is a hormone responsive reproductive sex organ that provides structural support to the bladder and bowel. No matter how much you exercise and strengthen every muscle in your body, it cannot change the fact that the bowel will drift down into an abnormal location that allows them to press against the bladder and when there is stool in bowel they will push into the top of the vagina making defecation difficult unless you put your finger in your vagina and lift the bowel so that the feces will be redirected to the rectum.
I did heteroscopy myomectomy yesterday but after cutting the root from my uterus the fibroid (2cm) couldnt pass through my cervix because it was too tight. the Dr then put some tablet in Thierry for it to soften my cervix and told me it will come out on its own. it's past 24hours now and yet to come out. please what should I do?
Ofelia, HERS agrees that every woman has a right to decide what she, and will not, allow to be done to her body by making a fully informed decision. HERS provides the information that women need and are not receiving from gynecologists. You need information about alternatives in treatment for your symptoms or diagnosis and the well documented consequences of having the female organs removed.
You said, "Women should strengthen their muscles by doing daily exercises, that may help prevent some of the potential risks associated with losing uterine support." Unfortunately, when the ligaments that support the uterus and pelvis are severed, the blood supply to the uterus is severed and the blood flow to the pelvis is diminished and the nerves that innervate the uterus, clitoris, labia and vagina are severed there is less, and sometimes little or no sensation from the waist to mid-thigh. Exercise is usually healthy and builds strong bones and muscles, but it cannot restore the nerves, blood supply and structural support that the ligaments provided before they were severed from the uterus. You also cannot restore sexual feeling and uterine orgasm by any amount of exercise or positive attitude. Would anyone expect a man whose penis and testicles and been amputated that he could improve or restore his sexual sensation and orgasm with exercise?
Kudos to the hysterectomized women who post about their post-hysterectomy experience. It takes time, energy and courage to tell others how hysterectomy changed their bodies and their lives.
My problem with HERS and some of the other comments is when ovary removal is tied to the mention of hysterectomy. Ovaries and uterus are different organs with different hormones. No woman should have her Ovaries removes at any age unless there is cancer. A lot of the negative effects discussed involve the removal of Ovaries. In terms of the potential risks to your bladder or intestines etc, everything has a risk. Every procedure. Women should strengthen their muscles by doing daily exercises, that may help prevent some of the potential risks associated with losing uterine support. The bottom line is, there is no right or wrong answer. It is a personal decision. At 43 and after 2 myomectomy i've decided that now that I have ever a NEW fibroid (which BTW appeared in the last 9 months and has already grown to 8cm),i have decided to have a hysterectomy keeping my ovary.
I agree with the people that posted to keep an open mind about hysterectomy. Third time I will have surgery for a fibroid. I'mean 43 almost 44 and developed a new fibroid that has grown to 8 cm imy only 9 months. My previous surgeries were for fibroids 10+cm. I was also told that new fibroids don't appear after the age of 40, this is not necessarily true. I know of a friend of mine that developed a new one at the age of 41. We both had abdominal surgeries with one of the best surgeons in NY. Therefore, my point is that NO, NOT, all sizes fit all.
I have had 3 operations that removed fibroids at the age of 39.
According to your site you can't grow more. What absolute nonsense. I'm now almost 43 and I've got more and they have grown very rapidly.
I appreciate that you're trying to save women from an unnecessary hysterectomy, however, you down play the impact fibroid can have. They are not mildly annoying, they are having a hugely negative impact on my life AND you can end up with more fibroid even after a myomectomy or three.
Misinformation is dangerous and as someone that ended up incredibly ill and needing two infusions as I had NO iron left in my body due to heavy blood loss caused by fibroids, I find your statements somewhat alarming. No medical experts uses the words always and as everyone is different, you may as well claim that no one ever has a problem period, they'really all exactly the same because they're all periods.
Thanks for all the information. It is comforting to know I'm not alone. I appreciate everyone sharing. I feel better psychologically knowing I don't have to be a guinea pig mainly for a president's practice. I am told my hysterectomy would be performed by a surgeon based on what day of the week it is. I have an adenomyoma around 8-10cm around the size of a plum.I have been reluctant because I only need a cyst removed. Is it wrong of me not to financially support an unnecessary surgery. I'm glad to know it is best to take an assertive perspective on protecting my life. I have several other medical issues that would endanger my life if I have a hysterectomy. I'm diabetic with an enlarged spleen with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. I'm going to speak with a Gynecologist whom I can trust and know who will remove my cyst. I've been made aware that the hole where your uterus and all once were could make it more probable that one's bladder may fall. Therefore, you then may need to have a bladder sling or have it tacted up.
Hi
I have bulky anteverted uterus of size 19,11×9.5 cm in size with intramural fibroid 30×23.6,12.4 ×9.5 in size.
What should be my next step??
Colleen,
Email HERS at HERS@hersfoundation.org or call 610-667-7757.
Thanks, but i am bleading and have been for over two weeks now. Its like the flood gates open and also clumps of blood. I had about 3 periods in 2014 and spotted once about a year ago. Im thinking, only thinking, that my bleading if caused by the fibroids. If tht is the case will the bleeding stop after a while? and again thank you and I appreciate your help! —Colleen
Colleen,
Since you have had no bleeding for a year, it is unlikely the spotting is related to your fibroids. It may be typical bleeding that many women experience as they go through menopause. You are menopausal when you have a full year without bleeding.
If you are concerned, you might want to ask your family doctor, primary care doctor or gynecologist to give you a written order for a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound to evaluate the pelvis. It will show if the endometrium is a normal thickness. If it is, you are most likely experiencing normal spotting during peri-menopause.
For more information go to HERS Homepage http://www.hersfoundation.org.
I
Hi, i am 51 and haven't had a period for about a year. I started spotting about 4 weeks ago and now for the last 2 weeks i have been bleeding and changing my taps every hour or so. I wasdiagnosed with fibroids, but have no other symptoms except for this building I am having now. I haven't been to the doctor yet so I'm wondering will the bleeding stop if it is fibroids? or will I have to end up going to the doctor?
Hi my name is whitney i im 27 i have two kids and i justfound out that i have fibroids i had all the sign for year and never new what was going on with my body i would like someone to talk to who know what im going thru
Hi my name is whitney i im 27 i have two kids and i justfound out that i have fibroids i had all the sign for year and never new what was going on with my body i would like someone to talk to who know what im going thru
Every body is different, that is true. But the functions of the organs is the same. Your experience of having a sex organ removed did not change you sex life, of course, rings true. If you did not experience uterine orgasm, you cannot miss the experience.
It is unfortunate that you encourage other women to do the same as you did. It remains true that you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. It is simply not true that some women "need" a hysterectomy for fibroids.
You are mistaken that fibroids "will always grow back". Read the detailed information about fibroids at the beginning of this blog, where you will learn that fibroids removed cannot grow back. Any fibroids not removed during a myomectomy will keep growing until menopause, then they will shrink to a negligible size. You do not grow new fibroids when you are in your early forties and older.
This is so inaccurate. I am 52 and have developed several new fibroids seen recently by USS. I didn’t have them 2 years ago so the theory that they don’t develop after aged 40 is not true. Even the Mirena iud doesn’t stop their growth.
Susan,
In the 42 years since HERS was established you are not the first woman to believe (and told by gynecologists or PCP that she developed fibroids when she was perimenopausal. HERS asks them if they would send the written reports of imaging studies, such as ultrasounds, CT scans or MRI’s, so that we can review their reports with them. They were shocked to find that their fibroids were documented in one or more imaging studies that were done in their early forties and later.
You mentioned that you had a Mirena IUD and “Even the Mirena IUD” did not stop the growth. Before the gynecologist inserted the Mirena IUD they should have informed you that the Mirena releases levonorgestrel, a form of progesterone, which, if you have fibroids, will make them grow faster than they would have if you had not been given progesterone.
Women are excellent communicators. Please pass this information on to women so they will have the information they need and require to make a fully informed decision about what they will, and will not allow to be done to their female organs.
EVERYBODY is different when it comes to this issue. I had a hysterectomy on my 30th birthday thanks to fibroids, had many opinions and weighed the options…it is NOT always the horror story you are portraying. I have NEVER had any loss-of-sex problems, in fact it was better once I fixed my problem. In 20 years I HAVE NOT had to go back to have my ovaries removed, there are still there and cause NO problems. I am lucky to have no more cramps EVER, I felt SO much better and had a better quality of life after fixing my fibroid problem that had been there for a long time. I agree you DO need a good Doctor and check around but they are not all wrong when they suggest a hysterectomy, depending on your OWN situation. You are freaking some of these women out who may really need the procedure. Doing the alternative to get the fibroids out without a hysterectomy just means they will always grow back, it will be costly to keep doing all the procedures to do so and may cause more health problems, and it may not be an option to just 'wait and see what happens on your own.' You need to STOP grouping ALL women together, each person's body is different and sometimes a hysterectomy is not negotiable. What's right for some isn't always right for others…
Anonymous,
Is the heavy bleeding causing anemia? What is your hemoglobin and hematocrit?
If you have had a recent ultrasound done in a hospital's radiology department (not in a gynecologist's office), does the report say that you have a submucosal fibroid?
If you would like to scan and email your ultrasound written report (or the written report from other imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI) you can email them to HERS@hersfoundation.org. After you send them please call HERS at 610-667-7757 to schedule a telephone appointment to review your report with a counselor.
Sujani,
It is unlikely that your small fibroid is the cause of your pain. Although the pain may be cause by your female organs, there are other things in your pelvis that may be the cause, such as the bladder or the bowel.
A family doctor, internist or primary care doctor is skilled at diagnosing the cause of symptoms.
If you would like to speak with a counselor at HERS call 610-667-7757 to schedule a telephone appointment to discuss these issues.
I have 4 -5 small to medium fibroids, which causes heavy bleeding and pressure most of the time when my menustration starts. I am forty five years of age and would like to have another child before I reach forty eight. My gyn always suggest I have an hysterectomy,instead of suggesting other options. I know it is going to be an expensive procedure,but my husband and I suggested the removal of the tumors. I live in Tampa, Florida seeking help with these tumors that I am face with. Your suggestions would be very appreciative.
I am a 47 year old active,healthy woman with multiple fibroids, one of which is the size of a football. I have had over two months straight heavy bleeding and after battling with this and other fibroid issues for over two years, has decided to have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and Fallopian tubes). After doing more research on the myomectomy, I am wondering it this would be a better option for me? I do NOT want anymore children and understand that if I have the myomectomy, I will have to consider birth control until I reach menopause. I have already began (can't remember my TSH level off hand). I really don't want to continue to take hormones (BCP's) either. Unfortunately I cannot do the myomectomy with tubal ligation (which sounds like the perfect solution to me) because my doctor works out of a Catholic hospital and they will not perform tubal ligation's there. And I really want my doctor who delivered both my kids and I've been seeing for years to perform the procedure. Any advice?
I 'm 37 and recently found 1.5cm anterior wall fibroid with bulky uterus and an adenexial cyst 37mm says could be hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.. i have severe pain during periods almost can't walk or work ..but no heavy bleeding. bleeding is for 1 or 2 days since 2 years…and my dr. says that may be caused by endrometrosis and i must stop my periods using pills and see again…what are the risk of having those fibroid s? is it the cause for pain or other? i had removed my gallbladder before 9 years..
49 looking. pregnate with both types of fibroids . no period for 4months straight out of no where spotted in all of August with back pain un till 2nd week in
september now heavy bleeding out of no where. i dont have back pain or regular period symtoms. help please, i thought i would ride in to 50 with shrinking fibroids no periods. what is going on anyone experince this. how much iron supplement mg daily ? ,the plant closed so insurance is gone. why would my period stop then start again? what can i buy or do natrually? the more we communicate. with each other the more help and power we can have over ourselves.
The biopsy was negative. It was a biopsy of the fibroid. The biopsy they told me would be of the fibroid since a fibroid is not common after menopause. It was a transvaginal ultrasound. I don't have pathology report because it was 15 years ago. They don't keep records past 7 years. Thank you for your time and I will check out hers foundation.I'm trying to avoid the biopsy if at all possible, unless they can knock me out. 2 excederin just doesn't do it, which is what I was told to take last time.
What was the result of the biopsy? Did you have a biopsy of the fibroid or an endometrial biopsy? It is rare to biopsy a fibroid. More common, especially if the reason for the biopsy is post-menopausal bleeding, is a biopsy of the inside layer of the uterus, the endometrium. Did you have a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound? If you have the written report of a recent ultrasound and and the written Pathology report from the biopsy you can scan and email them to HERS at HERS@hersfoundation.org or fax them to HERS at 610-667-8096. After you send them call Rokhsar Tarapone at HERS at 610-667-7757 to schedule a telephone appointment to review your reports with a counselor.
You may also want to check out the links with detailed information about "Fibroids" and other subjects on HERS Homepage at http://www.hersfoundation.org.
Thank you so much this has been very informative. I'm 67 and have been through most of menopause. I was taking natural hormones but was told to quit about a year ago. Then a spot of blood, next a ultra sound. Now a biopsy on a fibroid which I had a biopsy on about 15 years ago. Just one drop of blood which I claim could have come from a scratch since I have a persarry that has to be removed every month and cleaned. It was very painful the last time I had the biopsy and wonder why it needs testing again after being clear 15 years ago. If you have any advice I would appreciate it.
I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on August 3rd, 2015. I have been told that I have a 30 plus cm fibroid tumor and have no other options but to have this surgery. I am miserable…my back hurts, my side hirts, I lack energy and I have to used the bathroom so frequently. Do I have any other options??
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This is terble medical advice. Myomectomy is a terrible option for many women who would be much better served with a hysterectomy. Sure, myomectmy may be an alternative but carries a significant risk of recurrent fibroids and is invariably a bloodier surgery. For women who are done having children and have large fibroids with bulk symtoms a hysterectomy is a better option. If they choose to have a myomectomy, that because of an attachment to there uterus, that is fine, but they should realize the draw backs of this approach.
Non surgical treatments will be most helpful for treating fibroid. My sister had fibroid problem and suffered with heavy menstrual bleeding then she took fibroid embolisation treatment by Dr. Abhilash at http://www.interventionsinradiology.com . Really it is a great treatment with in a month she was completely cured.
Non surgical treatments will be most helpful for treating fibroid. My sister had fibroid problem and suffered with heavy menstrual bleeding then she took fibroid embolisation treatment by Dr. Abhilash at http://www.interventionsinradiology.com . Really it is a great treatment with in a month she was completely cured.
Hello,
Im 48 year old woman who is fit and healthy but has a 8cm fibroid on the outside of my uterus and it's now causing my pressure. I have seen 3 doctors in the Chicago land area and they all tell me can't remove just the fibroid because of the location. It's in the back of the uterus on the outside near the colon and bladder. I need a hysterectomy and I do not want to do that. Anyone can help me find a doctor that can remove this. Someone please help me I need to get this out ASAP.
Thanks
My fibroids don't cause me any medical problems except an enlarged belly. It's annoying to not fit into my clothes. I am 49, so I guess I buy new clothes and wait till menopause for them to shrink? I'm not in favor of unnecessary surgery, but it's rather depressing to have a big belly when I work out a lot and can't fit into clothes.
Hi.. I'm 27 yr old.. Hv a fundal fibroid of 10cm and 7 months pregnant with my first baby. USG showed the fibroid has undergone cystic degeneration and if so, is there a need to go for a surgical removal of fibroid after the delivery IncAse if I hv no related symptoms ? Or should I consider the fibroid removal when I plan for a second baby !! Thankzz
I have fibroid & used to suffer with heavy pelvic pain. At that time one my friend advised me to move for fibroid embolisation treatment by Dr. Abhilash at http://www.interventionsinradiology.com. It was a good treatment with in couple of months i was back to my happy life.
Dil,
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. You said your fibroid is 1.5cm, which is extremely small. Fibroids do not cause irregular periods, so maybe that is just normal, and not irregular, for you.
Fibroids this small do not cause constipation, either, so there is another reason for your constipation. Have you tried making some changes to your diet to relieve the constipation? Fruit, especially berries may help, and raw vegetables such as carrots, celery and lettuce may help as well.
Hi I'm 36 years old healthy. recently my doctor told me I have 1.5cm fibroid after ultra sound test.She told me I don't have to do anything. I don't have kids and I love kids I never use a family planning. My mother also has a fibroid . I don't have heavy period but my period is not regular and I easily get constipation.my abdorminal look large. what are my option ???? Do I have to go second opinion??
Hi I'm 36 years old married but no kids . I love kids but Iam in a marriage life crisis so don't plan to have a kid now but I'm not using any family planing.. Last week after ultra sound test my doctor told me that I have a 1.5cm fibroid and It's harmless. that what she told me nothing else. I don't have any health issue, but my period is not regular but I don't get heavy blood or any pain. I get constipation easily . Now only I realize my abdominal look larger . What are the option I have do I have to take meditation ??? I'm confuse and my mother also got fibroid when she was in her 40s
I am 38 yrs old and have been communicating with my doctor for over a year and a half about pain in my lower abdomen (feels like I am carrying rocks), lower back pain, fluid leakage (vaginal discharge) and weight gain. I found out that I have two fibroids. I had an ultrasound in 2013 but my doctor failed to mention that I had fibroids. The dimensions were 3.7 x 3.8 x 3.5 Subserous. It is now 4.1 x 3.8 x 4.5. The smaller one is 2.0 x1.2 x 1.8 Intramural. The larger one is located LT lateral fundal and the smaller one is in the posterior body. About two years ago my menstrual cycle became extremely heavy also. I wake up in back pain every day and my lower abdomen continues to expand no matter what I do. When I went over the results of the recent ultrasound, the doctor told me that I can get a hysterectomy, start taking birth control or lap band surgery to lose weight. None of these are an option for me. She has given up and I am frustrated and in pain.
I found out I had a massive fibroid from a ultrasound during my recent pregnancy. It was so massive it was blocking my baby from a natural birth and caused me a great deal of pain in the last trimester. Not to mention anemia, pain going to the bathroom, and severe pain during sex occasionally.
I had the luck of being referred to a wonderful gynaecologist who performed a myomectomy on me 5 days ago and I can feel the difference of not having it anymore.
Not going to lie, painful recovery first few days but getting better and I can even have a natural birth for our next child if we choose.
Mine was on the backside/outside of uterus which also caused very heavy painful periods.
Hi Tricia,
There are two possibilities. Either you developed a new fibroid since you underwent a myomectomy in 2013, or the gynecologist who performed the myomectomy only removed some, but not all, of the fibroids.
You develop all of the fibroids you are ever going to have by the age of about 40. Since you are 29 years old, it would not be surprising if you developed a new fibroid.
Is the fibroid causing you any symptoms or problems?
i am 29 years of age, i did a fibroid surgery in 2013 november thirteen months after the fibriod is back what do i need to do i have to do surgery again
My doctor advised me against surgery although she was surprised that it grew 4 cm in a year. I was told to take Pause MF medicine for bleeding and pain.
Jody, if you had an ultrasound or other imaging study and six fibroids were reported, that means that is all that the radiologist reported, but not necessarily that it was all the fibroids there were.
A gynecologist who has the skill can perform a myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids leaving the uterus intact). You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
You may experience spasms in your vagina (the vagina is shortened during a hysterectomy and made into a closed pocket with the normal elasticity of the vagina). Unfortunately, uterine contractions during orgasm are not possible without a uterus.
You seem to want to encourage women to have their female organs removed. Women who have been encouraged by other hysterectomized women to undergo hysterectomy are bewildered and do not understand why any woman would encourage another woman to have her female organs removed when she does not have a life threatening problem. So for all of those women, HERS asks too, why do you want other women to have these incredibly important organs removed, when they have critically important functions all of a woman's life?
This post was anonymous and assigned the alias "Jody:.
This is an inaccurate article designed to scare you. I had 6 fibroids at age 48, and had 12 fibroids at age 49 – so you definitely can develop more fibroids after your 40's! I had my hysterectomy due to pain, pressure, extremely heavy bleeding and anemia caused by 12 fibroids including one that was 3 inches in diameter located in my cervix (2 pounds worth in pathology report!). My quality of life at that time of the month was awful. I'm in the camp of "I wish I had done it sooner!" Don't let people scare you off of a life-changing (for the better) surgery. Maybe not for everyone, but listen to your doctors, get second opinions and then do what's best for you. And yes, I can still have orgasms!!
Contact HERS by email at HERS@hersfoundation.org to request information.
I am 45 years old and unmarried. I had 3 fibroids in 2006 and got them removed retaining the uterus.
Since 2008 I started developing one fibroid which has now grown to about 15 cms.
Though except for only one doctor at E V Kalyani Hospitals Chennai (India) who said it is purely a personal decision either to retain or remove the uterus all the other doctors advise me to go for hysterectomy.
I have a heavy bleeding on the second day, no clots, extreme tiredness and I am already aneamic and my heamoglobin has gone down.Otherwise I am alright.
I am some have not convinced of taking my uterus.
Kindly advise me
My mother is 43 yeas old…she's having a 3mm polyp in her gallbladder to which doctor says that there are 40% chances of it to become cancer…she also has 8.5cm fibroid in her uterus…she bleeds heavily in periods…doctor says surgery needs to be done to remove these…but she's not ready..is it harmful for her if we do not get the operation done?
My mother is 43 yeas old…she's having a 3mm polyp in her gallbladder to which doctor says that there are 40% chances of it to become cancer…she also has 8.5cm fibroid in her uterus…she bleeds heavily in periods…doctor says surgery needs to be done to remove these…but she's not ready..is it harmful for her if we do not get the operation done?
My mom is 43 years old….she's havin a 3mm polyp in her gallbladder…and a 8.5 cm fibroid in her uterus…she bleeds heavyly in her periods….doctors said surgery needs to be carried out to remove these….butnshe's not ready for it….i just wanted to ask that is it harmful for her if we do not get the surgery done?
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
For more information contact HERS at 610-667-7757. You can also go to HERS website http://www.hersfoundation.org and click on "Contact", and fill out the contact form. HERS will email information to you.
I am 43 and my gynaecologist told me that I have a very large subserosal fibroid. He did not tell me the size in cm but on the papers he wrote 22/40 – I am assuming that it's the size of a 22 week foetus. he told me that the only way for me is a hysterectomy and that if I wait too long it will grow so big that to remove it will require a vertical and not a transverse incision! I am terrified! I have absolutely no symptoms – no pain, no bleeding so I feel that losing my uterus is too extreme!
Noreen, good advice to wait it out until menopause. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding and anemia, a myomectomy is a constructive surgery to remove the fibroids, without removing the uterus.
As far as any "Fibroids Center" at Jefferson and elsewhere, it is only as good as the gynecologist who does your myomectomy. HERS has not heard from women who had good outcomes at Jefferson. If you know of a gynecologist there who has consistently outcomes (no blood transfusions, all the fibroids removed (none left behind), maintaining fertility, none converted to a hysterectomy, and no new problem that a woman did not go into the operating room with, HERS would like very much to hear about the number of myomectomies they have performed.
If you aren't close to menopause at all and can't wait it out because of anemia, do myomectomy not hysterectomy. If they say they can't that means they don't do them. Go to Jefferson Hospital in Philly to the fibroid center. They know how!
I originally read this site in summer 2012 when I was being pushed into hysterectomy by everyone because of my large 16cm submucosal fibroid that caused horrible bleeding and clots. This site helped me have the strength to say no and here I am in 2014 with my uterus intact and very healthy. I was 53 at the time and knew my periods would stop soon if I could hold out and they did. I did have the increase in the size of the fibroid which the doc used to scare me into thinking it could be cancer, but it was just the expected growth right before menopause! My abdomen looks smaller now, no longer anemic, no pain down my legs, but I do have to pee a lot! So don't have hysterectomy! I feel great and have all my female parts, and they work great!! My friends who had hysterectomy for fibroids wish they waited it out. They gained tons of weight, have depression and have bigger bellies than with the fibroids because of organ prolapse.They generally feel like crap because even if they leave your ovaries, they stop working in couple of years because of lack of blood flow, whereas my ovaries are still making me feel good even though I don't get my periods, they still help with some hormones and I feel great!
I am 48 and have a pedunculated submucosal fibroid. It was over 5 cm and I have been put on Zoladex (this is my 7th month) in an attempt to shrink the fibroid so I can have a resection. However, I can feel the fibroid and I am almost certain it hasn't shrunk at all, never mind smaller then 4cm. Where can I turn to for someone to treat my fibroid? I don't want a hysdterectomy or a blood transfusion. One episode, blood was just "weeing" out of me, they had to give me tranexamic acid through the veins to save me, with blood expanders.
Thank you for your time
Gillian,
Some clarification about your symptoms would be helpful. A blog is not the most efficient way for us to communicate.
Please call HERS at 610.667.7757 to schedule a telephone appointment, or go to HERS website at http://www.hersfoundation.org and fill out the Contact form. In the comment section of the form please fill in more detailed information about when your symptoms began, and if you have already undergone a laparoscopy. If you have not, I suggest you wait until we are able to discuss this by phone.
Hi all just wanted your opinion, found I had a fibroid 6cm 3 weeks ago on left side but due to having a laparoscopy this week and finding I had endometriosis on my right side which was treated. The fibroid has grown another cm. I have clots and unable to use tampax due to pain also dead leg at front at top only on my left side. The doc does not seem bothered I'm 35 have no children but just want the pain to go but just seems no one is interested!! What is my best option
Hello HERS and thanks for responding. My doctor did actually perform two vaginal ultrasounds at two different post-op visits because of my complaints of pain. He said he was ruling out a hematoma, which would cause a lot of pain. However everything looked fine. I asked if he could visualize my bowel and he said no. I told him about my intense cramping pain and on one occasion he said it was my uterus filling back up with blood. On another occasion he said my uterus is shrinking back down to normal size, which could cause the cramping. On another occasion he said I was just still swollen and still healing as I had a very invasive surgery that is just going to take time to heal. He never ordered a CT scan to rule out bowel obstruction. He just listened to my bowel sounds for a second or two and claimed I didn't have one. As far as bowel obstructions go, I only have two symptoms. Intermittant cramping, and nausea. My abdomen is not distended, though it's a bit hard to tell as I'm still a bit swollen. I am not vomiting. I'm still have bowel movements everyday, though smaller than normal in size, etc.. But I just have this very uncomfortable cramping and pain no matter what I eat. I've tried to rest the bowel on a few occasions and just drank ensure for my nutrition. But nothing seems to help. I did not have these issues before my surgery and I am wondering if scar tissue is attached to my bowel causing these issues. He did reassure me that he wrapped my uterus in Seprafilm to prevent it from sticking to my bowels.. Like I said, I just don't know what to think. The cramping has lessened in intestate over the weeks. It's used to be debilitating. But it's still there and very uncomfortable. Not sure what to do as my doctor does not seem convinced that this is a true issue. Yet he is not the one living with this pain.
I am sorry you are having problems since your surgery. Twelve weeks after a myomectomy is a long time to still be having pain. Have you had an ultrasound since the surgery? If not, you can ask the gynecologist who performed the myomectomy for a written order for a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound. Then call the best hospital near you and ask for the Radiology Department. Tell them you have a written order for a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound, and they will schedule an appointment. If your doctor has an ultrasound machine in his office he may suggest do it there, but you are much better off having it done in a hospital's Radiology Dept. or at a free standing imaging center. An ultrasound should reveal if you have a bowel obstruction or some other problem.
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Okay.. Having some issues and need advice of my own please. Twelve weeks ago I had an abdominal myomectomy. Ultrasound showed six large fibroids: 13cm, 7.7 cm, 7.5cm, 5.5cm, 5cm, and 4.7 cm six months prior to surgery. I had chronic lower back and pelvic pain, and I had to urinate 50 times a day, small increments at a time as my bladder was no longer emptying completely due to the bulk of the fibroids pushing into everything. No bleeding issues as my fibroids were mostly on the outside of my uterus. I had a prior myomectomy eleven years earlier with no complications. I knew they might grow back, but at age 33 I was not willing to have a hysterectomy as I had not had children. Okay, so fast forward to this surgery with my six known fibroids. My uterus was the size of a six month pregnancy, and they were too large for any other type of procedure. When I awoke from my surgery, I had learned that my surgeon had removed 27 fibroids! My jaw dropped. I've had a very tough recovery, including a lot of pain, two bowel impactions, and a lot of gastrointestinal cramping. I was convinced I had a partial small bowel obstruction, but my doctor kept telling me that all this pain and discomfort was normal and part of the healing process. To this day I continue to have G.I. pain and cramping so I am still not convinced. I also still have surgical pain. My incision is ten inches long. The doctor reminded me several times that I had a very invasive surgery and it's just going to take some time to heal. I am now 12 weeks into my recovery. FMLA ran out and I was afraid of losing my job, so I asked the doctor to clear me to return to work. I start tomorrow, yet I am still in pain! I don't know what to do, I am just praying I can make it through my work shifts somehow.. Hoping to heal soon. Is any of this normal? I did not have these problems with my first surgery.. I just don't know what to think anymore.
Hello,
UAE can have complications, as with any procedure. They inject plastic beads into the arteries to cut off the blood supply to the fibroids. The problem with that in my opinion is that the fibroids only shrink to about half the size they are now, so if already very large, then this may not be that helpful. Also, she could have more fibroids than seen thus far on ultrasound. They may start growing larger too and again become a problem. And lastly, the tumors are still in there. That doesn't sit well with me. I chose a myomectomy and my story is written below. Feel free to read..
Hi ,my wife discovered to have 2 fibroids 5 years ago, now she has 4 the bigger of wich is 12.5 cm, no bleeding , her las HB 12.&, but large abdomen and occasional back or lower abdominal pain, the only offered option here is hysterectomy, we don't pass through it , any help I'm living in Egypt, she could be a candidate for uterine artery embolisation, thanks for answering.
I think it comes down to quality of life whether you consider a hysterectomy. You just have to make an informed decision and consider how desperate you are to live with or without what you are going through vs the side effects of hysterectomy. I know the pain, continuous heavy bleeding with two days off per month, constant anemia and dispnea, fist size clots and all the surgery (myomectomy) every two years to remove all the new multiple 10-15 cm2 large and the smaller fibroids every year is wearing me down and I have another 25 years to go before menopause. Fibroids are not something to dismiss and can destroy your life.
I am not sure what you are asking. If you are asking if a hysterectomy is needed for a subserosal fibroid, the answer is "NO". A subserosal fibroid is located in the outside, subserosal layer, of the uterus. You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
Can you explain me how actually will hysterectomy be related with Subserosal Fibroids ???
Are both same
Doris,
Removal of a 17cm fibroid can be done by a gynecologist who is skilled at performing a myomectomy. Sometimes when a gynecologist does not have the skill to perform a myomectomy they say "It cannot be done".
HERS has counseled women who have undergone myomectomies with fibroids that were 25cm, and even a few cm larger.
Hysterectomy is not the only option when a woman has multiple and/or very large fibroids. If you would like more information about how to find a gynecologist who has the skill to remove large fibroids contact HERS at HERS@hersfoundation.org or 610.667.7757.
Some of this information is really upsetting and not helpful.
I have a 17 cm fibroid that is pressing against my colon has created a hematoma on my liver and a cyst on my right ovary I also have endometriosis.
I agree if it is not that large hysterectomy is inappropriate and some scummy Dr. Making money unnecessarily causing pain risk and suffering.
In my case I do not have a choice and I am terrified this sucks and made me 10 fold more frightened more than I already am. Completely inconsiderate … Have a heart for those of us that don't have any other choice we have fears and feelings as well. Maybe advocate and inform for smaller fibroid victims but you really need to differentiate when it is the only option WTF?
Some of this information is really upsetting and not helpful.
I have a 17 cm fibroid that is pressing against my colon has created a hematoma on my liver and a cyst on my right ovary I also have endometriosis.
I agree if it is not that large hysterectomy is inappropriate and some scummy Dr. Making money unnecessarily causing pain risk and suffering.
In my case I do not have a choice and I am terrified this sucks and made me 10 fold more frightened more than I already am. Completely inconsiderate … Have a heart for those of us that don't have any other choice we have fears and feelings as well. Maybe advocate and inform for smaller fibroid victims but you really need to differentiate when it is the only option WTF?
Uterine artery embolization (UAE) has several significant risks. There have been twelve deaths reported to FDA, and several hundred reports of serious, permanent injury.
You can read more about the risks of UAE on HERS Home Page at http://www.hersfoundation.org. Scroll down to 'Uterine Artery Embolization'. You can also read the Adverse Event Reports, they are available to the public online. GOOGLE FDA Maude and it will take you to the link. If you have difficulty navigating the FDA Adverse Events Reports you may call Jacqueline Kabak at HERS and she will walk you through how to access the data. Jacqueline can be reached at HERS at 610.667.7757.
You can also contact HERS to request information about UAE. On HERS Home Page at http://www.hersfoundation.org fill out the 'Contact' form. In the 'Comment' section you can request specific information.
What about Uterine artery embolization? Do you recommend this procedure?
Subserous refers to the outside layer (subserosal) of the uterus. A subserous fibroid is in the outer layer of the uterus. Fibroids are benign growths of muscle and connective tissue.
is subserous fibroid basically a kind of a tumor?? if so is it malignant or benign??
Sally,
It does not sound like you need a myomectomy, the location of the fibroid may not be a problem during pregnancy or delivery.
Fibroids tend to grow faster during pregnancy, and as it gets larger your fibroid may cause you discomfort. Whether it will be merely uncomfortable and annoying or whether it will cause you significant discomfort cannot truly be predicted.
I suggest that you read HERS "Fibroids" and "Myomectomy" links, at http://www.hersfoundation.org
Hello
Back in 2010, an ultrasound showed I had a right sided midbody fibroid 6.5×6.1x6cm. In early 2013, the repeat ultrasound showed it grew to 11cm. I'm 35, not had children, want children. It doesn't cause me too many issues except heavy bleeding on first day of menses and sometimes random pain. I've seen 2 ob/gyn's. One thinks I should have a myomectomy. The other thinks I can wait and see if I want. What would be consequences of waiting? If I have the surgery done, there's no guarantee another won't grow back. Very unsure, please help HERS Foundation.
Danielle,
The fact that a close friend of yours just had a supracervical hysterectomy and unilateral ovarian removal at the age of 43, and was told by the surgeon that she could still develop a fibroid in her cervix, does not mean that either the hysterectomy was medically necessary, nor does it mean that he was correct in what he told her about developing new fibroids.
Is there another reason that you think women develop new fibroids in their 40's or later?
It is absolutely not true that fibroids will not develop after you're 40. A close friend just had a basketball-sized fibroid removed. The doctor performed a hysterectomy, describing that the fibroid had essentially encompassed most of her reproductive organs. She was able to keep one ovary and her cervix. He cautioned that technically, since she still has her cervix, there is potential for fibroid growth. She is 43. Additionally, there was an oncologist in the OR in case the tumor was cancerous. A slice was taken and quickly evaluated during the surgery to determine whether or not it was benign. The discussions I've seen onn fibroids have angered me when the terms "always" and "never" are thrown about. There are always exceptions. There are always special circumstances somewhere with someone. Another friend is due for her third surgery for fibroid removal; she has elected to have a hysterectomy to stop the proliferation of fibroids she has been dealing with again and again. Find the right doctor who will listen, understand, and give you realistic options specifically for you!
HEllo, I am currently waiting for surgery to have a hysterectomy. I have been taking the Lupron shots for four months now. I am 45 years old and found out four months ago that my uterus was 18cm longitudanly. I have numerous (more than 5) fibroids. The largest being 9cm, 7cm, and 5cm. after my first 3 Lupron shots, I was sent back for an ultrasound to see if my uterus had shrunk. I was at 11cm with the fibroids still very much the same size. Yes, I had heavy bleeding and clotting for many years. I have received four units of blood over a two year period of time. I just need to know that I'm taking the right route when it comes to surgery. My doctor said this was the best route to take because if I didn't have the surgery, it would continue to grow, as well as the fibroids. I also just recently had a biopsy because I was bleeding for four months.
Thank you for any assistance you can give me.
Beverly,
Are you referring to leiomyosarcoma as LMS?
I was told today that i possibly have LMS after taking out what we thought was a fibroid on my left side of crvix into my endocervical canal 4.5cm. Do i need a hysterectomy or are there other options?
Katie,
Women are not being given information about the life long functions of the female organs, and the consequences of their removal.
The only way any woman can make an informed decision is with information about the condition they have, the options in treatment, the risks of treatment, and the consequences of hysterectomy and castration (female castration is removal of the gonads, the ovaries).
Once armed with the information requisite to Informed Consent, women are empowered to make the decision that they feel will be right for them.
Rachel,
It sounds like you have an extraordinarily rare situation that is causing you severe symptoms. You can undergo a myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids, leaving the uterus intact. Unless you go through menopause at a young age, you are right, you will develop more fibroids. If they cause symptoms such as those you now experience, you may decide to have a second myomectomy.
Because your situation is rare, developing fibroids at an extremely young age, you may also go through menopause at an extremely young age. If so, nature will take care of the problems you now experience. After menopause fibroids slowly, gradually shrink to a negligible size, and they will never bother you again.
You asked why you shouldn't just "have a hysterectomy", since you are not planning to have children. In addition to reading the comments of women on this blog about the effects of hysterectomy, you will understand the far reaching consequences of hysterectomy when you watch the short video "Female Anatomy: the Lifelong Functions of the Female Organs" at http://www.hersfoundation.org/anatomy. There is also a compelling trailer of HERS conference in NYC in which several women talk about the aftermath of hysterectomy, and Mitchell Levine, a gynecologist discusses fibroids and treatment options.
While on HERS website click on the navigation button "Adverse Effects Data". It shows what 1,000 women reported about the aftereffects of hysterectomy and castration (female castration if removal of the ovaries).
When you have the information about fibroids, myomectomy and the consequences of hysterectomy you will be empowered to make the decision that you feel is best for you.
your site sucks. it is so one-sided. just shut up. people are smart enough to make informed decisions. you don't need to decide whether or not they should have a hysterectomy. you are just ruining people's lives.
How can you talk about fibroids like they are just a nuisance? I have so many, much more than other people get, and they cause me excruciating pain. The pain is so bad that I throw up and black out. It is constant, 3 weeks a month. The only time I don't get pain is when I'm on my period. I am in my twenties and I have had these since I was younger. The probability that they will grow back and I will need more surgeries is high. Why shouldn't I just get a hysterectomy? I don't want kids and the pain is the worst pain I have ever experienced.
Nursesufferer, women are not weak because they trust that gynecologists are experts in female conditions and trust that they would first "Do No Harm". It is incumbent upon the expert to tell women the nature of their condition, the alternatives in treatment and the consequences of hysterectomy.
If you go to a chiropractor should you have to first study chiropractic medicine to know if their recommendation is good? If you have a brain tumor should you have to study neurology to know if the neurologists recommendation is appropriate?
People should be able to not speak the same language as the doctor's native tongue, or be mentally deficient and not be abused by a doctor.
Your own choice of hysterectomy for fibroids is a prime example of a woman "educated" in nursing who does not know that you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. You can have your fibroids removed, a surgery called myomectomy, that will leave your uterus intact and providing the functions of uterine orgasm, support to the bladder and bowel, and cardiovascular protection. There is no reason for you to suffer with fibroids causing severe bleeding, the fibroids can be removed, there is no need to remove your uterus.
Please go to HERS home page at http://www.hersfoundation.org and scroll down to the 'Fibroids' link.
You have not undergone hysterectomy but you are admonishing women that if they are experiencing problems it's because they are not taking control of telling a doctor what they need. It is, to say the least, high handed for you to conclude that you will be different, your choices will make sure that you have no adverse consequences.
You are not alone in thinking that YOU, an informed consumer, will not suffer any of these adverse consequences of hysterectomy because you are smart, well educated, and asking good questions. Yet you, a nurse educator, have chosen to have your female organs removed when there is a better alternative.
I just want to say to all you women who say you want to sue your doctor you should take a look in the mirror! Are we as women so weak that we just believe doctors words. THEY ARE PRACTICING MEDICINE! They are only as informed as high as they were educated. We as women should do research before anyone does something to you. would you marry a man who told you it was the right thing to do? no! you would want PROOF. For the record I am having a hysterectomy for fibroids that have landed me in the hospital 3 times for a blood transfusion. has cost me 3 packages of pads a week for 6 months straight now. I will be on hormone therapy and I will update him with every symptom of depression lack of sexual desire and every hair that grows on my chin so that HIM AND I can cone up with a good medication regimen for MY body. STAND UP FOR YOUR OWN BODYS DON'T BLAME OTHERS FOR YOUR SIGNATURE.
Yours truly,
Educated Nurse and Fibroid Suffer
If you have a submucosal fibroid, one that is in the inside layer of the uterus, it could interfere with being able to conceive. It would also explain the heavy bleeding. Submucosal fibroids cause very heavy menstrual bleeding with large blood clots. If it is smaller than 4cm it can be shelled out with a hysteroscope, a long scope that is inserted into the vagina, into the cervix and into the uterus. A tool is attached to the hysteroscope and the surgeon chips away at the submucosal fibroid until nothing remains but the shell.
If your submucosal is larger than 4cm you would need a myomectomy, and a horizontal incision would be made above the pubic bone. The fibroid will be dissected out of the uterus, and the layers of the uterus will be sutured back together.
If you would like more information about 'Fibroids' and 'Myomectomy' go to http://www.hersfoundation.org and scroll down to the links.
Thanks for your quick response. Can this fibroid be responsible for my inability to conceive?
Otai, that your uterus is moderately bulky means you have a few fibroids and it makes your uterus a little larger than it would be if you did not have fibroids. A "non gravid uterus" means you have not carried a full term pregnancy. The multiple hypoechoeic lesions in the endometrial cavity are fibroids. When you read the blog you learned that fibroids are not a disease.
Painful sex is not likely to be related to your fibroids. Heavy bleeding, with large blood clots, is caused by a submucosal fibroid, one that is in the inside, endometrial layer of the uterus. If the submucosal fibroid is 4cm or smaller it can be shelled out with a hysteroscope. If it is larger than 4cm you could undergo a myomectomy, surgical removal of fibroids that leaves the uterus intact.
For more information go to http://www.hersfoundation.org and click on "Contact" in the navigation bar at the top of the page.
I hv ds PELVIC SCAN report,
UTERUS moderately bulky but non gravid uterus.
Endometric cavity harbours multiple hypoechoeic lesions. Total mass 58mm X 42mm.
Please what does it mean and the way out. I'm 27yrs and yet to conceive in my marriage. Do hv painful sex and severe painfl menses with heavy bleeding.Ttt
I should have finished my thoughts…
The fibroids are obnoxious, but I just can bring myself to have a hysterectomy because of them. Besides, I'm 51 – not too many more periods left in me.
I cancelled an appt for an endometrial biopsy, which was a precursor to a hysterectomy.
I have large, peduncucated as well as subseroal and (can't remember the other) fibroids. One of the larger ones is necrotic. Doc has chance of leiomyosarcoma is higher since I have history of kidney and thyroid cancer. Checked it out – it went from 0.67/100000 to 1/400. Ok – so it's much higher than before, but it's still a very small chance. If the dr thought it was sarcoma, I would already have had it removed.
I'm glad I found this site – it just reinforces my feelings on the matter. The closer it got to this day, the more apprehensive I became. I'll have a $50 cancellation fee, but I feel better about it.
Thanks for the prompt quick reply.
If successful, the fibroids become necrotic (the tissue dies), and you are left with the necrotic tissue in your body, which means you may develop a serious infection which may not respond to treatment. If that occurs, hysterectomy will be the only way to treat the infection.
Does anyone has any idea about HIFU treatment for removal of fibroids.
Renuka,
The test that will tell you about how close to menopause you are is a simple blood test to measure your FSH, follicle stimulating hormone. Important* the blood must be drawn the first or second day after menstruation begins, or it will not be accurate.
If you have the blood drawn at the right time, and your FSH is above 40, you are menopausal. Between 20-30, menopause is a couple of years away. If it's lower than 20, it's going to be longer.
Although it can't show exactly when you're going to stop menstruating, knowing approximately when can be very helpful when making a decision about treatment. If you are close to menopause you may decide to wait, your symptoms will soon disappear.
Dianne, there is no age limit for myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids that leaves the uterus intact. Many doctors have an age bias, and will not perform a myomectomy on women they consider "older", or if they are not going to have children. If you have difficulty finding a doctor who has consistently good outcomes performing myomectomy, and who doesn't have an age bias, contact HERS at 610.667.7757 for a referral.
Your site is very informative as many women are not aware of female anatomy. The decision to undergo hysterectomy depends on individual cases. Out of the 215 comments, I find only a couple of them (may be 4 or 5) are happy with their decision to undergo hysterectomy. Rest had lot of complications or side effects which are scary! I am 50yrs old. Last June I had my normal periods for 7 days & the spotting continued till 45 days. I did the sonogram at the lab & I have posterior fibroid 7.5X6.0X9.7 c.m & other smaller posterior fibroids 5.4 c.m & 6.7 cms. There is an enlarged fibroid uterus 18.1X7.1X15.3. I went to one Gyn & she recommended hysterectomy. My mother had hysterectomy in 1970's in her early 40's. My elder sister had fibroids at the same age of mine around 50yrs .She lives in India & took homeopathy medicine for 1yr & her fibroids shrunk & periods stopped completely. She suffered a lot for 1yr due to heavy bleeding & she was anemic. My second sister's period stopped abruptly in early 40's. Now since 1 year, my periods are irregular, sometimes very heavy (I have to change once in 3 hour & sometimes lite. I was anemic & my HGB was 9.4. I took iron pills Ferrex 150 Cap 150mg (100 nos.). I feel, this is the beginning of my menopause & once my period stops, my fibroids will shrunk. Can I undergo TSH test to see if I am in menopause. I read that the results will not be accuarate. I work part time, I walk 30 minutes every day. I eat healthy food like salad every day, one egg white, eat yoghurt, drink milk, eat fruits, eat beets & pumpkin seeds, oats to supplement my iron. I am active & do lot of work at home. Other than the heavy bleeding & the fibroids, I have no issues. For that matter, I don't even feel that I have so may fibroids like heavyness in my stomach etc.,I don't understand what do to as my second sister is insisting me to undergo hysterectomy as she feels if this is neglected I may have serious problems like it may turn to cancer etc., Can I continue my iron pills. I have another issue that is I have no insurance. Can anybody suggest me something please! Thank you!
What is the age limit for surgery for fibroids?
I am soon to be 55 and was told I was too old to have surgery for fibroids. Is this true?
I am 54, soon to be 55 and was told I was too old to have surgery for fibroids. Is this true?
I have been having pain for years and had all sorts of tests (including colonoscopy) to try to identify it. I lost my insurance and had come to a place where my family dr said the only next step was to have laproscopy. It was painful during sex, horribly painful menstration and finally became so bad that I had constant radiating pain down my legs and through my abdomine. I was told that I probably had endrometriosis and that I would probably have to have a hysterectomy. My dad researched doctors (I am 43 and the pain started 5 years ago) and found a doctor who was well known for trying not to do hysterectomies (and for teaching laporoscopies and laparotomic myomectomy) in Vietnam. They went in with laproscopically and ended up coducting a laparotomic myomectomy as well as removing endrometriosis. I had 3 2cm fibrosis in my uterus and 1 8 cm. She kept my uterus intact. I have 4 inciscions in my abdomine but I kept all of my organs. I live in the US but do not have insurance. I would not have been able to afford this operation (and when I did have insurance I was told it wouldn't be covered). They are keeping me in the international hospital for 5 days to keep an eye on me and I feel so relieved to only feel inciscion pain and not the overwhelming constant pain I felt before. They were conscientious, conducted all of the internal/external sonograms, MRI's etc. While international travel may not be everyone's option, I was taken seriously, listened to and had a very good outcome.
Hi Sasmitha,
A blog is not the best place to post personal, medical information.
Please contact HERS at 610.667.7757 or hersfdn@earthlink.net to discuss your questions further.
I had trans vaginal scan on 19-12-2011.
report summary:
Uterus:64x34mm–Normal in size and echotexture.endometrium-8.5cm
Evidence of subserous fundal fibroid, small intra mural fibroid in the posterior wall of body of 35x35mm
Now i am 20 wks pregnant.I had a pregnancy scan during my 19th week.(11-05-12)
report summary:
Cervix and OS: normal
impression: Hypoechoic mixed echogenic mass lesion MS:10.0×5.0 cm in the right adnexial region abutting on uterus suggestive of broad ligament fibroid.
I have been diagnosed with 3 different types of fibroids. Is it because of different methods of scans?
Please advise if these fibroids are going to make my delivery tough.Will i be able to have a normal delivery?
I realise my question is partly irrelevant.But i could not help asking as i couldn't find a more relevant site.
Your advice is highly anticipated.
Thanks,
Sasmitha
Hi Arly32, Happy Mother's Day!
It's good that you are thinking more about whether you should undergo a hysterectomy. Tuesday is an artificial deadline, you can call tomorrow morning and tell the doctor's office that you have decided to postpone the surgery. That will give you the time you need to gather more information. I suggest you start your information gathering by watching two videos. The first is a short trailer of HERS NY Conference on HERS Home page at http://www.hersfoundation.org. A gynecologist talks extensively about fibroids on this video, it's very informative. Then watch the video 'Female Anatomy: the Lifelong Functions of the Female Organs, and the Consequences of Their Removal'.
Are your fibroids causing you any problems? Do you have symptoms that are a health problem?
I have been told that I have to have a hysterectomy. Its actually happening this tuesday morning. I had a little girl born at 27 weeks due to placental abruption caused my fibroids. After the emergency c-section my surgeon told my husband to seriously consider having more childre due to the state of my uterus. My consultant came to see me the next day and said that I had fibroids in the cavity of the womb, in the walls and on stalks. He said that I would be very lucky to get pregnant again or even carry as far as 27 weeks. I didn't even know I had fibroids until I had a miscarriage 4 months before I got pregnant with my little girl. I am desperately sad at the thought of not having more children. Reading throught this site is making me think twice now. I know I am so lucky to have my little girl. I am only 32 and having a hysterectomy at my age scares me.
I am 53 years old and have some fibroids. The past year has been a bit of a roller coaster with heavy bleeding, clots, discomfort, anemia. I am not a candidate for any kind of hormone treatment because I had cancer. Doctor says a D & C wouldn't work, and ablation is out because my uterus is 12 cm. After severe hemorrhaging one morning a few months ago when I thought my period had ended, I couldn't take it anymore. The doctor recommended a Lupron injection followed by a potential hysterectomy in two months. Long story short, I researched Lupron and I wasn't willing to take the risk. It would have "thrown me into menopause" according to my doctor and shrunk my fibroids. I decided to go with another medication instead: Lysteda. It basically slows down the bleeding to almost nothing. I just can't go through with surgery, and I know that menopause is close.
Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. It ends menstruation and the ability to become pregnant. Depending on the reason for the surgery, a hysterectomy may also involve the removal of other organs and tissue. receiving the news that you have to have a hysterectomy can be a very scary thing. The good news is that breakthroughs in modern medicine can provide a hysterectomy alternative. Uterine artery embolization is a non-surgical option that works best for fibroids. Apart from that, myomectomy, Endometrial Ablation, Laser surgery etc are some good alternatives to hysterectomy where your future possibility of becoming pregnant and start your family is very high unlike hysterectomy where the possibility is nil.
I spoke with a counselor at HERS and recieved so much information. First of all, I had my first myomectomy in 1996. It was awlful, lost a lot of blood, had to get a transfusion and two years later had to go back in surgery to remove adhesions from removal of fibroids. I am 50 yrs old now and for dam reason nobody wants to test my hormones to see where I am at if I am near menopause or not. So I went to the 2 gyn doctors within 4 months, one schedule me for surgery which I cancel and the 2nd one gave me the political speech on the insurance companies will not do a myomectomy on a 50 yr old woman. So I stop seeing her. This was in January of 2012. Last week the gyn dr. sends me a perscription to get a MRI on my kidneys saying the only way to alleviate this problem is with a hysterectomy. Now she based her results on the 1st dr, not based on her own findings because I had a vaginal and stomoch ultrasound from a radiologist. I haven't seen this dr. since January and here it is the end of April. Now, she read me my test results from the 1st doctor on my liver, kidneys, and my numbers were fine. This really got me upset. I lived in Michigan. HERS, do you have a list of gyn doctors that will truly help me with this. I don't have pain at all! My cycles are normal but do have at least 2 days of heavy flow but my cycle is off and on for 10 days. If you have a list for Michigan my email is aunjelamarie@yahoo.com. I am so angry about the game this doctor played on me.
Sevi again, I live in London, so could you find me an NHS doctor who would perform a myo on large 10x10cm half submucosal/intramural fibroid ? I was told its a much more difficult/skilled op, mostly reserved for ladies wanting children…with a large risk of bleeding…
I feel my guts are kinds of exploding – unless it's me being intolerant to taking iron (making my poo sticky and clogging my bowels)Please help, as I am now seriously thinking of giving in to the H…..thank you
Sevi,
The only time a myomectomy can't be performed is when the doctor doesn't have the skill.
If you contact HERS we can help you find a gynecologist who is skilled at performing myomectomies.
Ps : they cant do a myo as its too big & risky….
Hi, I am 50, looking 40, had two children, live in London, and now have 4 fibroids, the biggest being submucosal, enormous 10x10cm, a dome when I am lying flat and pressing,v.annoying a week before periods and during (with heavy bleeding thank you v.much for at least a day or night). Constantly anemic borderline despite taking iron virtually all year long I did change my diet in the last 3 months (organic meat & eggs to prevent growth and v,rich iron food). I am happy to report that the fibroid has seemingly degenerated…so it might not grow anymore at best. I am slim and fit apart from belly due to fibroid but tired to be anemic most of the time. I have to say to have been put off completely by your video and the prospect of an H is very off putting to me. I was offered a hysteryctomy as they can't do a hysteroscopy (too big too dangerous to bleed) and I don;t want endrometrium ablation etc…Not much choice. I have resisted so far and was given no pressure apart from friends & family who had the dreaded H. I am almost ready to give in to have the op as I do feel so uncomfortable with that big lump dragging me down. I want to feel better, my old self…I did acupuncture and maybe thats why the fibroid has degenerated (it outgrowned its blood supply). I know I am approching the dreaded menopause (no signs though)but I would like to take hormones replacement which I cant with fibroids (they will grow again). So I do feel pretty stuck….with this 16 weeks pregnancy like belly. Otherwise gorgeous and fit . Any advice ??
I was diagnosed with a 4.5cm fibroid at 39 years old; my symptoms were heavy, long periods and blood clots. One doctor performed a D&C, I'm not sure why…did not improve my symptoms. Saw another doctor who gave options of hysterectomy, endometrial ablation, or another procedure were they insert catheder into your veins to block the blood supply to the fibroid (supposedly painful procedure). I did not want to have any of these procedures but was pushed and pushed by dr's, co-workers, and friends…all agreed I should have the hysterectomy. I refused, but agreed to the endometrial ablation (regret it now!). My symptoms never improved after the ablation (done 26 months ago) I still have heavy painful periods with large clots. I am borderline anemic due to heavy blood loss, but I do not want to have a hysterectomy. I am 44 years old now and without my uterus I would not be able to have (uterine) orgasms. I'm not ready to live without this important source of pleasure and wellbeing.
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
There is some excellent information about fibroids on HERS website at http://www.hersfoundation.org. On the Home page scroll down to the "Fibroids" link. After reading the detailed fact sheet, scroll down to "Myomectomy".
To learn more about the effects of hysterectomy watch the short video "Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs" at http://www.hersfoundation.org/anatomy.
I have a 7.3 cm intramural fibroid, and my uterus is enlarged to 14 cms. And I have had a ceasarean because of which my uterus hasn't descended. So the gyneac told me that a total abdominal hysterectomy is the only way out, where she plans to remove the ovaries too. I am not sure this is the best approach to my problem. Can someone help!
(posted anonymously, alias assigned)
Hi Jennifer, Yeah on the one hand I do see your point. I'm glad your hyst worked out for you. When I had my (unneeded) hyst at 38 due to some heavy bleeding, likely only from hormonal fluctuations, as my one 2-cm fibroid was on the outside of my uterus not the type that causes bleeds, all my friends who had had a hyst said "Best thing I ever did, wish I'd done it sooner."
I was one of the unfortunates who later developed a weakening of the rectovaginal septum which is weakened by a total hyst (healthy cerix, healthy uterus taken), some small bowel internally prolapsed into that space and narrowed my rectum from the outside hindering defecation.
THEN JUST MY LUCK, the person interpreting my image test for this issue mis-identified small bowel loops for my sigmoid colon. Hence, 3 colorectal surgeons opined to remove my sigmoid colon, which is what they do for sigmoidocele's. Internal descent of sigmoid colon. Though they HAD to have seen in surgery that my sigmoid colon was not redundant they removed it anyway, upon review did it wrong, then the "join" of the two colon ends did not work out. Then I got small bowel adhesions from all their surgery, they also did internal prolapse surgery on organs that were not even prolapsing (reasons yet being investigated as to WHY and many were beyond consent).
Upshot of the whole story was I almost died of scarred in small and large bowel. Had to look a year for help. Finally found it, but had to have dense adhesions removed from small bowel and a permanent ileostomy. I poop into a bag out of my small intestine. BUT I will be lucky if I continue to do so. Have travelled a LOT since and learned what is important in life the hard way.
NEEDLESS to say, I am ruing the day I had the hyst which started all this, then of course ruing the day I had the "fix up surgery" not knowing I was being given wrong info on which type of bowel was internally prolapsing due to the hyst. Nor knowing what lay ahead.
However, in spite of the road I went down (certainly NOT the normal post-hyst story), I do see what you mean if you had a hyst and all did work out fine. my mom had one years ago and was just fine as were a number of my friends.
So I understand what you mean. I think each case is so different. Due to my experience, I am anti-hyst except for serious disease, uncontrollable bleeding, and cases like yours, but I do understand what you mean about some of the scare stuff.
I think an awareness this site is making is EXCELLENT, then the choice is up to the individual and that hopefully they will do well. One never knows.
Sincerely, Rose P.S. I am glad that you are well. Hope you kept your own ovaries though as 31 is so young. I kept mine and I was 39. They continued to work for 10 more years.
Jennifer,
You did not say in your post if you were experiencing any symptoms from your fibroids. If you were, it is understandable that you are glad not to have those symptoms any more.
But you could have had only your fibroids removed, and kept your uterus intact. The uterus has critically important functions, all of a woman's life. When the uterus is removed women have a 3X greater risk of heart disease, and when the ovaries are removed the risk is 7X greater than intact women. The uterus is a hormone responsive reproductive sex organ. Women who experience uterine orgasm will never experience it again if their uterus is removed. When the uterus is severed from it's supportive ligaments, nerves and blood supply the blood flow to the pelvis, legs and feet is diminished. Feeling is lost in the vagina, labia and clitoris. The loss of pelvic support causes the hip bones to widen, and the slow drifting down of the skeletal structure until the rib cage is nearly sitting on top of the hip bones.
The important information for all women to know is that you never, ever, need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
When a woman says that having her sex organs removed was the best decision she ever made, one can only wonder why would anyone feel that having her female organs unnecessarily removed was the best decision she ever made in her whole life.
I have read all of these comments and am appauld. I had fibroids that totally rapped around my uterus, keeping it from functioning. I had a total hysterectomy at the age of 31. That was eleven years ago, I have not had any problems what so ever. I think having the hysterectomy was the best decision I have ever made. And I which I had had it several years earlier because of all of the pain I had been in. I can't believe the stories I have read on this site! I hope the people who are searching for answers looked to God for the right decision because this site will scare the HE_ _ out of anyone!!
Dixiemom,
Great job educating yourself and other women about the life long importance of the female organs. The combination of watching HERS "Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs" video and the trailer of HERS conference, on HERS Home page at http://www.hersfoundation.org where gynecologist Mitchell Levine says "You never ever need a hysterectomy for fibroids" help women to understand the essential functions of their female organs.
Kudos for spreading the word to other women. Each of those women will educate others. It's a powerful thing to do!
Thank you so, so much for your information!!! I am a 46 year old mother of 3 who just recently found out I have submucosal fibroids – after almost bleeding to death and having an emergency blood transfusion. Thankfully, I have found a doctor who is not a proponent of the hysterectomy as a female "cure all." However, my friends and family have all been telling me how crazy I am to want to "save" my uterus and ovaries. They have all said that since I have 3 kids and don't want more children in the future, a hysterectomy would be the quickest and easiest solution to my problem. I had actually started to wonder if they were right until I found your website. The information on here has reinforced my original gut feelings that I should not undergo a hysterectomy – or even removal of my uterus. I felt like if our reproductive organs were useless to our bodies after a certain age, then God would have designed us to "shed" them naturally! Now, I know I was right and I can't wait to show my female friends and family this website and videos!!! Thank you, thank you and thank you again!!! Also thanks to the ladies who've left comments and great advice on here, too!!
I am a 65 year old woman who has a 4 cm fibroid. My doctor did three ultrasounds and said that the fibroid is growing. I had a blood test that said I was 95% sure that I did not have cancer. My symptoms was slight pressure in my lower pelvic area. My doctor said I need a complete abdominal hysterectomy. I would like to know if any woman my age has had this done. Also I keep thinking there has got to be another way to address this fibroid.
Miyo.. I have posted here a few times and I literally feel your pain.. I too was recently told that my fibroids were too large for a myomectomy. At 32, I was filled with 5 large fibroids that were causing me many problems. I did infact have a myomectomy eleven years ago, only to have them all grow back- plus more! Now, at age 43 I am once again filled with very large fibroids. This time they detected at least 8 on an ultrasound! The largest now being 8.2cm, followed by a 6.5cm, a 5.5cm and a 4.2cm, plus four more, and they continue to grow according to the ultrasounds I get every six months.. Still, despite the fact that they all grew back over an eleven year period, I have NO REGRETS in my decision to have a myomectomy eleven years ago- instead of the "suggested" hysterectomy. Now, I plan on getting another myomectomy (number two) and NOT the hysterectomy that I was told that I needed "because my fibroids are too large to have a myomectomy".. Despite the fact that my uterus is now the size of an "18 week pregnancy" (four and a half month pregnancy) I REFUSE to get a hysterectomy! Also, did you ever hear of a drug called Lupron? For my first myomectomy, I was put on Lupron for four months just prior to the surgery. This drug will shrink fibroids just enough to make a myomectomy more feasable. It is a wonder drug for fibroids, but it technically isn't good for you. You shouldn't take it longer than 6 months. It will put you through a temporary state of menopause, with all the symptoms therein. It also causes bone loss- not unlike osteoporosis, so don't take it longer than 6 months. It is also very expensive ($400.00 an injection once per month). And the second you stop taking it, the fibroids will start to grow again, which is why it should be immediately followed by a myomectomy. It worked wonders for me the first time around, and I plan on using it again prior to my next surgery. Ask your doctor about this drug. Meanwhile, I am still waiting for the right opportunity to start on Lupron again and schedule another myomectomy. At the moment, I don't have insurance, and my gyn no longer does surgeries. She told me that whoever she referred me to would probably want to give me a hysterectomy. Well I REFUSE to get a hysterectomy! I will not do it! Two myomectomy's is worth it to me to keep my uterus! So I will look myself for a new surgeon who will be willing to do a myomectomy.. Good Luck to us both!!!
Miyo, I'm so glad you are searching for information. When a doctor tells you that your fibroids are "too big" or you have "too many" fibroids to have a myomectomy, it just means you've got the wrong doctor.
Go to HERS website and watch the short trailer of HERS conference where a gynecologist says "You never, ever need a hysterectomy for fibroids". http://www.hersfoundation.org. While on the website you should also click on the "Female Anatomy Video". It's an excellent video about the important life long functions of the female organs.
Hi, I was diagnosed with two fibroid tumors about two years ago. I have one huge one in front (it looks like I'm about three months pregnant) and I have a smaller one on the right side. I did go to the doctor and I was told that the fibroids are too big for any other treatment other than a hysterectomy. I have constant problems with them. I suffer through horrible pain every month during my cycle and bleeding that's heavier than normal. The smaller one on the right side causes me pain at least once a week. The one in front creates so much pressure inside of me that it's almost painful. I don't know what else to do and I haven't been back to that doctor since then. I'm 33 years old and am done having kids. I've been adamant about that since I was 19. I was told if the doctor only removed the fibroids, then they would grow back again. Is this true?
thanks for the insight, I am struggling with the same, had a mirena with minimal success over a year ago, and was wondering if the hysterectomy would be the best choice, but now I am better informed I will never consider that a preference over the inconvenience and discomfort.
will love my uturus for better or worse and value its service to my whole body.
Thanks so much for the education
sally
I am 46 and have 5 fibroids but only one is painful. Normally it is painful at night and perhaps it hurts because i am tiny and it is 7 cm. It is right near my appendix and perhaps on it… I also had horrible periods but after sipping cider vinegar with water all day the blood loss has decreased dramatically. My GYN referred me to another GYN who uses the Da Vinci Robot to make between 3-5 incisions and remove the fibroids. Have you any info on the success rate of this procedure and recovery?
Thanks!
I am 46 and have 5 fibroids but only one is painful. Normally it is painful at night and perhaps it hurts because i am tiny and it is 7 cm. It is right near my appendix and perhaps on it… I also had horrible periods but after sipping cider vinegar with water all day the blood loss has decreased dramatically. My GYN referred me to another GYN who uses the Da Vinci Robot to make between 3-5 incisions and remove the fibroids. Have you any info on the success rate of this procedure and recovery?
Thanks!
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Thank you!
I am a 46 years old lady I live in uk and has been diagonised with one large fibroid and four small ones, I bleed like no man bussiness. I am severly anemic with HB of 5, I just get transfused with 4 pint of blood and my HB is still 8.7
,all my consultant has been telling me is to have an hysterectomy or nothing else, I am so upset by this doctor as I av watch some ladies died on theater table , do we have a good gynechologist in uk who can help. this is getting me down and depressed
Watch the short trailer of HERS 2010 conference, on HERS Home page http://www.hersfoundation.org. You will hear what Dr. Mitchell Levine says about fibroids. He is in Cambridge MA. If you have any difficulty finding Dr. Levine's phone number you can get it from HERS, 610.667.7757.
Have you had a recent pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound done in the radiology department of a hospital? If so, do you have the radiologist's written report?
Help me please! I am 58 and was diagnosed with multiple small to medium sized fibroids 7-8 years ago. They caused some annoying bleeding issues, but eventually, after menopause, they shrunk away and I basically forgot about them. OK. Fine. Fast forward to the present. Rather suddenly (over a period of 2-3 weeks) the tumors took on a life of their own, multiplying and enlarging to the point that my uterus is now "the size of a football." The pain is unbearable (especially in the evening, after a day of doing nothing much but resting). I'm awake most of the night with or without pain medication. Dr. has suggested hysterectomy. Surgical appointment setter says "booking into December" is the best they can do. . . There is NO WAY I can live like this with the pain and discomfort. Something (many things) seem very wrong here. . . Had ultrasound and biopsy two days ago. Waiting for those results, but definitely want a second opinion. Live not too far from Boston. Anyone who can help point me in the right direction? (No bleeding, by the way, just occasional scant spotting).
I am 52 years old. Last November (2010) I underwent a robotic-assisted myomectomy at a hospital in Boston. Here's what I learned in my search for a solution to an 8cm problematic fibroid:
I. Most gynecologists do not have the training (or perhaps interest) in learning how to perform myomectomy – especially laparoscopic surgery.
2. Most gynecologists do know how to perform hysterectomy – I am told it is a much easier surgery, especially for the doctor.
3. You have to search to find a highly skilled surgeon, one who believes that preserving the uterus is simply 'the best thing for the patient'. This is especially true for woman past child-bearing age.
4. Don't be blinded by a doctor in a white coat! If you are told you 'need' a hysterectomy for benign fibroids know that it may not be the truth. More likely this is the surgery the doctor is capable of doing. Ask for the name of a surgeon who is skilled in robotic surgery – they are out there and their numbers are growing. Advocate for yourself in the same way you would for your child.
5. To see a surgeon who ‘gets it’ go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAZiaeQv8VM&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLB7FFEA360F803835.
To Emma,
P.S… After my sister bled for an entire year straight from a tumor she had "the size of a grapefruit" located on the inner most part of her uterus, she became extemely anemic. She was put on very potent prescription vitamins. After her iron levels were restored, she had a myomectomy to remove the large tumor and ever since has had normal periods. For her, it was definately the tumor causing all that blood loss. That was 10 years ago. She has yet to experience heavy bleeeding issues since her myomectomy. She currently has two small fibriods that grew back- but they have not caused her any symptoms as of yet. And at the age of 43, I am hoping they will continue to remain small and symptom-less for her. Just wanted to share her story with you, because you seem to have similiar issues. The myomectomy actually stopped her heavy and prolonged periods, so if you continue to have such problems, just know that the myomectomy worked for her..
Hello Emma,
Good for you!!! So glad to hear that you decided against an unnessessary hysterectomy! When you get the results of your ultrasound, find out if the tumor is on the inside part of your uterus. Those are the fibroids that cause the heavy bleeding issues. If the fibroid continues to grow, and the bleeding cannot be controlled by oral contraceptives, then you may need to take action at some point and get a myomectomy. If your doctor continues to suggest a hysterectomy instead of a myomectomy, find another doctor who is willing to do a myomectomy. I am so filled with tumors right now that I look pregnant. They are so large that my gynocologist (who did my last myomectomy and sadly no longer does surgeries) told me a few weeks ago that any referral she gives me will probably want to do a hysterectomy on me. I told her that I refuse to get a hysterectomy. I know what I need to do. Four-six months on Lupron to help shrink the size of the tumors, followed by a myomectomy. Lupron works wonders to shrink fibroids. However, it is not healthy to be on it for longer than 6 months, and each monthly injection is very expensive. The second you stop taking the drug, the fibroids start growing again, so use of Lupron should be followed by a myomectomy. At 3cm, you probably wouldn't need Lupron. Find out the location of your tumor. Mine are exophytic (on the outside layer of my uterus) and don't cause bleeding issues, but present other painful symptoms. If your tumor is on the inner most part (endometrium), it's a good possibility that it is responsible for your heavy bleeding issues.. Good luck to you!
Kudos, Emma, good decision!
I had a consultation today with my doctor and previously we discussed the 4 procedures available to me that I mentioned in my previous post. Today he asked which would it be HTA or Hysterectomy. I told him that I did not feel I needed a Hysterectomy just to stop me from having a period. I don't have any pain or any other symptoms and felt I needed my uterus. That it served a purpose in my body and that I didn't want to just take it out without absolutely having to do so. And that this was not an absolute for me. I also said I did not want to go through the HTA procedure because again I was fine with my period just not having it every 10 to 15 days. I told him I wanted to go with the myomectomy (which was not an option he gave me today) and he said it would not stop the bleeding and the tumors may grow back. I reiterated I was fine with having a monthly period on a regular basis as long as my iron level was not too low. I also informed him of my age and the likelihood of the tumors returning was slim to none and if they did the rate of growth would be slow. He stated that he did not think it would be of much benefit to have the tumors removed. He concluded that the best solution would be to do nothing at this point and to try to control my irregular flow with birth control. And to come back in six months for another ultrasound. It appears that nothing will be done at this point unless I change my mind which is what he told me. I thank the HERS Foundation for educating me on this subject and saving me from an unncessry procedure that could've been devestating to my lifelong health.
Thanks again.
To DeliaDee333
Thank you so much for your response. I am glad I found this site. I have prayed about it and made a decision to go forward with the myomectomy procedure. My doctor told me also that they could return in about 5 years. Could to me is not definitely and could just as likely not return. I would prefer to take my chances with my uterus intact. I am older and the likeihood of them not returning at all is in my favor. I believe that God created us this way for a purpose. I need my uterus and I am going to keep it for as long as I can.
To Emma,
Hello. I have posted on this site a couple of times in the past and have just read your post. I am 42 years old. At the age of 34, I had 5 large Fibroids causing many problems for me. I had gotten a myomectomy, which surgically removed all of the fibroids successfully while leaving my uterus intact.. Unfortunately, now at the age of 42, they have all grown back. I now have 8 large fibroids: 7.0 cm, 6.4 cm, 5.5 cm, 4.8 cm, plus at least 4 more detected on my most recent ultrasound. I was told that my uterus is the size of a 4 and a half month pregnancy (18 weeks). My gyn said that my tumors are "very large".. I have a lot of lower back pain and pelvic pain, and pressure on my bladder (frequent urination that never goes away). Luckily, no bleeding problems because they are mostly on the outside of my uterus (exophillic). The fibroids that cause the bleeding issues are usually on the inner part of the uterus (endometrium). I know this because my sister had a tumor the "size of a grapefruit" on the inside of her uterus that put her in the very same situation that you are in now. Excessive bleeding for a year straight! She too got severely anemic and was put on potent prescription vitamins before having a myomectomy herself. But even though my tumors have all grown back- the myomectomy for me was the way to go. I will now need a second surgery, but for me it is worth the choice to save my uterus. This should be my last surgery, as any more potental fibroids that may grow after that, will do so at a much slower pace, due to drop in estrogen levels we experience as we age, especially when menopause kicks in.. At 45, this may be the only surgery you will have to deal with. I will be on surgery number two. Still, it's very worth it to me to save my uterus! Even though I don't have children, nor do I believe that I ever want children. I still think it's a better option to save your uterus. The idea of Hormone Replacement Therapy, or potential bladder or rectal prolapse, along with a much higher risk of heart disease influences my decision. Good Luck to you!
Thanks your information was helpful. I am still unsure of which procedure I will take but know for sure it want be a hysterectomy. I was lending towards the HTA but I don't know now. I will do more research before I make a decision.
During HTA, hydrothermal ablation, the inside layer of the uterus, the endometrium, is scarred by burning. For many women this causes symptoms that gradually worsen until they undergo hysterectomy to relieve the pain and pressure caused by the ablation.
A more constructive way to manage fibroids is with a myomectomy. Have you considered this option? You can read about fibroids and myomectomy on HERS Hompage at https://hersfoundation.org. Scroll down to the link to "Fibroids", then scroll down to the link to "Myomectomy".
I was told today that I four 3cm sized fibroids attached to my uterus. I had been experiencing extreme heavy bleeding about every 10 to 15 days apart for the pass 5 to 6 months. I didn't think anything was wrong but finally made an appointment to see my doctor. I am moderately anemic due to the heavy periods. My doctor discussed with me 4 proecedures to consider: HTA, Myomectary, UAE, and Hysterectomy. I asked what did he recommend and he stated HTA or Hysterectomy. I am 45 and had my tubes tied when I was 35 and do not want any other children. I would like to know your opinion of the HTA procedure.
You're right, Teresa, the statement should be qualified with "99% of fibroids are benign". Because they benign fibroids have a different appearance on radiologic imaging, it is usually possible to distinguish them with a high degree of probability.
It is also important to realize that some leiomyosarcoma can be removed without removing the uterus, depending upon their location.
Your comments are appreciated.
HERS says: "This does not change the fact that fibroids, which are benign growths, can be removed without removing the uterus."
This clearly should be ". . .which are *almost always* benign growths. . .".
During my doctor's appointment, we looked at a book that indicated fibroids are always benign and the doctor even said no one should say that because it's not really true (even though for them to not be benign is extremely rare).
My point isn't to scare anyone into thinking they might have leiomyosarcoma because that possibility is remote. My point is that you are making things too black and white. The world isn't like that; there will be exceptions and they should be acknowledged, not swept under the rug.
Teresa, I am sorry for your mother died from a leiomyosarcoma that was undiagnosed until it was terminal.
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of fibroid that is cancer. It can be differentiated by an ultrasound from a common, garden variety of benign fibroid. I'm sorry that your mother did not have the benefit of a gynecologist and radiologist who could have diagnosed her leiomyosarcoma, and removed it with a myomectomy. Many, but not all, leiomyosarcoma can be removed without removing the uterus, depending upon the location of the leiomyosarcoma.
This does not change the fact that fibroids, which are benign growths, can be removed without removing the uterus.
Read the "Fibroids" fact sheet on HERS homepage by clicking on the "Fibroids" link at http://www.hersoundation.org, and scroll down to the "Fibroids" link.
Teresa,
–
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mom due to cancerous fibroids. While the odds of this are very rare, for you and your mom the odds were one hundred percent. Though I ended up losing the use of my colon and rectum indirectly from a very unneeded hysterectomy, –
I agree the words always and never should not be used in medicine. Rose
I cannot begin to convey how much it breaks my heart to read repeatedly on this blog how a hysterectomy is never needed for fibroids. My mother died a few months ago from leiomyosarcoma. She had had fibroids for as long as I can remember and was always told they were not dangerous. When one grew so large it ended up causing a hernia, they went in to remove it (along with her uterus) only to find that the fibroid was cancerous. There had been talk of hysterectomy in the past and it wasn't done because "fibroids aren't dangerous". If she had had a hysterectomy, she would likely still be alive today. To say that hysterectomies are never warranted for fibroids is negligent and dangerous.
I have now been found to have multiple fibroids, a couple of them quite large and causing mild symptoms. My doctor (gyn), who I've known for over 10 years and I believe to be quite brilliant, laid out the risks and options and let me make the choice on how we are going to proceed. I'm opting for a hysterectomy, and in my heart believe it is the right decision for me.
It's disheartening for a site that portrays itself as an advocate for women to put forth such a hard-line position against all hysterectomies for fibroids. It minimizes what, in fact, some women are going through.
Akhila, it may be helpful to you to go to HERS Homepage, http://www.hersfoundation.org and read the "Fibroids" fact sheet.
Has the bleeding you are experiencing made you anemic? What is your hemoglobin and hematocrit?
I am 48 year old. For the past 2 and a half years I have been having irregular periods. That is menstrual cycle starts but flow is erratic from thin to nothing to heavy bleeding for more than 15 – 20 days. My Dr. puts me on a cycle of Ovral g for one month, followed by regesterone for the next 2 months starting from the 16th day. That works for a few months and I even get the ovulation pain during those months until another such episode occurs. I have been given 3 such cycles and now again the same problem, this time it started as soon as I stopped the tablets. I have been having very light bleeding for the past 20 days, light thin, brown bleeding. My scan shows several small fibroids and endometrium thikness is 6mm.(It was 14cm 2 years back) My dr feels that I shd have hysterectomy done. Can I wait for a normal menopause. Can i have Trapci MF tablets to stop the bleeding. I am diabetic.
A pedunculated fibroid is the easiest type of fibroid to remove. It grows on a long stalk, which is the blood supply from the uterus to the fibroid. The fibroid is snipped off the stalk, the stalk is cauterized, and the fibroid is lifted out of the pelvis. Myomectomy should be performed abdominally with a horizontal incision about the pubic bone, it should not be performed laparoscopically.
But why have any surgery when you do not have a medical problem? It may be helpful to you to read the information about fibroids on HERS Home page. Go to http://www.hersfoundation.org and scroll down to the "Fibroids" link. It would also be informative to watch two videos on HERS website. On the Home page is a short trailer from HERS last conference. Dr. Mitchell Levine, a gynecologist who was a speaker at the conference, discusses fibroids in the video.
And every woman should watch the video Female Anatomy: the life long Functions of the Female Organs at http://www.hersfoundation.org/anatomy. Tell your family and friends to watch the video. Women who understand the many amazing life long functions of the female organs, and the irreversible consequences of removing them, do not undergo hysterectomy. You need the uterus and ovaries all of your life!
According to my MRI report I have "a large exophytic fibroid lesion, measuring 13.5 x 10.6 x 15 cm, arising from the uterine fundus and extending into the right lower abdomen." I can feel it, both externally and internally, although I have no pain, just discomfort usually prompted by exertion. I am 48 years old, have three children ages 27 – 17, and still menstruate. My periods are becoming irregular, as frequent as two weeks apart, and have become much, much heavier in the past few months. I got the results of my MRI through my primary physician and will have a consult with a gynecological surgeon next week. I am not concerned with lose of fertility, and while I am obviously nearing menopause, I don't want to hasten that by having my ovaries and uterus removed if not necessary. Do you think a myomectomy would be possible even though the fibroid is so large?
You do not need a hysterectomy for fibroids. Do you have a copy of the radiology report from a recent ultrasound? It would be helpful to have more details about the location of the fibroid.
You may find it helpful to discuss this and review your radiology report, and physician referral with a counselor at HERS. Call 610.667.7757 to schedule a telephone appointment.
If you have not already done so, go to HERS Home page and click on the "Fibroids" link. Also on the Home page is a short trailer of HERS last conference with Dr. Mitchell Levine talking about why you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids.
In the navigation bar at the top of the page is a link to the Female Anatomy video, which is important for every woman to see, particularly if you're even thinking about hysterectomy.
I just found out I have a hyperechoic fibroid on the left side of my uterus near the fundas. the fibroid measures 4.4 cm by 3.8 by 3.1 cm.. I do have pain on that side but my periods are light due to an abalation I had in 2006. I do have some bleeding throughout the month but it so small I don't even have to use a tampon. Is this something a hysterectomy has to fix or their other options?
The 17mm (1.7cm) fibroid your wife has is very small and should not cause any problems during her pregnancy or delivery. Fibroids usually grow a little faster during a pregnancy than they would otherwise, and usually shrink some after the pregnancy. Whether your wife will experience more than the typical frequency experienced by most pregnant women depends upon the location of the fibroid. Do you have her most recent written report of her ultrasound? If so, it should say what the location is of the fibroid. You can read HERS detailed Fibroid Facts on HERS Home page at http://www.hersfoundation.org. Scroll down to the "Fibroids" link on the left side of the page.
my wife has been detected with myoma in the uterus.its size is 17 mm. she is six week pregnent. what is the implication on the mother and child?
Dear sabina,
I am also having a big intramural fibroid; I am 40 years old; my renowned doctor suggested exactly the treatment in the above article; my doctor has also suggested trapic mf (2 tablets thrice a day that is 6 tablets per day; right from the time you get periods) if I follow this dosage correctly, my periods stop in 3 to 4 days; but if take only 4 tablets i.e. 2 tablets only twice a day, my period continues for 13 to 15 days causing hell time. So, please look at your dosage, if you are scrupulously following it, consult your doctor and get relief.
Best wishes – – sasi
You are still a candidate for myomectomy, if you go to a doctor who doesn't think that 61 years of age is a disease! You can contact HERS for names of physicians who have consistently good outcomes performing myomectomies.
Are you certain that you need surgery? If your fibroid has started showing signs of necrosis, it may have begun the process where it will gradually shrink until it is smaller and calcified, and will no longer grow.
I just had a CT scan, indicating a 17 cm uterine fibroid, suggesting possible necrosis. I'm 61 years old & have lived healthily with this fibroid for years. But I've recently been experiencing lower back pain, and surely don't want death to other organ tissue to occur; but I absolutely will not have a hysterectomy. At my age & with this size fibroid, am I still a candidate for a myomectomy? (I had my Right thyroid removed in 2006 due to a goiter that was pressing on my vocal chords. I've been on L-Thyroxine since then, but just last week switched over to Armour natural thyroid.)
Sophia,
If after reading this blog you are still concerned about your fibroids, you can contact HERS at 610.667.7757 to arrange a telephone appointment to speak with a counselor.
39 year old sophia
I have just done an ultrasound and was told that i have 2 fibriods, 2 Intramural Fundal Fibriods of 6 and 3 cm. the right ovary is normal and the left ovary was not seen, they are uterine fibriods. i am so worried trying to figure out my options
Worried sophia
Sheryl, good question, but too respond it would be helpful to have the radiology reports from all imaging studies that you have had done in the last year, such as ultrasound, CT scan and MRI. You can scan and email them to hersfdn@earthlink.net or fax them to HERS at 610.667.8096. After you send your records contact Irene Park at HERS at 610.667.7757 and let her know that you sent your radiology reports, and she will schedule time for a counselor to go over them with you by phone.
I have 2 fibroids that are 4cm in size. One is projecting into my uterus. I was asked to do a MRI to see whether I needed a myomectomy or if it could be removed via laser through my vagina. The MRI showed that the projection was part of a larger 4cm mass. The doctor recommended a myomectomy as I wanted to pursue fertility treatments. I am not comfortable with this decision however. I have no negative symptoms associated with the fibroids, and I am not sure that the presence of the scar tissue from the surgery will not pose a larger barrier to my becoming pregnant than the portion of the 4cm fibroid protruding into my uterus.
Can you advice?
Women are sooooo lucky to have this site to steer them clear of hysterectomy and the disastrous aftermath that will and does follow if not right away, then years down the road. The circulation and nerve transmissions to all pelvic organs have been damaged. The bladder and rectum do not function as well. Throw in the internal prolapses that occur due to the void left by the absent uterus and the compromised sexual responses and you have a truly mutilated human being. BUT, what do the rest of us do who have already had hysterectomies due to signing uninformed consents back when we had ours. The depression that brings on must be supported in some way as we cannot take back the day, though there is nothing more we would like to do. Seriously damaged by this surgery. ended up losing the use of my colon, rectum, and for 13 months the use of my small intestine due to severe damages for what turned out to be overdone prolapse surgery (the new up and coming lucrative business generated by the hysterectomy business of the 80's and 90's) Wound up with an ileostomy and lucky to be alive. BUT what do we tell ourselves? How do we who have been so injured by the medical world continue on? There's nobody here for us! Rosemary
Wow, Pam, a little sensitive there aren't you? Is this your blog? I would guess that it is. The reason I'm here is because I just had the surgery, and, yes I felt good the first day. I have yet to feel tired or in pain. This website is the like the NOW of hysterectomies. Oh, and by the way, from what I read at other sites, it is difficult for anyone to remove interior fibroids and I had many of them. I'm just wondering who the experts are on this blog that are speaking out. Where are the credentials? Just wondering.
You “just had” the surgery so you are hardly a good testimony here. Update us in a year or two.
Anonymous, if you feel so great after your surgery what are you doing here on a blog in the middle of the day? Why aren't you out living your life?
A hysterectomy isn't needed for fibroids, and it's unfortunate that your doctor didn't refer you to another doctor who has the surgical skill to remove your fibroids.
No matter the type of hysterectomy performed, certain consequences do not vary:
-the vagina has been shortened, sutured shut into a closed pocket.
-uterine orgasms no longer occur.
-structural support to the pelvis, bladder, and bowel has been lost.
-risk of heart disease increases threefold, average weight gain post hysterectomy within the first year is 25 lbs, click here for more https://hersfoundation.org/facts.html
I hope you continue to feel "great" after your surgery and that you won't need to return to hysterectomy related blogs such as these in the future..
Well, let me first say, that when I found this blog it scared the heck out of me. After reading and doing my reasearch I decided to go through with the hysterectomy. I was having very heavy bleeding and much discomfort from a couple of large fibroids. What I didn't know is that had numerous fibroids. I am 51 and still not menopausal. I am thrilled that I went through with the hysterectomy. It was robotic and minimally invasive. I have not felt this great in years and am thankful that I followed through with the surgery. I guess it's not for everyone, but don't let this website make up your mind for you!
I agree, fibroids do not often cause a medical problem. I do not agree that doctors prefer not to do anything about them. Fibroid are the most common reason hysterectomies are performed. It's a very lucrative business.
Because a woman in her early 40's has developed all the fibroids she's ever going to have, after that age a myomectomy, surgical removal of the fibroids leaving the uterus intact, will be the last you will ever see of fibroids. That is, if all of the fibroids are removed!
Fibroids are very rarely life threatening and doctors prefer not to treat them unless absolutely necessary as surgery can be risky, and drug treatment can have unpleasant side effects. In addition, the only form of surgery which prevents uterine fibroids returning is a hysterectomy.
If you are reading this blog, I assume it is because a hysterectomy has been recommended for you. I have never posted on a blog before, but feel compelled to share what I learned through my own experience, and hope to enable even just one woman to avoid what so many other women have endured and continue to endure and who have posted on here.
All women need to know that hysterectomy is a damaging surgery with serious, permanent consequences. It should never be done unless women are provided with the information in the HERS “Female Anatomy” educational video.
I have no affiliation with the HERS Foundation. I am just a woman, like you, who had symptoms (in my case, caused by fibroids) that led me to seek treatment and navigate the various medical options. Hopefully without sounding melodramatic, I realize in retrospect (and even at the time) that viewing this video literally saved my uterus and all that goes with it. I also credit a nurse, who did not remain silent when she could have. Ironically, she spoke up because she was already suffering the consequences of an unwanted hysterectomy, and is a medically trained registered nurse.
To view the video, you can google HERS foundation, go to their website, and click on Female Anatomy Video or use this link below:
https://hersfoundation.org/anatomy/index.html
If you are considering a hysterectomy, go to this link and view the video. Knowledge is power, and I feel blessed that I found my way to this video and information just in time, as I hope it is in time for you.
This video should be viewed by every woman who might contemplate hysterectomy and definitely prior to consent, in fact, it is beyond irresponsible for any doctor, who is sworn to "do no harm" to try to suppress this information.
Incidentally, I did have the UAE (which HERS also provides educational information on this procedure as well) and have had excellent results, symptoms completely eliminated and no complications, with the procedure being performed two years ago. I definitely did not need a hysterectomy, and feel grateful to have been informed in time.
Through this experience, I have become aware of this problem and still have concerns for other women, now and in the future, to be well informed; I know how close I came to suffering the same consequences.
That unneeded hysterectomies continue to be performed in this day and age is not only a women's rights issue, but also a humanitarian issue, as we are mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmothers, wives and professionals, and the consequences of hysterectomies impact those around us as well.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you to the concerned nurse and the HERS Foundation for saving my uterus! I hope you can find an alternative to hysterectomy to solve the symptoms you are experiencing.
Best wishes,
Mary
Women are so lucky to have this forum. My life like many others were literally ruined by an unneeded hysterectomy all over a 2 cm fibroid not the cause of my heavy bleeding as that happened not during every period. There are now so many alternatives to hysterectomy. But, sadly, no matter how good the alternatives are and how good the docs are that honestly want to help women avoid hysterectomy, sadly there can be complications from many of the alternatives too, though not as bad as from hysterectomy. PRIOR to doing anything about heavy periods, (in the absence of cancer or endometriosis) I just want to offer this to women. Just ask yourself, are you currently, and could you continue to just live with the heavy periods until menopause? Especially if you are close to menopause? A friend of mine just lived with the monthly floods, and she is in the best health of anyone I know today. She is the youngest 60 year old I know. Her life is just beginning. With her mom living til 90 n perfect health, this lady has 2/3 of her life ahead of her totally untouched by any procedure and hence no complications. Also her heavy bleeds were only for 10 years (from 40-50). In a life span, that is a drop in the bucket. I on the other hand did not have the foresight she did. I had a hysterectomy, and due to ensuing related complications over time, and subsequent surgery for what turned out to be misdiagnosis of a prolapse due to the hysterectomy (long story here), I lost the use of my colon and my rectum. It was a bizarre twist of fate, but due to having a hysterectomy when I was 38, I had to have a permanent ilesostomy when I was 50 all sequela to the hyst. So my offering of idea is well founded and well meant. Sincerely, Anonymous
Heatherm,
If you will fill out the contact form on HERS website at http://www.hersfoundation.org, and in the comment section say you would like information about myomectomy and HERS questions to ask gynecologists so that you can determine if they have the skill to perform a myomectomy.
HERS can also refer you to gynecologists who have consistently good outcomes performing myomectomies.
I am 31 years old with 2 kids from a previous relationship. I have numerous fibroids on my uterus. The doctor could hardly see my uterus and right ovary. I am hoping to have 1 more baby with my husband. I hope they can remove the fibroids without having a hysterectomy.
Great about the house bill. When do we find out if it passes? Rosemary
Yes! Indiana Representative Bruce Borders today introduced Bill 1257. You can read the proposed legislation at http://www.ai.org/legislative/bills/2011/IN/IN1257.1.html.
Kudos to Representative Borders!
SOMETHING HAD GOT TO BE DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOW IS THAT HOUSE BILL COMING ALONG WHERE WOMEN NEED TO BE SHOWN THE FILM "FEMALE PELVIC ANATOMY" PRIOR to signing hysterectomy consent forms?
Will this ever happen in a surgery for profit society such as ours?
I can vouch this Woman tells the TRUTH! In jan 2010 I had went to york,pa. e.r. for asthma attack an Ct scan showed huge mass in uterus that was softball size. No other info but "MASS" I was advised to be in O.R. within 24hrs. What??? I had pap smears and everything, such a shock. So I immediately went to My GYN in Towson,Md. and he sent me to Head Of Womens GYN Oncology at GBMC who said uterus had to come out and advised the cervix too. Scheduled quick surgery. Did laproscopic assisted vaginal removal. Felt poor an nurse commented on poor bowel sounds 2 days later. I went after EVERY MEAL as NO GALLBLADDER. Odd couldnt go. Went home and all the vaginal cuff stitches broke. Lovely in 3ft snowstorm, taken to E.R. again an repaired burst stitches in cuff. Docs gave no reason what happened had to have 2 bags of blood. DISGUSTING. 🙁 Then developed an odor like rotten chicken left 3days in garbage. Lots of antibiotics. Still could not have bowel movement. It is one yr since the surgery almost and I cannot have a bowel movement except once a MONTH. WHY???? No answers from Surgeon, sent to many gastro docs from Maryland to FL. NO ANSWERS. Now I have no insurance. NICE. Was a model but gained 20lbs an increasing. NEVER GAINED WEIGHT BEFORE. Real kicker is NO MORE sex life. NO Orgasm can be achieved even by hand by me when I had to hardly be stimulated b4 surgery, your uterus an cervix are the muscles supplying DEEP orgasm. Nice to tell Women later. I would never have trusted a doc to rush me into this if known what I know now. Got divorced b4 procedure and no guy wants me as sex does nothing but cause dry ripping of shriveled parts. These doctors are butchers! BEWARE!
You can undergo a myomectomy, surgical removal of the fibroids, without removing your uterus.
Contact HERS at 610.667.7757 to speak to a counselor about a referral to a doctor who is skilled at performing a myomectomy.
I have a submucosal fibroid that is 4cm. My doctor immediately told me I would need a hysterectomy to solve my problems. Apparently after my reaction he then said I had another option and it was to incert the IUC called Mirena. After reading these posts I'm wondering if the IUC is my answer. I have the brochure on Mirena and not sure if I want to do this either. Any suggestions??
I am a 55 year old eunich as I had a radical hysterectomy in 1984 and because my mother died of ovarian cancer the doctor recommended that I have everything removed to stop me from getting cancer. My first son was born when I was age 17 with no problems then I had numerous miscarriages and at age 23I gave birth to my 2nd son. I had to stay in bed the last few months of the pregnancy but he was healthy but I have not had a healthy day since. I developed hypothyroidism, high blood pressure that took years to control it, I also have empty sella syndrome so even though I am being treated with levothyroxine I have a low tsh so my internist I live in hell every day, I need from .25 mcg to .3 mcg and he has me down to .15. I have gained 40 pounds, I am suicidal, I lose everything I touch, I don't really have any intense feelings about anything and I have systemic sclerosis and feel crappy all of the time, I have fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, insomnia, chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis and osteo arthritis but every doctor I go to thinks I am crazy because one day I have a pancreatic pseudocyst and a week later it is gone. I have severe migraines and chronic fatige but can't sleep, etc., etc. anyway I recently found a golf ball size lump on my pubic bone, I had fibroids and pre-cancer in my uterus, cervix and overies. Do you think this could be cancer?
I have 8 fibroid tumors. That's right- I said eight! 6.4cm, 5.8cm, 5.3cm, 4.4cm- and at least four more detected on the ultrasound… I also have a 3.2cm cyst on my left ovary. The ultrasound tech told me that she couldn't even find my right ovary because of all the fibroids! I was told that my uterus is the size of a 4 and a 1/2 month pregnancy, and that it is tilted upwards, and twisted to the side because of all the abnormal tumor growth. My tumors are on the outside of my uterus, which does not cause heavy bleeding problems. However, I am symptomatic.. Lots of urine frequency, including pain at times upon urination when I hold it for too long. It feels like I have a bladder infection- though I test negative every time. The pelvic pain and pressure feels like a constant dull bloated and "straining" feeling all around my pelvic region… And the worst is the chronic lower back pain, which is 24/7. I take a ridiculas amount of motrin just to get through my day. At 41, I have a long way to go before menopause, so I am stuck. In addition, I had a myomectomy 7 years ago. They pulled 5 tumors out then- though unfortunately they have all grown back! I refuse to get a hyterectomy, and they are too large for another type of proceedure besides a myo, so I will opt again for another myomectomy as soon as I can.. Problem is, I literaaly can't afford to take off work for the 6-8 week recovery process at this time.. So here I wait, in pain every day as they continue to grow.. I just needed to vent! But let me tell you, that unless I was diagnosed with cancer- I refuse to get a hyterectomy!!!
I'm glad that there are websites like this that has interaction with people especially regarding health and fitness of women. This site provides readers with the essential information they need to make a smart health care.
I would say no. Even if it does, at your age, this fibroid will very soon disappear. For now I would say, wear some depends and do no surgery. Take it from me. No surgery is the only safe surgery.
I have a 1.5 cm fibroid,am 53 and haven't had a period for 1 1/2 years. It was found because I was having problems with incontinence. My doctor said it was pressing on my bladder. I had two episodes of urinating without any feeling or warning. Can this small fibroid cause this problem?
Chrisann, like HERS new blog post says, is the Good News actually Bad News because it is dangerously wrong?
Heavy menstrual bleeding with large blood clots is caused by a submucosal fibroid, one that is growing in the inside, endometrial layer of the uterus. That is the only type of fibroid that causes heavy bleeding with large blood clots. Because it is in the inside of the uterus, it make no sense to have it removed from the outside by laparoscopy. If the submucosal fibroid is 4cm or smaller it can be shelled out with a hysteroscope, a procedure that is done vaginally. To do it laparoscopically the gynecologist would have to cut from through the outside layer of the uterus, then s/he would have to cut through the middle layer of the uterus, just to reach the inside.
If the fibroid is larger than 4cm you would need an abdominal incision, a horizontal incision made just above the pubic bone, similar to a C section incision. Laparoscopic myomectomy takes much longer, has a higher complication rate of injury to the bladder and ureters, and exposes you to the risks of prolonged anesthesia.
You said that after the cause of the bleeding has been removed, the fibroids, the doctor is going to do an ablation. Endometrial ablation is a dangerous surgery that often has serious consequences. It scars by burning the inside of your uterus. Every month when you would menstruate, your uterus will fill with blood in preparation for menstruation. But because the endometrium was burn and the uterus scarred, the blood cannot come out. This causes pain and a feeling of heaviness in the pelvis that can only be treated by removing your uterus.
The more important issue is it would be unnecessary to have any further surgery or treatment when the cause of your bleeding has be solved by removing your fibroids.
If you would like to discuss this with a counselor you can call HERS at 610.667.7757 to schedule a telephone appointment.
Update on 2nd opinion. Well seems no hysterectomy needed but fibroid does need to come out because it's location, so I'm having this done laproscopy then ablation — so I have quick recovery period and don't loose everything!!
Thank you for your help on this great blog — keep up the good work!!
Thank you for the advice — I will see what my second opinion has to say next week and then consider and be back here to discuss further.
So anything else I should watch out for- this is my first real medical issue so any advice is appreciated!
Even with all the consents in the world, once the "lights go out" a doc can do anything he/she feels like. Scary but true. The only safe surgery is no surgery.
chrisann,
be careful. what a dr says/promotes, and what a dr actually does/practices are two different things. a lot of times, they're just telling you what you want to hear, and once they get you in the operating room, it's a bait and switch. i know women who have been reassured time and time again by their drs that they would never perform unnecessary surgery, only to end up with their uterus and ovaries removed for a benign condition. get a copy of your consent form, contact HERS so that you can get it in writing what you are exactly consenting to. if it says "possible" hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy, that means you are giving them permission to remove your female organs.
buyer beware.
Well having thought about it and read the various comments here, I have taken action and off for a second opinion on Monday.
Looks hopeful as they do not advocate hysterectomy unless it's really necessary. So fingers crossed and I'll let you all know how I get on. Thanks for the advice here, this is a great sight,
Hi again Christine,
I DO understand the intense bleeding issue as that is why I had my "unneeded" hyst that lead to all the trouble. Glad you read my story. My life is now dedicated to helping others make safer decisions than I did (I gave "uninformed consent)" when I had my hyst. If I were you, I would find a doc who will just remove the fibroids laporoscopically or hysteroscopically. At your age the chances of them growing back are practically nil. You are 55. The average age of end of periods is 51. A friend of mine in your exact situation was 58 by the time she ended menstruation. BUT, now she is the healthiest 60 year old I know. She acts and looks about 30. It will be well-worth the wait, though the waiting is tough. So look for the myomectomy doc. He is out there! Rosemary (I care)
Rosemary – thank you for telling me what happened, poor you, my heart goes out to you, and it makes me think even more carefully about this, I'm so glad I found the site.
My doctor did mention that there was an operation to take out just the fibroid but said he was not willing to do it, as it would grow back and it's the same recovery time as a full hysterectomy. But then my logic is saying if it's taken out how likely is it that it would grow back at my age?
I will try to leave it but it's so hard with the excessive bleeding and huge clots, just want my life back!
Christine,
You're right, at 55 you are most likely near menopause, which means menstruation will stop and your fibroids will shrink to a negligible size. If you feel that you cannot wait it out, and that you really must do something now, you can undergo a myomectomy, surgical removal of the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact.
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
Oh Christine,
As you are 55 hang in there for menopause it can't be far away. I had a hyst when I was only 38 for only a 2 cm fibroid (upon review could not even have been the cause of my flooding as I did not flood during every period. My GYN was amiss is doing a whole hyst. As a consequence I developed a huge rectocele which trapped stool. My issue was misdiagnosed as a sigmoidocele. Those docs in surgery saw that my sigmoid colon was not prolapsing into the space left by removal of uterus and proceeded to take out my sigmoid colon anyway. I developed a severe narrowing where they put the ends of my colon together. They also did other internal prolapse surgeries which I did not even need. I had small bowel obstructions for 13 months due to all the severe intestinal scarring. On legal review of the original scan it was only a loop of small bowel that internally herniated into the space between the top of the rectum and top of vagina that separated due to removal of uterus 15 years prior. The only thing that could be done for me was lysis of severe adhesions and permanent ileostomy. I poop waste out of my small intestine into a bag and will be lucky if I continue doing so as there is risk of adhesion regrowth. So far so good, but one never knows. My message to you is sent from the heart, do not have that hysterectomy. Menopause will come and you will be thankful that you waited. Hysterectomy severely weakens the pelvic support structures that are already in a weakened state due to your beginning menopause. You must be at least in perimenopause. Hang in.
I hope you can give me some advice. I am 55 years old and have been having the worst periods, very heavy, with a large number of clots. It's also meant I have been in a couple of difficult situations. So I saw my doctor and he has advised a hysterectomy as I have a fibroid about 6 cm in size. I have had other tests and all else is fine.
In view of my age this seems an extreme course of action as I assume that my periods will finish and fibroid shrink.
However the continual periods and blood clots are really gating me down as it does really restrict both mine and my husbands lifestyle, unable to go out and I'm unable to work
due to this, so I hope you can give me a bit of advice.
Yes, myomectomy just removes the fibroid. Do not have the hysterectomy. It is not necessary for the fibroid. This is reply to V156 (I think the post was entitled.) Rosemary
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
To discuss options in treatment for your specific situation contact HERS at 610.667.7757 to arrange a telephone appointment to speak with a counselor, or fill out the contact form at http://www.hersfoundation.org.
Hi,I had fibroid of 2cm 2 yrs back and now its grown to 8.5cms.My menstruation is normal as far now except that I have slight bleeding during periods and having pain during intercourse.These days due to heaviness of the fibroid,I am feeling really uncomfortable.I will be going for a final opinion soon.My previous doctors said the only way to rectify my problem is to become pregnant,which is seeming difficult these days.I have a 4 yr old daughter.So is there any possibility that my fibroid can be removed via surgery?I am 29 yr old and quite young for hysterectomy I guess..any advice or tip for me,please let me know
I had two large fibroids (and possibly two smaller ones). My symptoms were bothersome, including painful sex, severe cramps, urinary urgency and rectal pressure. I also had a previous unrelated surgery that left a large amount of scar tissue in my abdomen. Talking with HERS helped me make the decision to have a myomectomy. It was done as a laparoscopic procedure by a great suregeon (key!).
Anonymous,
HERS has two requests. First, please give your name or use an alias to make it easier to follow who said what in the comments.
Second, regarding your comment "the statment "fibroids: you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids" is misleading and potentially dangerous". Would you give examples of what you feel is misleading and potentially dangerous.
The information about fibroids was researched before posted on the blog, so HERS would appreciate being informed if there is a possible error.
while article makes some important points, it is biased as well. the statment "fibroids: you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids" is misleading and potentially dangerous.
Hello Ann and everyone again regarding these most recent posts, and pertaining to you. I would just like to add what I left out previously, and others have mentioned here:
Get the WORD OUT ALSO. You must come in contact with females every single day of your life; whether they be family/friends/other people where you work (if you are employed), and even just an acquaintance. This is so extremely important. We do not need to 'Preach' to people, but we need to speak up on the topic; whenever we can, and provide this vital, and so extremely important information. Gosh, I so wish I would have had a family/friend tell me I did not need a Hyst. for fibroids; let alone, have one for any reason…
I am not a doctor, and I am not with having a doctorate degree, but I can speak with full 'degrees' of knowing 'first hand' the devastation this causes any female, and never needs to be done. I have yet to hear of any female who absolutely had to have it done. Not after all the research I have done now; have I ever heard of one case where necessary – truly necessary. Isn't that interesting, Ann?
Again, you take care (and all you comrades out there too…)
Dear Ann, I too had a fibroid and was easily talked into this surgery 22 years ago because I just didn't know enough about the female anatomy. Like HERS mentioned you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
You are so lucky to have found HERS before your surgery. I wasn't as lucky. I found this sight about 2 years after my surgery because I wasn't getting any answers from the dozens of doctors I was going to. My health was not good and my zest for life was not like it was before my surgery. When I called HERS I wanted to know if anyone felt as badly as I did. Their answer: OH YES!
I was not given any choice for alternative surgeries, was told I would feel better than ever and that my sex life would stay the same. ALL LIES.
I was a hairstylist getting ready to open my own salon up when I had the surgery. All down hill after that. I ended up losing my career, marriage, health and zest for life. With the help of HERS I am here today. Your life is not and never will be the same.
I hope you have cancelled your surgery. I would like to see you at the next conference so you know you did the right thing by not having this barbaric surgery just for fibroids. You can go on with your life and with your sexual organs. Now go out and spread the word to other women before they end up on the operating table. God Bless You Ann.
Dear Ann,
I want you to know I could not agree more with what Cathy, Mad as Hell, and Lulu just posted here. They are so right on. I, too, was scared into having a Hyst. for two small fibroids. I have never felt worse since. My life, physically, emotionally, and financially have gone to the negative. I just want to add to what the others said here; in that, (yes, I wish I would have had the information, known about the Hers Foundation before I made a decision to have a Hyst.) the GYN who scared me into having a Hyst., I had been seeing for 18 yrs., and he helped me with bringing my two children into this world. I had 'faith' in him to believe in what he said. This was my downfall. He also got angry when I said that (the one bit of research I was able to do/find) I got an email from a Dr. Stanley West who recommended a Myectomy instead, and to not have a Hyst., because I could wind up with more complications by having a Hyst. than even not doing anything, and let 'Nature' takes its course. This GYN got angry when I told him what this Dr. Stanley West said to me. "No, you must have a Hyst. to take care of your heavy bleeding, and how dare this man email you when he has never seen you?! No, you must have a Hyst." I should have listened to Dr. West. How I regret this!
There is greed, profit, and power involved with physicians; and the whole 'game' with these GYNs promoting Hysterectomies are for these reasons; unfortunately – along with hospitals. There is also not as much money to be made with performing a Myectomy, and certainly no money to be made by stating to a patient; in regards to fibroids, to "Do nothing, and let Nature take its course." Plus, with a Myectomy; it is a bit of a more 'complex' surgery, and doctors have to be skilled at doing one. From what I have researched; doctors will steer away from promoting this – due to this factor. But, let's see here – wouldn't a doctor think of the patient first, and not his/her own personal gain or lack of knowledge?
I had one Orthopedic doctor suggest I see another doctor for a complex surgery on my right leg Achilles tendon several years ago. This doctor said, "I do not feel competent enough to do this type of surgery; therefore, I am suggesting you go see …." I did, and all turned out well. I was so appreciative of this doctor; in that, he could have made the profit from he doing the surgery, himself. Instead, he thought of my best interests and welfare. These are the kinds of doctors we need; especially, in the field of Gynecology.
I also want to state, Ann, to be careful with the GYN you are going to cancel your Hyst. with. I am thinking he will try to sway you to still have one. Don't 'buy it'. I hope you are with the attitude that reading others' stories here have convinced you not to have a Hyst., and we are all speaking up; because we are "Real Women with Real Stories" and factual stories of what happened to us, and we truly are trying to get the word out; until such legislation is passed to ensure this does not happen to ONE MORE FEMALE. Thank goodness you came to this site. I know I can speak on behalf of others here with saying – THANK GOD FOR YOUR DECISION. WE NEED TO REACH MORE LIKE YOU TO STOP THIS TRUE INSANITY. WHY ELSE WOULD WE BE POSTING IF IT WAS NOT THE TRUTH, AND ALSO THAT WE CARE TO NOT LET WHAT HAPPENED TO US – HAPPEN TO OTHER WOMEN AND FAMILIES.
Bless you, Ann. You take care, and I wish you the best with all your endeavors in life.
That's wonderful Ann, I'm so happy for you, and so glad you were saved! It's truly hard to believe that a doctor would push an unnecessary surgery on a patient, but I'm glad you've seen through the deception.
Thank you all for your replies and comments to my post, your comments have confirmed what i knew i wanted to do in my mind,but you tend to self doubt your own feelings. as I am now in the menopause and my symptoms have gone I will be canceling the hysterectomy. Some of your exeriances have been horrific and i feel i have escaped a mutilation with my womanhood intact. Once again a very big thank you for your replies i will be on the phone next week cancelling the operation. All the Best Ann
PS I will be spreading the word and encouraging other women to read this site.
Ann,
You are so very lucky to have found this site and to be able to avoid a hysterectomy. If my husband and I could have done so, then we would gladly leave this house that we've been paying on for over 30 years with the shirts on our backs. That, my dear, is how fortunate you are to be intact!
Think of it this way, if a man's sexual organs had benign tumors that were encased, and, he could have that encasement opened, and the growth gently popped out, don't you think that that is what would be done for him? for any man??
So, why do women not often get the conservative surgical treatment that a man would? To me, this is gender discrimination made even more hideous because it comes from those sworn to,"do no harm."
Also, have a care if a gyn says they will just remove the fibroids. I'm afraid that I've talked with far too many women who have been duped in this manner- and wound up with a hysterectomy.
One last warning: whatever you do, beware of the gyn push (that I can pretty much guarantee is coming!) to get you on hrt. For hrt can grow the fibroids huge, and, thus, usher you into the OR for hysterectomy.
Ann,
I forgot to mention – please, please, please spread the word as much as you can about the dangers of hysterectomy. Refer other women to HERS. Sign the petition on the HERS Website and ask your friends and family to do the same. (People from any country can sign.)
Without a law, spreading the word is imperative to reducing the number of hysterectomies.
Ann from England,
I'm so glad you found this blog. YES, please cancel your surgery. Even if you WERE still having symptoms, a hysterectomy is NOT the answer as it will leave you with lifelong physical, emotional, mental and sexual damage. The adverse effects of hysterectomy (with or without ovary removal) are well documented in medical literature as well as on the HERS website.
Again, I'm so glad you found this site and wish more women did (including me) before they were mutilated.
Since being gutted by Dr. Richard C. Muckerman in St. Louis, my mission is to warn other women about the horror of hysterectomy and the fraudulent tactics used to lure women into the OR.
Ann, you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids, and now you can see why. They shrink on their own when you go into menopause. Please cancel the surgery, you don't want this done to you. I was given an unnecessary hysterectomy and ever since, I've had constant abdominal pain and it's too painful for me to have intercourse. My ability to have an orgasm has diminished considerably, plus many other life-altering symptoms. You don't want this! Please cancel the surgery and go onto live a happy life.
I think I know my decission but I am just looking for confermation. I have a fubroid that i have been told was about the size of a small baby that was about seven months ago when I seen the consultant. I have a date for a hysterectomy on the 20th july 2010. over the last seven months my periods have stopped and I am in the menopause. apart from menopuse symptoms I feel fine all the problems associacted with the fibroid have gone. i no longer run to the loo all the time abdomen has begun to shrink and I feel great. I think the hysterectomy would not be needed now and I am on the point of cancelling the operation. would this be the right option for me based on the menopause and the way i feel now. thank you Ann
Please read the fibroid information in this blog post (at the top of this page).
The symptoms you were experiencing from the fibroid have gone away, and the fibroid is beginning the natural of process of shrinking. You don't have a medical problem, so there's no reason to be considering going into an operating room for a surgery that is not needed.
Even if your symptoms had continued, the worst case scenario should have been that you had only your fibroids removed, a surgery called myomectomy, leaving your uterus intact.
I am on the waiting list for a hysterectomy for a fibroid, since i had my appointment in december I have not had a period and appear to be menopausal, most of the fibriod symptoms i had have dissapeared or cause no bother, also my abdomen has shrunk down quite a bit. Is their any ned for the hysterectomy now or will nature take its course and shrink the fibriod.
Your situation is too complex to address in blog posts. If you would like to discuss these problems with a counselor at HERS, and to see what can be done, please email HERS by going to the website, http://www.hersfoundation.org and fill out the contact form.
I need help. I am now a 34-year-old woman who suffered from severe pelvic pain and horrible periods for years. I told my doctors over the years that I believed I had endometriosis. My first OB/GYN dismissed my pain and said it was not possible and staged me at stage 1 endo, a couple of months later I went to Shands to a specialist who scheduled anoter lap where he would be removing adhesions, fibroids, etc. I was this time staged at 4, the worst stage of endometrosis. Since the surgery I continued to have pain, never was able to conceive as I was told I could and have now gained 50+ pounds. I am so depressed and do not know what to do from here. I look pregnant, which I am not, have horrible constipation with severe fecal impaction constantly that it feels as if I am giving birth and I have to manually disimpact myself to have a bowel movement, which are sometimes so large and shaped like a baseball, which cannot be normal. I also asked my physician about hypothyroidism, which she said she doubted I had and requested I get lab work done (the results were to come back in 5 days)…that same day I received a call letting me know to go pick up my levothyroxine from the pharmacy, but it only helped for two weeks and again I cannot function, am constantly tired and depressed from all of this! Please any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I cannot continue to live like this anymore. Where do I go from here?
Where was all this information in 1995? This info can't be THAT new? My GYN did a total abdominal hysterectomy for a 2 cm fibroid THOUGHT to be the cause of my occasional heavy periods. DUH! The fibroid was always there, but not every period was heavy. Must have been some hormone imbalance or anovulatory cycle where the endometrium just built up then next time I ovulated it all came out. As a consequence 12 years later I did have an internal prolapse of a loop of small intestine THOUGHT to be an internally prolapsing loop of sigmoid colon. Though on medical review it was not. However, 3 surgeons opined to have the sigmoid colon removed to fix a constipation issue I developed. In surgery they SAW it was not redundant but removed it anyway, did multiple unconsented procedures, then did not deal with the fact that my small and large intestines scarred shut. Took me 13 months to convince docs I was not crazy but literally adhered with gut adhesions. Ended up with extensive lysis of adhesions and permanent ileostomy. Now am battling some dizziness issue linked to some malnutrition or thyroid issue (developed multinodule goiter).. This could have happened anyway, but the gut thing would not have had I not had the hysterectomy. Scary as this site sounds these moderators are right on target. Keep that uterus and those ovaries no matter what unless you have cancer. A smart neighbor of mine went through 15 years of god awful heavy periods, popped iron pills, happily entered menopause at 58 and is a very healthy senior citizen at 68; healthier than I now at 54. As horrid as the profuse bleeding is, they consequences of hysterectomy can actually be life threatening. I know it's hard to look beyond the now, but you have to. A hyst is NEVER necessary for fibroids. Good luck everyone.
Bridni,
Submucosal fibroids can be removed, if the doctor has the skill. If they are smaller than 4cm they can be shelled out with a hysteroscope, a long scope that's inserted into the vagina, into the cervix, then into the uterus. A tool is attached, and the doctor can chip away at the fibroid until nothing remains but the shell. If a submucosal fibroid is larger than 4cm you would need a myomectomy performed with a horizontal incision above the pubic bone.
There is no reason why a second myomectomy can't be performed, unless the doctor doesn't have the skill, or they have an age bias.
Your uterus is a hormone responsive reprodcutive sex organ that supports your bladder and bowel. When the uterus is removed women have a 3X greater incidence of heart disease. When the ovaries are removed it's 7X greater.
There is no time in a woman's life when she no longer needs her uterus and ovaries.
Hello everyone. I'm sure that HERS is doing a very good job in many cases to educate people about their bodies and procedures for gynae problems …. BUT … I'm not sure that '' you never need a hysterecomy for fibroids''is sound advice. I do not live in the USA. I live in Europe. I am 46 years old. Iwas diagnosed with small fibroids and one large one of 6cm when I was 35. I did massive research at the time and found an excellent gynae/expert in the field who performed a myomectomy.I have had check ups annually for the past 11 years? Unfortunately some submucosal fibroids have regrown. I now have numerous small ones and 2 fairly large ones 4cm and 3.5 cms. At 35 I had no symtoms . Now I have heavy blood loss during my periods and anaemia. The same doctor has advised a partial hystercomy. My ovaries are ok. He says that I will not make it to menopause without it and that what I am experiencing will only get worse and not better. My GP and a female gynae concur with this. I asked him if he could perform a second myomectomy or one of the other procedures in order to avoid hysterectomy. He said that these would not be as effective and that the fibroids would only grow back. Some of the procedures he would not do as he siad that they were too dangerous and could cause other complications. I am now scheduled for the partial hysterecomy but I continue to search for information about fibroids and alternatives to hystercomy. I am exhausted and upset by what I read. I am doubly upset that I have had this problem for so long, done a great deal of research and adopted lifestyle and dietry changes, undergone a myomectomy and ended up at this point where the hysterectomy ( albeit partial) is necessary. I do not think that your information 'having the wrong doctor' is responsible or helful advice for an organisation of your nature. There MUST be cases ( other that cancer) when this is deemed the best way forward for some women; I am searching and searching for a website or supprot network that can cover this point too so that all of these confused and upset women can get away from their computers and live their lives…. me included. Of course I want to keep my uterus. I am concerned about the after effects of this surgery but I have been told that there is no other solution. Good luck with your ongoing education and work. Your site is informative but also quite scary.
I'm a 46 year old woman who has fibroids which cause me very heavy bleeding, pain and urinary frequency. My doctor suggested hysterectomy as one option of how to deal with this, so i have been surfing the web, and I found this site. While I think you have some good information, I think it's ridiculous that you say that Fibroids are in your "genetic blueprint,"…. so are things like cancer and parkinsons! I just want to get rid of these problems. What are my options? Why do you say that myomectomy is the only "constructive" option whereas UFE is "destructive"….what is that supposed to mean? That makes no sense to me (especially since a myomectomy is much more invasive seeming). UFE seems very successful according to most of the medical journals. Please don't point me just to your website as it does not answer my questions and I find that it has very vague, unsupported statements.
i have 7 fibroids one at 8.5cm i have no children and have been bleeding since nov.2009 i have lost 9 pound in 2 months something that never happen i'm a vegan my belly is swollen the fibroid is sticking out of my belly and the doctor only offer a hysterectomy i'm only 27 yrs old.. what do i do?
Please go to the post at the top of this page and that read the section about submucosal fibroids.
symptoms. heavy, heavy bleeding. super heavy. clots pretty big. the biggest last period. the size of a small plum. stomach is swollen. periods lasting nearly two weeks. was anemic. 7.3 hemoglobin but now at 11.9. took iron pills. the doctor tonight said i could eventually bleed to death. Each doctor said something needs to be done. my mother and sister had them. they both got hysterectomies. i am active and very happy with my life. i exercise, eat well, i take spin classes, work on the eliptical, work late, writing a book on a totally different subject, hang with friends and have a rising career. i dont want this to be something bad. i really don't. but this doctor scared the f out of me tonight. i will call the hot line.
Fibroids are your genetic blue print, they run in the family, that's why you have them. You didn't do anything wrong.
You didn't mention having any symptoms or problems related to the fibroids. Do they bother you?
Your personal situation is too complex to discuss via a blog. You can contact HERS at 610.667.7757 and arrange a telephone appointment to speak with a counselor. You can also email HERS by going to https://hersfoundation.org, and click on "Contact".
PLEASE HELP! i hope someone answers me tonight. I am 43, no kids and happily married. have a great career and basically a nice life. But tonight i am very upset. i have huge huge fibroids. like six months pregnant. One doctor said i can get a myomectomy. he said i need to do it now!!! another doctor -( a second opinion doctor i saw tonight) both doctors are highly regarded new york city doctors – said no way. i can die on the table. too big. She said only an oconologist surgeon should do such a surgery on fibroids so big. I had surgery in 2005 (it went well) and they have grown back huge – its 2009. She wants me to see if its cancer. she said probably not but dont know why so big. i am devastated. can barely think. i have another meeting with the first doctor tomorrow. i am so afraid. i can barely work. What did i do wrong. did i have too much coffee, did i have too much red win, did have sex with the wrong person in my early years. By the way, my childhood best friend died last year. she was having fibroid surgery. her heart gave out. so this is all getting to me. my husband thinks i should just relax. He wants to go to dinner. but i just can't think right now i am so afraid. help!
Women, I understand that you all want to be sisterly in providing the right advice for other women out there who are dealing with the trauma of a hysterectomy, myomectomy, and the like. I must say, however, please speak for yourselves and not everyone. I wanted very much to have a child, but I needed to live in order to do that. I have had three hysteroscopies, and a myomectomy to preserve my fertility. They didn't work because the fibroids kept coming back and depleting my iron levels (anemic for 10yrs). I couldn't clean my own house, walk my dog, or climb stairs. I had to have three blood transfusions to save my life. After the myomectomy I in May 2005, I had four golf ball size fibroids again by November 2005 after they had removed 14 grape size from all parts of the uterus. These things were growing so fast they were outgrowing their blood supply and causing me excruciating pain. A hysterectomy was inevitable because my uterus was too damaged from scar tissue to keep cutting on it; a viable pregnancy was out of the question. After I had the hysterectomy, I was depressed for two years, but I was alive. Had I not had it, I would be dead now from loss of blood. I had the best doctors working with me for 10 years; the fibroids were just too ruthless. So be careful when reading the posts here, do you own searching to discover what is best for you.
Yes, it is.
Sue,
What type of fibroid is it? Is it submucosal?
Yes, I have a fibroid that is 4.6cm. It was not there two years ago when I was having issues an bled for over 4 months straight although much of it very light, but still there. It is now there. Endometrial biopsy was fine. Won't the estrogen in the pill feed the fibroid?
Thanks again. Going to check the site now.
Thanks for all you do to help women avoid unnecessary hysterectomy.
SUe
Sue,
If you have heavy menstrual bleeding with large blood clots it indicates that you have a submucosal fibroid, one that's located in the inside, endometrial layer of the uterus. A submucosal fibroid that is 4cm or smaller can be shelled out using a hysteroscope, which is a long scope that's inserted into the vagina, into the cervix, and into the uterus. Then a tool is attached to it, and the doctor chips away at the fibroid until nothing remains but the shell. If it's larger than 4cm you would need a myomectomy, and a horizontal incision above the pubic bone.
You may have a few fibroids, but the only one causing the bleeding is the one that is submucosal.
If you would like more information about fibroids contact HERS at http://www.hersfoundation.org.
At my appointment yesterday the Doctor prescribed a low dose birth control bill to try to get relief for the extreme bleeding that I experience each month from the fibroid I have. I've read several times that the pill can lead growth of the fibroid. Is this true? We are also re-doing the ultrasound in January because it did show up rather quickly from a 2 year span to be 4.6cm.
Thank you for your help!
Hi all,
Update is that, because the fibroid showed up and grew quickly they did an endometrial biopsy which came back fine. WooHoo. However, my period this month continues to get worse than the previous. Can't stand up after too long sitting without a big issue. Terrible pains, like early labor pains, off and on.
I have a doc appt next week to go over things and see what we want to do. I am the only income for our family, with my husband being disabled and not able to even drive. I have no time available.
Would hormone therapy help at least keep things livable until the first of the year, which would be a few more cycles since mine run 18-21 days? UGH! Is there a test that will give an idea of where my hormones are compared to menopause and give some idea?
Thanks for the help. You guys are great.
Kamal,
It sounds as though your wife's fibroids were an incidental finding. Since she is asymptomatic, why is she considering any treatment? She doesn't have a medical problem.
If you would like to receive more information about fibroids please go to HERS website: http://www.hersfoundation.org and fill out the contact form.
You would also learn a lot about fibroids by reading THE H WORD, a new book co-authored by Nora W. Coffey and Rick Schweikert. The book tells you what women commonly experience, risks of standard allopathic and alternative treatments, and why doctors are so quick to tell women they need hysterectomies. It's available at Amazon, and at http://www.thehword.org.
sorry I forgot to tell you it's a suserous fibroid found in the posterior aspetct of the uterus
my wife is a 41 years old we discovered 2 asymptomatic fibroids accidentaly as we are physicians, the gynaecologist insisted to perform a hysterectomy and he might remove the cervix and perhaps the ovaries if they are ugly, so I gat scared and refused all his options, now she is on (fibroid clear ) which is a herbal medivation for fibroids for about 10 months , no decrease in fibroid size and she has extremely regular cycle and never having severe or intermenstrual bleeding, no pain
what's your advice and how to proceed.
thanks for your reply
Dr. kamal
kamal.zekri@gmail.com
Thank you for the information. I saw my GYN yesterday and she did an endometrial biopsy to check for uterine hormonal issues as the fibroid was not present in a late 2007 ultrasound and is now the size it is. If that is ok, she has stated she would like to watch it for 3 months and recheck it to see the growth rate. If it has not changed much hormone treatment may help shrink it and keep it at bay until menopause truly hits since I will be 45 soon. With the extreme periods I have, I do believe that the option you stated sounds more realistic. It is in the very upper part of the uterus. I know that every month I absolutely dread my period because of the pain and the need to be careful what I do or the bleeding is worse.
Thank you so much for your help.
Sue,
Heavy menstrual bleeding with large blood clots is caused by a fibroid that is submucosal, meaning it's in the inside, endometrial lining of the uterus. A submucosal fibroid that is 4cm or small can be shelled out with a hysteroscope. The scope is inserted into your vagina, into the cervix, and into the uterus. A tool is attached to it that is used to shell out the inside of the fibroid, leaving nothing but the shell. It's a long, journeyman type surgery, and requires a surgeon who will carefully monitor to make certain that he does not perforate the uterus.
A submucosal fibroid that is larger than 4cm would require a myomectomy with a horizontal incision above the pubic bone. The fibroid would be removed, the layers of the uterus sutured back together one layer at a time, and menstruation then returns to whatever was normal for you before you had a submucosal fibroid.
I'm so glad I found your site. I am 44 years old and a recent ultra sound due to chronic pain and bleeding along with large clots. A 4.6 fibroid was found along with numerous cysts on the cervix. My problem is kind of the opposite. I can't seem to get my doctor to do anything to help me. It's a sit back and wait thing. While I appreciate her NOT jumping to a hysterectomy, I don't appreciate the "wait 3 months and see how its going" answer either. I have been having this issue for a year now. I doubt it will magically disappear. My mother hit menopause late. I am iron deficient to begin with, so the bleeding makes it even worse. Something has to be done. Sit and wait is not an option. I have hypothyroid as well, which, when out of whack, makes it even worse. I guess I'm really just venting. I have also had cysts on the ovaries, but the ovaries were hidden in this ultrasound, so I don't know what is up with that. What about the cervix? I have a call in to the doctor letting her know that I need to talk to her, not a nurse told to call with results that all is fine but……
I have had 2 myomectomy surgeries. The first one removed about 35 fibroids and the second one removed about 55 fibroids. I am 38 years old and would desperatley like to have a child. I am full of fibroids again. Is a third myomectomy out of the question in this case. We have been trying for 1-1/2 years to get pregnant with no success.
This is criminal, I won't do my whole story, it's too long, but I am in a situation where I may actually die of long-term result of a hyst done for a 2 cm fibroid (big intestinal involvement, too depressing a story to keep repeating.) When will this stop?
Doctor Oz actually started the conversation about unnecessary hysterectomy for Fibroids on his first show. He warned, women don't need a hysterectomy for fibroids. I hope he talks more about this subject and tells women that ovary removal is female castration, too!. Doctor Oz must have a show about the hormones and substances produced by the uterus and ovaries. The recommendation he gave to get a second opinion was not enough information. Women lose the ability to uterine orgasm after hysterectomy. Medically women experience endocrine system havoc after sex organ amputation (hysterectomy) and ovary removal (female castration).
I am 42 years old and was told that I have a subserosal fibroid on the outer wall of my uterus, measuring approximatly 9cm. I have only had one symptom, difficulty urinating, (which actually has improved on its own). Due to all the pressure from the fibroid which is obviously also pressing on my bladder, there is tissue slightly bulging outward at the opening of the vagina.
I had taken Lurpon for 3 months. The fibroid had shrunk, but not by much. The issue with the bulging tissue has not improved.
At the end of the 3 month stint of Lupron I took another ultrasound, and now the report reads Subserosal moving into Submucosal. My doctor's recomendation had changed from a Myomectomy to Hysterectomy.
I am confused as to how the fibroid can change types and if it has shrunk, even if it is a small amount, how does that happen?
I have been reading about hysterectomies and want to avoid that at all costs trying to keep my uterus intact for my own well being as well as; I have married late in life and am holding on to my last shreds of hope to have a child.
Any clarity and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
To Anonymous comment May 24th at 10:45pm
You suggest that if a hysterectomy is going to be performed that the cervix should not be removed and "…be sure the surgeon knows to reconnect the uterosacral and cardinal ligament complexes as well as reconnecting the round ligaments." Although you are completely well intentioned, this is dangerously wrong advice. Once severed the ligaments cannot be reconnected. They attach to the uterus. The uterus is removed during a hysterectomy, so there is nothing for them to be reattached to that would approximate natural anatomy. When the broad bands of ligaments that attach to the uterus are severed they are tied in bundles that hang unattached at the end that had been connected to the uterus.
The problem that you experienced, "…12 years after my hysterectomy either my sigmoid colon or a loop of small bowel descended into the space left between the top of my rectum and my vagina and created problems making bowel moves." is a typical, well known consequence of hysterectomy because the uterus sits between the bladder and the bowel. When the uterus is removed, the bowel drifts down to take up the space where the uterus had been, no longer in it's natural configuration or location. Without the uterus between the bowel and the bladder and to keep the bowel from sitting on top of the vagina, when there is stool in the bowel it presses against the bladder, causing a feeling of needing to urinate, even when there is little urine in the bladder, and the bowel will now press into the top of the vagina. This is does not happen to women with an intact uterus.
I'm so sorry that the repair of the rectocele has left you defacting into a bag. Every woman who undergoes a hysterectomy develops a rectocele. The "repair" is notoriously unsuccessful, although many women are so desperate to have their bowel problem solved they have as many as five or six repairs that don't hold until finally realize that not only does the repair not work, but each surgery leaves them with a greater problem.
The MRI treatment you suggest has resulted in some very serious complications. The only constructive way to manage fibroids that cause a medical problem is with a myomectomy, surgical removal of fibroids leaving the uterus intact. The only time a myomectomy cannot be performed is when the doctor doesn't have the skill. Unfortunately, rather than sending women to a doctor who does have the skill to perform a myomectomy, most doctors tell women that it can't be done because their fibroids are too large, or they are in a location where it would be too difficult to remove them, or they have too many fibroids to remove and their uterus would be full of holes and not viable. There is no such thing as a myomectomy that can't be performed IF the doctor has the skill.
to Anon at June 3, 2009 11:03 AM
—> that was a highly insensitive comment. I read the story and it seems the first 3 surgeries were due to childbearing . Wouldn't anyone have done likewise if you were seeking to have children? …well unless you do not want children, then that's a different matter but I thought you could at least empathize the agony she seems to have gone through.
Good luck and blessings!….
You were cut too many times and the ob/gyn who you trusted so much knows this. They just cut and cut you utill your organs are destroyed.
I like to share my experience. I had a total of 4 abdominal surgeries over a 10 year span- A Myomectomy, 2 C-sections and a Hysterectomy in that order.
I tried unsuccessfully to conceive for over 2 years and discovered that multiple grapefruit sized fibroids was the culprit, I was then 30 years old.
Having one of the best doctor helped. He knew my child bearing desire and ordered an immediate abdominal myomectomy. I was pregnant 3 months later and my 2nd child came along 2 years after, both delivered by c-section simply because of the prior myomectomy surgery.
Now this was where things got interesting .. the fibroids seems to have a mind of it’s own and started manifesting, accumulating and growing a few years after my 2nd delivery, causing tremendous havoc to my life. I tried every non surgical, holistic approach to shrink my fibroids without success. And in some strange course of event happenings, I had my 1st UTI at age 40 (2007) which brought me back to my Dr (a different one from the myo but he delivered both my kids). Among other things tested for UTI, he tested my blood level and it showed a shockingly 5.6 level way below the normal 12.0. He looked me in the eye and told me that I was toying with life. That was when I relented and went with the flow.
I was tired, very tired of my heavy flow, lack of energy and non desire to do anything. I trusted my Dr who told me that he will perform a total hysterectomy including cervix and leave both ovaries intact (unless he find it wasn’t good during examination in surgery). He said that since my ovaries has a good 10 more functional years. He wouldn’t perform the surgery unless my blood level was up to above 10 so 3 pints of blood was transfused a week before the abdominal hysterectomy surgery.
The weeks following hysterectomy was tough but I had incredible support from my husband and children who was my arms and legs. But since then I have reclaimed back my life and I finally smile and was happiest I have been in a long time. It was the best thing I have done to myself since having the myo and my 2 kids.
Everybody is different but do listen to your body and get a good doctor who is there for your interest. Sometime the urge to fight surgery must not be the best in a case such as mine.
Good luck and blessings!
If there your wife is suffering from heavy periods and cancer has been ruled out, it may be caused by fibriods. These can be removed by a good surgeon. Tell your wife to keep her uterus and all her lovely lady parts. They serve too many purposes. As she approaches menapause, the periods will stop. Also, keep by her side, she’ll come through the otherside with all her parts in tact if she seeks other options.
Best of luck.
To Anonymous whose post I found in my email,
IF your wife does go ahead with the hysterectomy, a word of advice is leave the cervix in (just keep gettting pap tests yearly) and be sure the surgeon knows to reconnect the uterosacral and cardinal ligament complexes as well as reconnecting the round ligaments. My surgeon did not do this and 12 years after my hysterectomy either my sigmoid colon or a loop of small bowel descended into the space left between the top of my rectum and my vagina and created problems making bowel moves. I almost died of the “repair” surgery and ended up with a permanent bag (i now pass waste into a bag out of my small intestine BUT considering the trouble I got into from the “repair” I am lucky to be doing as well as I am.) I’m only 53 now.
Some women have stronger pelvic support tissue that others. Your wife could be just fine forever after a hyst. OR she could develop these prolapse issues as I and many others have. Talk to the doc about my suggestions above.
Has she discussed myomectomy…just having the fibroids removed? Certain types can be done hysteroscopically…with a scope passed vaginally so not even any invasive abdominal surgery.
Also I think the Mayo Clinic and some other places have pioneered some sort of MRI targeting of fibroids that shrinks them from a magnetic resonance treatment.
There are tons of options available today that were not when I had my Unneeded hyst for a 2 cm fibroid which was likely not the cause of my over-bleeding issue (path report said benign hyperplasia) I just needed a D and C.
As your wife is still quite young save those ovaries if they look healthy. Just because one is over 40 or even 50, those ovaries still produce a certain amount of beneficial hormones for heart and bones. (Unless ovarian cancer runs in her family, in which case better to take them out of course.)
I think it’s great you are helping your wife gather information from those who have “been there.” I wished I’d had an advocate like you. Thanks for emailing and I wish your wife well.
Sincerely, Rose
My wife of 26 years has been having very heavy periods and “clotting”. She is having much pain during these periods and she is talking about having a hysterectomy to rid herself of this problem. She has had this going on for 5 years. Two years ago the problem was reduced greatly by returning to the use of birth control pills.
One year ago she stopped taking the pills because of her doctors recommendation “because she is 46” and the problems are now worse than ever. After listening to other women talk about their good experiences with having “it removed” and how “wonderful things have been sense” she is considering talking with her doctor about her options once again. He did suggest a hysterectomy 5 years ago when she was 41. After spending time reading and researching the subject of hysterectomy, I am very concerned for my wifes sake that she too may be falling victim to the same medical conspiracy that others have. What I don’t understand is how other intelligent women in our circle of friends and family have appeared to had much success with the procedures and say things like, “I feel like I am in my 20’s again” and “sex has never been better”. Another concern, at least 5 of these ladies from 44-50 all have shown some of the same emotional side effects from having the hysterectomy. 3 of the 5 have had real problems socializing and maintaining relationships with family and friends. As I have discovered from some of HERS information, it all makes sense now what has happened to these beautiful women/friends.
I love my wife with all my heart.I hurt when she hurts and cry when she crys. It has been difficult for her because we have 4 daughters, she is a college student, a educator, a artist, a teacher in our church and a out going beautiful vibrant woman.
I just don’t want to see her make a mistake that will potentially ruin her life forever. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
If you want to support creating a law that will compel doctors to provide the information women need before they are told to sign a hysterectomy consent form go to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/saynotilyouknow/
and SIGN the PETITION. You have the power to help HERS stop this from becoming the legacy of the next generation of women and girls.
Michelle,
Did you have the ultrasound performed in the radiology department of a hospital, a free-standing imaging center, or in the gynecologist’s office?
If it was performed in the gynecologists office there will either be a very sparse report or no written report. If it was performed in an outside facility, you can obtain the radiologist’s written report. It should contain information that will be helpful in determining what’s causing the discharge, and where the fluid is.
These issues are too complex to discuss in a blog. If you would like to speak with a counselor at HERS call Irene Park at 610.667.7757 and she will arrange a telephone appointment. If you have the radiology report from the ultrasound it would be helpful to have that available.
I am 30 years old, I have known about my fibroid since 2005. It was discovered in a routine pap. I had another ultrasound in 2007 which revealed it had rapidly grown. It was then 10cm. My Doc told me since it was causing no other problems (other than heavy bleeding) it would be left alone. I have since been on birthcontrol which was supposed to slow its growth and help with my heavy periods. I am anemic. I went back in november 08 for a pap and complained about some very bothersome yellow discharge. He said he would check it out. My pap came back normal. The discharge continued. I called again about a month ago and complained and they wrote me a prescription for a bacterial infection. I was on the medication for 5 days. Then my period came a week earlier then it was supposed to. It was very painful and heavy. I called again last week to complain (again) that the discharge problem has gotten worse and I wanted some anwers. My doc was on vacation (and still is) so they got me in with their PA. They decided to do another ultrasound. The tech said the fibroid was into the endometrium and there is a pocket of fluid which is causing the discharge problem. I still have no answers. My Doc won’t be back until next week. I have a lot of pain and pressure. I feel like I am going crazy. I want it out! I am really confused. I am tired of feeling like I am carrying around a lead balloon. My clothes are getting uncomfortable. I just want to know that I am not alone in this. I feel like nobody understands what I am going through. I don’t know what my Doctor is going to do. I am a pretty active person but this is really taking me down. I just want some relief because I can’t do this til menopause!
To Anonymous March8,
What was the reason you underwent a hysterectomy at the age of 17? It must have been bewildering and overwhelming to have your uterus and ovaries removed at such a young age.
Joint pain is a common problem after hysterectomy. If you would like to receive information about hysterectomy and joint pain you can contact HERS and ask to have the information emailed to you. A new article about this issue was published last week.
One of the safest and most effective treatments for joint pain, insomnia, back ache, and many of the common post hysterectomy problems is acupuncture. Japanese acupuncture seems to work better than Chinese or the English school.
Were any of the effects ever discussed with you before or after the surgery?
Anonymous who posted March 7 at 2:32pm,
If you would like a referral to a doctor who has consistently good outcomes performing myomectomy call Irene Park at HERS at 610.667.7757 and she will arrange a telephone appointment to discuss doctor referrals.
I am 43 years old and had a hyst. 10 years ago. I have had 10 operation on ovarian cysts since I was 17. Due to all the operations i had massive scar tissue which lead to my hysterectomy. I do not like the way I feel when I take HRT and I gain wieght (10 to 15 lbs) within weeks of taking them. I really don’t see much difference when I take them. I have NO sex drive at all and the dryness doesn’t help either. Reading your page within a half an hour time I have gone to the bathroom 2 times. Am I wrong for not taking the HRT I am going to the ob this week for my yearly check up. BTW no ovaries no cervix no uterus. I have joint pain and did not know it could be linked to my hysterectomy. Also extremly tired.
I am a young women in her early
40’s I pay over $600.00 in health care and have been doing so for the last 10 years, I have a fibroid that started out at 2.5 cm and I have endometriosis, I have always had some type of pain my pain has increased over the last year, I went to my Dr about the pain and the bleeding, she ordered am ultrsound and they found that the fibroid has grown I then had an MRI, it is now double the size I am in severe pain and nonstop bleeding now going on for about 60 days, my Dr referred me to OBGYN . This Dr had the nerve to tell me that fibroids do not cause pain and that I should just get a hysterectomy this is the second time I have ever seen him, he did not evaluate me,he could not even read my report 2nd the nurse had to point out my MRI report, he could not even pronounce the words on the report!! My husband was with me and asked several questions that he could not answer, we both are so tired of the pain and want answers. This DR got flustered and then began to demean me he said you have a choice live with it or get a hysterectomy, he wrote a couple scripts for pain bith control and said good luck , I replied should we do a follow up ?? He just glared at me and said when its time for your next pap smear which he had no idea when it is , I reported him to my insurance company. I am still in pain still bleeding and I have no answers as to what to do, let me also add that I am high risk I had a leap procedure due to having pre cancerous cells and HPV the leap was about 5 years ago.This Dr laughed at me when I said something is wrong, I am afraid I may have cancer he said with such ease you do not have cancer but was quick to tell me to just get a hyterectomy . When I left that Dr office I was a wreck I do not know what to do .
Can someone tell me what I can do or how I should approach another Dr. I did ask for all my records that day so I have all my reports .
Lost on maui
To arrange a telephone appointment to discuss physician referral please contact Irene Park at HERS at 610.667.7757 on Monday after 9am est.
My wife was told to have a hysterectomy, but we are resistaing that proposal until we get at least a 2nd maybe 3rd opinion. The problem is that we are having hard time getting someone to take my wife as a patient without a referral. My wife knows of a doctor that she would like to see, but her primary OB/GYN has refused to to make a referral on her behalf. This has upset both of us. We will be in the Virginia Hampton Roads area in May. Can you assist us in getting someone to give a second opinion on this hysterectomy recommendation?
Background: Her pprimary OB/GYN told her there were too many fibroids to save her uterus, but we have been researching through the Internet and others that have had fibroid problems and everyone is telling us that the doctor was too quick to make that decision.
I am a 50 yr. old woman diagnosed with multiple fibroids in and around my utereus. I found out that I had them in 2004. I have never had any children and have always had female problems as long as I can remember. I was told that I’m not a candidate for UAE or whatever that proicedure is where they kill the blood supply. My gynocologist states that the only way to remove the fibroids because my uterus is too large is to have the hysterectomy. I am in no pain and have already cancelled one scheduled operation. I have another upcoming scheduled operation and have made up my mind that this is not the procedure for me. Thank you for your info. Buffalo, NY
Call the HERS Foundation and ask, they will help you to keep your sex organ intact.
I need help with my problem.. I am 29 and I have a 1.5 cm fibroid. I have no pain at all but I have been bleeding for 4 months or maybe more. Its not heavy or continuous bleeding, but it is still scary. What should I do about it?
It is disgusting to think thousands of women, today in America, are realizing their trusted gynecologist doctor tricked them and de-sexed them by deceit for profit legally…how grisly and barbaric, like wild crazed animals with blood dripping from their mouths.
Gynecologists are leading women down a very dangerous path with their misinformation and lies and the statistics prove it. One in three women in the U.S.A, by the age of sixty, 22 million women alive today, did not become de-sexed by being told the medical truth. The women are being lied to medically and the numbers of de-sexed women prove it.
Enough of this heinous lie and preposterous medically impossible de-sexing of the American Woman by gynecological deceit for profit…Enough!
Real cancer doctors, Oncologists, find the cancer first with tests, prove it is cancer with more tests, and measure the cancer. A real cancer doctor doesn’t say “we won’t know if it’s cancer until we remove your organs” and lie about what the organs provide in the woman’s body.
America must legally stop the gynecological assault of the female population by deceit for profit.
Fake cancer doctors (gynecologists) lie about cancer to perform surgery for profit by deceit. Legally fake cancer doctors, gynecologists, shouldn’t be allowed in an operating room until they know all of the hormones and substances in the female sex organs and endocrine system and how these substances effect the woman’s overall health and well-being.
Stop embarrassing yourselves medical doctors of America, admit the medical facts. A woman’s endocrine system will be extremely stressed after sex organ amputation affecting her entire body and future health. A woman will no longer achieve a uterine orgasm or have a natural vaginal discharge after sex organ amputation/hysterectomy.
I think you need to read your own fibroid fact page. HERS is the one stating the fact I’ve discounted…. not me. It is listed on YOUR site that you will not get fibroids after your 40, that fibroid will go away when you reach menopause and they are never cancerous. You’ve just proved my point. You can’t say ‘ALWAYS’ or ‘NEVER’ to your readers… you may leading someone down a very dangerous path with your misinformation.
To anonymous,
There’s nothing magical about your 40th birthday that means the day after, or a few weeks after your birthday that you will not develop a fibroid. However, at about the age of 40 women have developed all the fibroids they’re ever going to have.
With regard to your MRI report not stating the finding of a fibroid, the radiologist may not have reported seeing one, or if there was a very small seedling, it may have been missed. And, it’s not unusal for radiologists to make mistakes. Was your MRI given to another radiologist at another institution, unrelated to the first radiologist’s hospital, for an independent evaluation? If so, do you have the written report of the both MRI’s?
Less than 1% of fibroids are leiomyosarcoma (cancer). But leiomyosarcoma are sometimes removed with a myomectomy, leaving the uterus intact.
If you have fibroids posterior (behind) your uterus, particularly if they are pedunculated (growing on a long stalk, the blood supply), they can impinge on the bowel and cause constipation, and rarely they may cause actual blockage. However, it’s rare for fibroids to cause pain unless they’re degenerating or pressing on the vena cava, which can be seen on a CT scan or MRI, in which case they can be removed (if the surgeon has the skill).
I’m not sure you can say “never” and “always” when giving medical advice. There is always an exception and afterall, you are not medical drs. For one, I am 44 and DID develope a NEW fibroid. I know it is new because I had an MRI at the age of 40 for another medical reason to search my uterus and absolutely NO growth was found, not even a little one. This fibroid first showed up on an ultrasound when I was 43, I get ultrasounds every 6mos. because of ovarian cancer running in my family and I do have ovarian cysts. The tumor has grown very rapidly to a golf ball size 7 months ago to 12cmx11cm. Another MRI has shown that the inside of the tumor shows some possible cancerous growths… so you can’t say they are NEVER cancerous. My fibroid lays on my bladder and has caused lesions due to the weight, restricts my colon and causes horrible pain. If I wait until menopause for this to go away…and please do not tell your readers they ALWAYS do.. because my mom is 75 has never had a hyst. and still has the baseball fibroid that she had in her 40s. I hope your readers are intelligent enought to research and not listen to Always and Nevers… you’re as bad as the GYNs you constantly bash.
I had a hyst when I was 38 (turned out the fibroid was only 2 cm and could have been shelled out with a hysteroscope) In a year my sigmoid colon fell to where my uterus used to be and I got a rectocele. Got bad constipation issues. Had removal of sigmoid as I was told by 3 surgeons it blocked off the top of my rectum. This showed on a defecogram. I did not consent to 6 other “reconstructive” procedures my surgeons did. As a result I lost the use of my rectum due to scarring, my lower colon scarred in, and I was unable to eat for 7 months due to small bowel loops that were compressed in my deep pelvis with scar tissue. 10 docs wouldn’t touch me. I was going to die if someone didn’t do something. ONE doc lysed my small bowel adhesions and made a permanent ileostomy. So far I’m OK and can at least eat, but I fear future adhesion small bowel obstructions. But one day at a time. Moral of my story NEVER HAVE A HYST! Rosemary
Cynthia,
I, too, am so sorry that you didn’t find HERS blog and website before your surgery.
Although people still comment occasionally on HERS Fibroid Post most people comment on the current post at hysterectomyinformation.com
Your comment has been re-posted there.
I hope you will find the community of women and men who post on HERS blog supportive and validating. This is a community of amazing people who, for the most part, are absolutely frank and truthful about their own experiences.
Nora W. Coffey
Anonymous,
Your angry post is typical of WP. She’s posted many similar angry comments when the truth about UAE is revealed on this blog and others.
Go to http://www.uterinearteryembolization.com and read the medical journal article citations that clearly demonstrate the serious risks of UAE, including death, migration of the embolic material to other organs, necrosis (death) of the tissue in uterus, vagina, labia, bladder, bowel, and kidney, and infection. Many of these problems can only be treated with hysterectomy. In addition, it is instructive to read the Adverse Events on the FDA website Maude. Enter uterine artery embolization in the search field. Although only a small percentage of adverse events are ever reported to the FDA, reading the reports gives a clear picture of just how dangerous and damaging UAE is.
You should be ashamed of yourself for misleading women by not telling them the well-known, well-documented serious risks of UAE.
It would be helpful if you revised your intro. Contrary to what you write, as is easily proven via online research (Georgetown University is an excellent source), uterine embolization is an excellent alternative to a hysterectomy and myomectomy. The uterine embolization also preserves the uterus and patients have less downtime than with the myomectomy. Users can compare the two by searching via Google using the search terms “myomectomy vs fibroid uterine embolization. An interesting difference between the two is an MRI is required for the interventional radiologist to determine if you are a good candidate. The MRI is more accurate in pinpointing the location, number and size of the fibroids. The myomectomy and hysterectomy only rely on an ultrasound. The inaccuracy of the number and size and location of the fibroids via ultrasound likely accounts for why some patients go in thinking they are going to have a myomectomy only to find out post surgery they had to have a hysterectomy. It can’t hurt to be evaluated by an interventional radiologist in addition to a gynocologist who specializes in myomectomies before deciding which procedure is best. Also remember that many gynogologists will never tell a patient that the uterine fibroid embolization is an alternative procedure because most are not trained to perform it so they will not make any dollars from it. You’ll need a referral from your OB/GYN or internist before the interventional radiologist will begin his/her evaluation. DO YOUR RESEARCH!
I wish I could have found this site before my hysterectomy. June 20, 2007 I had a complete hysterectomy due to being full of fibroid turmors and cysts on both ovaries. I was told next to nothing on the after effects of the surgery except for a quick recovery time and not having so much pain as before. I am now 45 years old and having more health issues than ever before in my life. I have pains in my bowels, trouble going or trouble with different types of movements. I have loss of sensation in my bladder, small memory loss, almost panic attacks because of not remembering things that I need to know because of my field of work-health care. I also break out in hives from time to time that is not explained and am refusing to take any hormone replacement therapy because of the breast cancer that runs strong in my family. I have lost my natural mother due to it and my natural sister has had several benign cysts removed from her breasts and is now having one watched for over a year because they are not for sure what is going on there just that it isn’t growing. My obgyn isn’t concerned and is pushing me to take a HRT, I am not doing it though. I am already big busted, am looking at a second mammogram in about 2 weeks due to a spot found. I have been checking out some sites on the web for information on this subject and this is about the only one I have found that actually talks about everything that I have experienced so far. My husband is very supportive of me and understanding about the changes in me. My life is turning more and more upside down but am struggling to handle it. I don’t know what else to do. Thanks for having this site up and going strong. Cynthia (USA)
June 2006,I had four fibroids removed.I’ve recently been told that I have three or more fibroids.One 6.5cm and one 4.4cm.I don’t know the size of the other ones.My husband and I is really trying hard to have a baby.I’m scared that it may never happen.I can’t keep going through these operations.I have pain as is my period is on everyday.I have pain during sex and I have to use a tampon every hour.My doctor said that the fibroids may not be the cause of the pain.What else could cause it-Other than the fibroids,I’m heathy.Am I having these operations for nothing?Will the fibroids keep coming back?
Mattie said…
As a thin woman I could see the so called 6cm Fibroid Tumor? growing out of my obdomen, it started to look like a pregnancy and my husband and I were watching it grow very fast, I was in good health with regular menstral cycles at this point.
I was told by the obgyn that a tumor growing fast was an indication of cancer, in writing. I was told their was no way of finding the cancer until it was removed. I was told that the tumor?, was too large to remove the tumor and it would grow back, if removed. We were told in writing that sex would be as good or better and my health would be the same or better.
I was not well and did not know I was heading into a condition called hyperthyroid (your body goes into fast forward from too much thyroid hormones.) I was being coached by a friend of mine who had a hysterectomy at this time, she told me “everything stayed the same for me”, and “it was the best thing I ever did.” The so called friend said, “sex stayed the same for me” until after the surgery. The women then said to me, “isin’t it horrible when it shrivels all up” and “my ovaries blew out within a year after the surgery.”
I also did not know, and the obgyn doctor did not inform me, that my endocrine system (thyroid) is directly connected to the ovaries, although, thyroid nodule was marked on my chart. I was told by the obgyn that I had a lesion on my rectum too, I learned after the surgery from another doctor that a begnign cyst had come to the surface.
I was the perfect victim for the phoney information, it is legal for predator obgyn’s, for decades, to trick women into surgery for profit.
I woke up after a hysterectomy cut in half with no cancer found and de-sexed. Within three and a half weeks after the surgery my body was moving robotically, I had unquenchable thirst, could not sleep and had high anxiety, it was a living nightmare. My vaginal area, abdomen and incision were excruciating, I could not concentrate and could barely walk I was in so much pain. I was sent to doctor after doctor, a heart specialist for possible insipitus diabetes (no wasn’t that after heart monitor tests, and urinating into a half gallon jug for 24 hours and blood tests.) I had an MRI (was it an abdominal problem, NO), an endocrine specialist, yes, I was on Atenolol and Tapazole within six weeks for the hyperthyroid. I then continued to take the Tapozole for eight months to slow down the thyroid.
The inhuman treatment I suffered at the hands of these legal criminals was a torture. I was told after the surgery by the surgeon, “You could have looked it up”, after I said, I was finding that he had not done the right thing, he then chuckled as he said, “Now you can get a Harley and a tattoo.”, and many other crass comments and lies, this after he and their staff pretended I was ill.
While I was suffering with a “klebsiella pnumonia” hospital born infection during the so called six week recovery time, gone untested and untreated the comments from the colleagues of this surgeon in their practice were cruel beyond the limits of inhumanity. Several of the doctors in the practice said coldly, “Get some counciling”, and “we dont offer counciling services here.” Another doctor in the same practice said coldly, “your not coping, your not coping”, as she glared at me, without ever examining me, as I lay writhing in pain. Another doctor in the practice then said to me, “it served you well”, and “you can’t put it back”, regarding my unnecessarily amputated sex organs.
As I lay screaming in pain with a hospital born infection gone untested and my sex organs amputated in hyperthyroid, I was then told by this practice that it was a psycological disorder called “vulvodynia.” The nurse was instructed to give me the web address, ourgyn, on the internet for me to learn more about the psycological disorder. I was encouraged to go to a major clinic who specialized in “vulvodynia”, a condition where women have pain that is unexplanable medically. When I viewed the site, it was graphic photo’s of what looked like infected vaginal areas, explaining the psycological disease with no cure, “vulvodynia.” Oh, my God, I was sreaming in pain, they are torturing me.
I then saw a “top doctor”, in the nation. He said he did see the, hysterectomy damage, he said I would need to learn to care for the damage.
Another doctor outside the practice then told me, “You are disabled by a hysterectomy and will need to learn what your limitations are.” She also said, “You made the best decision you could with the information you were given.”
They disabled me, for money and sick profit, I was in shock, pain and being tortured.
I was dismissed as a patient from my life long obgyn’s office at this point by “certified mail” with a hospital born infection, now tested but untreated. Two doctors finally treated me for the infection using two strong antiobiotics at once for fourteen days at another obgyn clinic.
I have been permanently physically, mentally and emotionally damaged by the group of so called doctors who removed my sexuality, endocrine health, health and sensuality by deceit, legally.
Please stop these predator ob/gyn surgeons from ruining lives, this hysterectomy lie is long overdue to be a cruel historical fact. Just look at the statistics of how many women actually had cancer, not many. Do you think these women agreed to have surgery because they weren’t lied to?
Stop these sociopathic OB/GYN,doctors, now, with a law.
THESE ARE HUMAN BEINGS LIVES WE ARE TALKING ABOUT BEING MAIMED BY DECEIT.
MILLIONS OF US, AND OUR TORTURED LOVED ONES.
Hi.I’m a 36 yr old with trombocytopenia.I have a 6cm fibroid on the outside of the uterus and many smaller ones.My periods are kind of regular since I have the fibroids which is around 35 to 40 days apart.I bleed alot for the first 2 days with no clots and than the bleeding subsides quite considerably.The doctors have suggested a hysterectomy.Really don’t know what to do.
Thank you for all the information.
Hi I’m 29 years old. I was told by my doctor that I have a fibroid with a size of an orange. I went to sonogram and I’m waiting results. Should I be worried since the fibroid is big? what should I expect? There is history in my family of both ovarian and breast cancer. Any feedback is good
ALL OF THE MEDICAL INFORMATION ON THE HERS FOUNDATION WEB SITE IS ACCURATE MEDICAL INFORMATION. THE GYNECOLOGISTS DON’T WANT YOU TO HAVE THIS INFORMATION AND WILL SAY ANYTHING TO TRY TO DISPUTE THE MEDICAL FACTS TO CONTINUE HYSTERECTOMY/CASTRATION BY DECEIT FOR PROFIT.
The Gynecologists are lying daily to women to get them in the operating room for profit, lying profusely. Look at the numbers of women walking around without their sex organs in the U.S.A. 22 Million Women Alive Today. Gynecologists do not tell women their uterus is their sex organ, they lie for profit, they are sick individuals.
The gynecologists all know what their colleagues are doing to women, but they turn their backs and cower and continue to mutilate. Run don’t walk away from these lying perpetrators, save yourself. They will lie and say anything to refute the truth about hysterectomy and castration. Notice they don’t call removing the ovaries castration…wonder why, well now you know. The uterus is a hormone responsive sex organ and a woman will no longer experience uterine orgasm after her sex organ is amputated, hysterectomy severs your nerves to what was your sex organ and causes an unnatural shifting of the pelvis and internal organs causing your abdomen to protrude. Many women can no longer even have sexual relations because it is too painful and they have been too damaged from the sex organ amputation (hysterectomy). Gynecologists do not have the medical knowledge of all of the hormones and substances in the uterus and ovaries today and their effect on a woman’s over-all health and well-being.
Gynecologists heinously lied to me and removed my sex organs with no medical basis. Gynecologists insulted me and tortured me for money.
I am now struggling to live my life in the hysterectomized physical state I am in and also feeling suicidal every day of my unnecessarily ruined life.
Don’t go to an ob/gyn for check ups, many family doctors now provide pelvic exams for women. Family doctors can also direct you to other (health care) specialists who can treat you with respect and dignity and not lie to you, even deliver you child. Gynecologists are known predators, why would you want to see a serial mutilator for a check up, let alone have one deliver your child.
There is a loop-hole in the consent form for all female organ surgeries that allows a gynecologist to amputate your female organs at will. Gynecologist will amputate your sex organs under any circumstance and with no medical basis, they have and they will continue as is proved by over a half million sex organ amputations/castration every year. Within two years from today there will be over two million more women walking around without their sex organs in the U.S.A, if a law isn’t passed.
Sign the Hers Petition to end un-consented un-warranted hysterectomy/castration.
No, ms. Coffey… you are wrong. I left my fibroid and it grew to 8.5cm.. all because of this site. When I finally had to have a hysterectomy… I had cancer. Thanks.
Also… you say a myocetomy is the way to go. Did you know that if you did the research there are more complications with that surgery than UAEs… don’t believe me… do the research and get information from credible sources, not forums like these. I mean, you are not a doctor. How can you tell people there is NO reason… there may be a reason and you are lying to them and removing anything that is scientifically backed to prove you could be wrong. You dont’ even believe people when they say they are happy. YOU, NORA COFFEY, ARE HARMING MORE WOMEN THAN HYSTERECTOMIES ARE. YOU ARE NOT A DOCTOR… DON’T GIVE OUT ADVICE LIKE YOU ARE.
All new comments should be made at:
http://hysterectomyinformation.blogspot.com
Click on the above link to read responses to the last comment.
I’m 49 yrs old and I had a partial hysterectomy after I started having severe pain in my lower abdominal area. I was told by my OBGYN that I was suffering from fibroid tumors and he gave me some lititure to read as well as a video to watch before making a decision on my partial hysterectomy. I did watch the video and decided I wanted the partial hysterectomy which is 12 yrs. later free of no menstrual(Woohoo) but I’m having the same pain again and I’m afraid because I don’t want to loose my ovaries/uterus. Can you tell me if im getting ready to go through menopause or already going through it, I have no hot flashes, so I really don’t know how I’m suppose to tell if I ever went through or getting ready to have menopause.
Dear Hers Foundation, I recently had a hysterectomy and I just wanted to report that for me it has been a very positive experience. For 30+ years I have suffered with heavy and painful periods. I started at the age of 11 and it has robbed me of so much in life. The amount of time in my life I have spent suffering from my periods is irreplaceable. In the last couple of years the bleeding has been so heavy that I became anemic and exhausted every month. I would have one week in the month where I would feel good and the rest of the month was a living nightmare.
Upon investigation it turns out that I had numerous orange sized uterine fibroids. My uterus was the size of a 16 week pregnancy.
Over the years I have tried every available treatment known to womankind, and none gave any lasting relief. This included provera, contraceptive pill, laparoscopy, hystroscopy, dilation and curette, naturopathic and herbal treatment, acupuncture, yoga, feldenkreis etc. And I have spent thousands of dollars trying to gain relief but to no avail.
I initially thought I would have a myomectomy and endometrial ablation but my (female) gynecologist said there were so many large fibroids that there would be no uterus left to stitch back together if they did a myomectomy.
So I made an informed decision to have a hysterectomy. I asked to have my ovaries and cervix retained and they just removed my diseased uterus. To me it is no different than getting rid of any other diseased organ. If it were a diseased kidney, or spleen or gall bladder I’d feel relieved to have it gone and that’s how I feel about saying goodbye to my uterus – I am thrilled to wave it goodbye. It has caused me nothing but problems.
I got through the surgery fine and my surgeon has done a very neat job. I am feeling great. I don’t feel as if I have been castrated or violated. My energy levels are returning and so has my sex drive. I can orgasm as well as I did before the surgery. I feel as if I can finally regain my life after 30+ years of period horror! I am looking forward to the future and gaining my fitness back. Instead of only having energy to exercise one week of the month, I now have the energy to exercise everyday!
I did not take the decision to have a hysterectomy lightly. I spoke with many women who have had hysterectomies and every single one of them said it was the best thing they ever did. I did not hear one horror story. I just could not go on the way I was as I am at least ten years away from menopause.
My partner found your website and it caused an enormous amount of grief between us because she is so anti-hysterectomy. But not all hysterectomies are bad in my opinion and I was at the point where I had very few options. I am sorry so many women have had such bad experiences on your website. Maybe I am lucky, but my hysterectomy has been a very positive experience for me.
Melanie: You should definitely get a second opinion at the very least, but you should call the HERS Foundation where you can get accurate information about your condition and be given all the safe alternatives. These doctors like to scare women with the cancer tactic when there is no sign of confirmed cancer. It is unethical for a gynecologist to be speculating about cancer. Most conditions of the reproductive sex organs are benign. You can find the HERS Foundation contact informatoin by going to http://www.hersfoundation.org. Let us know how you are doing.
Hysterectomy/Castration by deceit is surgical violence against women, sexual mutilation and a….National Emergency-due to the epidemic numbers of women affected.
Physical sexual sensation is diminished or lost entirely because of the severing of nerves and the removal of the uterus. Women who experienced uterine orgasm before the surgery will not experience it after the surgery, because the uterine contractions that occur during uterine orgasm cannot occur without a uterus. The loss of uterine orgasm will only be missed by women who experienced it before the surgery. Although a small number of hysterectomized women experience slight vaginal wall contractions, most women report a total loss of sexual feeling. Severing the blood supply to the uterus diminishes the blood flow in the pelvis and to the external genitalia, including the ovaries, vagina, labia, and clitoris, as well as the legs and feet. One of the many functions of the uterus and the ovaries is cardiovascular protection. When the uterus is removed, women have a three-times greater incidence of heart disease. When the ovaries are removed, women have a seven-times greater incidence of heart disease.
A woman’s ovaries, her gonads, continue to produce hormones her entire lifetime. Oophorectomy (the surgical removal of the ovaries) is performed on about 75% of the women who undergo hysterectomy.
5 years ago at age 49 an ultrasound showed I had a 3 cm fibroid. I have had no period since Oct 2007, age 53. I am now 54. I am having low back pain. I have had some the last few years but it got lots worse this summer. I used a small amount of Premarin cream intermittenly March-August 2008 (and have since discarded it). August 2008 I had a bit of bleeding so my doc ordered an ultrasound. That ultrasound at age 54 showed the same fibroid had grown to 7.4 cm and my uterine lining was thickened, 6 mm.
My gyn doc says the uterine lining may be less of a problem if I am still producing significant estrogen. She is telling me the mass may or may not be a fibroid (implication: cancer?) and must be removed. She made it sound very scary. She says I should have a hysterectomy at the same time in case there are other problems so I do not need to do it later. She says the mass/fibroid is on top of my uterus and against my low back and likely causing low back pain. She said the Premarin would not have caused the fibroid to grow like that. I think that is probably correct since my low back pain started long before I used Premarin. She ordered a hormone blood test, did a pap smear, and took a sample of my uterin lining for analysis. I am awaiting results.
I asked her about ultrasound treatment for fibroids (www.uterine-fibroids.org). She said that would be very risky at my age since fibroids should not be growing at my age. Info for the ultrasound procedure says patients should be premenopausal.
My doc’s gyn practice has lots of info on their web site about laparoscopic surgery including hysterectomies. They have done lots. It sounds to me after reading info on your web site that they have a solution, are looking for problems to apply it to, and perhaps are too quick to propose hysterectomies.
Obviously if results from the uterine lining indicate possible cancer, that changes things. Assuming the lining is ok, I do not want a hysterectomy. I prefer to try something else, maybe waiting to see if the fibroid shrinks by itself, maybe drugs, maybe removal of just the fibroid.
Anyone have any input for me?
Thanks in advance
Anonymous,
It is HERS policy to not allow promotion of any kind. Your post did not give a citation or attribution, and the information you posted was dangerously incorrect.
Your statements about hysterectomy being needed for fibroids is mistaken. A hysterectomy is never needed for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
You are also mistaken that I am not interested in things that help. HERS, and myself personally, are always interested in learning about things that help women trying to decide whether to undergo hysterectomy and/or castration, and anything that may be helpful to women who have undergone the surgery. However, HERS is committed to providing full, accurate information about the known risks and adverse effects of treatment.
You said that you can be happy and that you are. Do you mean that you have undergone a hysterectomy and/or castration, and that since the surgery you are happy? You didn’t mention whether you have undergone a hysterectomy, and I don’t want to assume that you are speaking from personal experience.
This blog provides a platform for civil discourse and exchange of ideas and information. Sometimes the exchange is heated, but it should always be respectful.
Just so you know you’re wrong about your facts. Please do not blanket a statement that NEVER is there a time where a hysterectomy is needed for a fibroid. That is really going to set you up for some poor person who believes in you and postpones something that is life threatening.
I guess I won’t bother to put the information back about the facts of all options for fibroids, although I can’t figure out why you wouldn’t want to be informing everyone so THEY could make an informed decision based on an individual basis.
It’s sad really. I read these posts and I am sad for the horrible ways all of you feel. I would think your time would be better spent researching biohormonal therapy… that’s what I do. I can see the need to stand up, but sometimes misery just loves company and I believe Nora Coffey has stopped “listening” to things to help and just wants to feed the fuel of anger and bitterness.
Say what you want… you need to read some others sites about this foundation. Be informed, don’t let just ONE small forum dictate how you feel. YOU CAN BE HAPPY. I am, and I see it in others.
Why? I don’t spend my time ANYMORE on these extremist sites who blast anyone that may think they are happy after a hysterectomy. Myself… I found someone who said they were… and I found out how I could be too. There are solutions to fit everyone, research, research, research.
How odd….. I posted some factual data about all surgical and non surgical treatments… good and bad of all. A very non-biased fact sheet from a medical journal and it was deleted. Interesting. I guess everything I’ve heard about HERS in the medical world is true. They don’t want facts… they only want to scare people.
I think it is very important to have non-biased data. All surgical procedures pose risks… ALL. Even the ones you recommend for fibroids. It is also unfair of you to say there is NEVER a time where a hysterectomy is needed for a fibroid. My sister’s fibroid was left unattended, until is grew to her bladder. Not even the top OB/GYNs at Duke/John’s Hopkins… etc.. would remove just the fibroid. She had a hysterectomy and repair done to her bladder. She lived in pain so many year because some women told her she would never be the same. My sister takes bio hormones and looks great, her skin looks younger, she has a bounce in her step again. It is SO unfair of you to knock anyone who has had this surgery. I’ve read so many posts and whenever anyone states that they don’t have problems… they are immediately slammed.
Call Hers Foundation for a referral.
Also research natural healing modalities concerning your condition and discuss them with your primary care giver.
Always remember there is a loop-hole in the current consent form for all female sex/reproductive organ surgeries. The loop-hole allows a gynecologist surgeon clearance to amputate any or all of your female organs at will for profit. If I still had my female organs (sigh) and knew what I know now. I would have never had surgery without an attorney having revised the consent form prior to a surgery by a gynecologist surgeon.
I am a 35 year old woman who is not married nor has children ( would LOVE to and always dreamt of having children). I just fought out I have uterine fibroid. I do not know the exact measurement of it, but I look like I am 3 to 5 months pregnant. What is my best option of treatment as I do want to have children?
I am 40 and I had a myomectomy at 28 that left my uterus full of scar tissue and caused several miscarriages. I had a hysterectomy and an oopherectomy performed by Dr. Petit in Jacksonville, Fl at the age of 35…I am very depress, cannot sleep, have gained a lot of weight, and my sex life SUCKS…At times I am surprise that my husband is still in my life. I think that Dr. Petit is a terrible individual for causing so much pain in my life and I wish I had read this earlier because I would not have had this procedure performed…Do not have a hysterectomy and do not have your ovaries removed…You will never feel like a woman again and Doctors should know better and should be more caring because I begged him not to remove my ovaries and he did it anyway. Shame on Dr. Petit in Jacksonville, FL. I wish I would have sued his pants off…
I’m 40 years old and I’ve been diagnosed with a 8cm calcifed fibroid tumour. I just want to know whether using natural progestrone cream will have any effect on the fibroid?
April,
Please see the response to your comment at HERS newest post:
http://hysterectomyinformation.blogspot.com
I am a 32 year old woman with a fibroid tumor, I have have constant irregular very heavy periods which can last for up o 3 months at a time, and sometimes I will be without a period for up to 4 months. Just resently my period came on and I have been passing huge blood clots quite often which I haven’t experienced before, I mean I have had clots before but never this much. Is this normal?
The information on the “Female Anatomy” video is accurate medical information.
Let any women who is in the process of being tricked by a gynecologist surgeon, with dollar signs in his eyes, see the “Female Anatomy” video, first.
Before a women is confused by misleading and harmful recomendations and information, by a doctor who is telling her that “sex will be the same, or better” after her sex organ is amputated.
Hysterectomy/sex organ removal, is legitimate if the women has proven cancer in all of her female organs that the doctor is amputating, proven cancer. And, cancer scare tactic, is not a disease. 99 percent of hysterectomies are not necessary and 1 percent are performed for cancer.
The bottom line for any medical treatment is that it is an individual decision based on the medical facts of the INDIVIDUAL case, as well as the INDIVIDUAL woman’s tolerance level for symptoms, goals and preferences for her lifestyle. OBJECTIVE factual information from A VARIETY of sources is the best means to evaluate any medical decision. Blanket statements that claim to apply to everyone are nearly always wrong for some. The fact is, for most women’s medical issues, studies are limited and information is conflicting, often colored by political motivations on both sides. A responsible medical recommendation cannot be obtained from someone who is wholly committed to a specific agenda. Hysterectomy has a legitimate place as a medical treatment; but embracing or rejecting it outright, without respect to individual differences as well as presenting facts on a website that are, actually, opinions is irresponsible.
For hundreds of years women have used, Cinnamon Oil and Ground Cinnamon, to curtail heavy periods. Read a good herbal healing book for other good female tips.
Love your blog it saved my uterus!
Please go to the current post at http://hysterectomyinformation.blogspot.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “newest” to read the responses to your fibroid question.
I have two large fibroids (8 and 10 cm), and my doctor thinks they may have contributed to a recent miscarriage.
He has recommended a myomectomy, but I was wondering what other options I may have. I’m concerned that scarring may impact my ability to get pregnant, and I’d like to avoid major surgery if possible.
I had myomectomy about eleven months ago and now there are five more fibroid discovered in my uterus again, what so you advise
It depends. What is your age? Women usually develop all of the fibroids they are ever going to have in their late 30’s to early 40″s. If you developed more fibroids after the age of 42 it is possible that all of your fibroids were not removed. For more information visit HERS Homepage and scroll down to the “Fibroids” link.
SABINA FROM INDIA ASKS,
I am 43 years old. Felt fortunate to have come across your site. I was detected with fibroids at the age of 38 years when the size of the biggest fibroid was 5.5 cm x 6.5 cm and 2 small fibroids. The then doctor advised surgery but I thought I’d wait and watch. Over a period of 5 years , the biggest one has grown to 8.0 cm x 7.5 cms (12 wk pegnency size). During this period have tried all sorts of options — Birth Control Pills, Homeopathy, Allopathy … All these years I have had heavy bleeding for 2 days and my period lasted for 6-7 days. The cycle was regular. Since October’07 the cycle has gone erratic and periods last from anything between 10-15 days. In October ’07 my periods stopped after 16 days after the Doctor gave me ‘Trapic MF’ to stop the bleeding. The only ‘Treatment Option’ I got from her was ‘Hysterectomy'(She knew I had a Medical Insurance). She also asked me to take a course of ‘Clingen Plus’ just in case there was an infection. December, January, Februay — my periods lasted from 7 to 10 days. This month (March), today is the 13th day and it is still on .. accompanied with pelvic pressure thought the bleeding was not heavy for the first time in 6 years. Today I have started with ‘Trapic MF’ again. Lets see how it goes … I’m confused what to do .. should I go ahead with Hysterectomy … are my fibroids too big or is it common to have such symptoms at this age? But after reading comments from my other friends, I am skeptical about surgical procedures.
Please Help !!!
Thanks & best regards
Sabina
Hi
I Have been diganosed last year with 6 intramural fibroids, the 2 biggest ones were 4 cm the rest were 2 cm. My doctor told me I needed a Hysterectomy even though I do not have any symptoms except pain during intercourse…..I never went for a checkup again one year now I freaked out from what he told me even though everyone told me that my fibroids weren’t that big for 41 years old. I was diganosed with my first fibroids 11 years ago and did not had much troubles since then except of the pain that started 5 years ago but remained stable did not increase…so what is the next step I should do now?
I am 32, and I just got married. My doctor did an ultrasound and found a 1.5 cm fibroid. He says its in the cavity and wants to perform a vaginal operation using a thermal or electric rod as a precaution so I dont have problems getting pregnant or miscarriage. Another doctor said i dont need it unless I do face a problem.. he doesnt see it in the cavity either.
The question is, what is the side effects or risks of such an operation. And what is the risk if I dont do anything about the fibroids, especially that I dont suffer any syptoms such as heavy or prolonged periods.
Thank you
Ifilljo,
As you can see from reading this blog you never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. Have you considered myomectomy, the surgical removal of fibroids leaving your uterus intact.
The uterus has important functions all of your life, it’s much more than a baby bag. Go to http://www.hersfoundation.org/anatomy and watch the 12-minute video “Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs and you will understand immediately why it is important to keep your uterus in your body all of your life.
Why is it stated UAE is destructive?
I had UAE for a 9cm fibroid and it has shrunk over 90%. My transition into menopause has been easy with no hormone disruptions. I wanted a myo but could not find a doctor willing or able. I know I would have awakened to everything removed because I was in my 50’s. In the right hands embolization is a great alternative to treat problematic fibroids. Even though I no longer have problems hysterectomy is still pushed on me regularly.
Margie,
When did you have an embolization? It is good you are doing well at this time and that you are not experiencing symptoms and hopefully will not have the effects of the radiation used in UAE or other well known risks, such as migration of the embolic material to the ovaries or the cardiovascular system. Many women have good outcomes from a UAE, though you have clearly had an exceptional experience if your fibroid actually did shrink over 90%. That is extraordinary! Most fibroids shrink up to 30%, occasionally even 40%!
It is also important to know there have been several deaths caused by UAE in the US and other countries. In the US deaths and other serious adverse effects of UAE were reported to the Maude, the FDA program where doctors and hospitals are supposed to report adverse effects of medical devices used in surgery. Unfortunately many adverse events from UAE and other surgeries and procedures were not reported.
Margie,
Unfortunately, all women do not survive Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) with serious, permanent adverse effects. And more than a dozen women did not survive at all. If you have not had a problem for the 12 years since you had the UAE, Hopefully you will not experience any problems in the future.
While it is always important to have a good doctor perform any procedure or surgery, in the case of UAE that does not protect you from the embolic material that was put into the arteries from migrating to your ovaries or elsewhere in your vascular system. This can be quite painful and debilitating, and there is no way to remove the embolic material. If it it migrates it usually first goes to the ovaries, and can migrate to your entire vascular system.
I have a fibroid that is 1cm in the posteria wall. I am 42 years old have had history of thyroid problems. Graves Disease and Hashimoto thyriodis. It is under control with meds. I was wondering I have been bleeding and spotting constantly now since 12/3/07. I was put on progesterone for 10 days. The bleeding stop for 7 days and then started again. The doctor tells me I should have a hysterectomy since I don’t want anymore children. This way I don’t have to suffer with this bleeding anymore. I dicided to use low dose estrogen Birth control pills for 3 months to correct my cycle. Do you think this was a bad decision?
I have a fibroid that is 1cm in the posteria wall. I am 42 years old have had history of thyroid problems. Graves Disease and Hashimoto thyriodis. It is under control with meds. I was wondering I have been bleeding heavy at time then spotting constantly now for over a month. I was put on progesterone for 10 days. The bleeding stop for 7 days and then started again. The doctor tells me I should have a hysterectomy since I don’t want anymore children. This way I don’t have to suffer with the bleeding anymore. I dicided to use low dose estrogin Birth control pills for 3 months to correct my cycle. Do you think this was bad decision?
Six years ago, at age 41, I went to a gynecologist for a routine pap smear.
When I went to that appointment, I had NO symptoms–NO health problems whatsoever! I was just following the guidelines of the medical establishment.
This was the first time I met that doctor. During the exam, he told me I had a massive fibroid tumor that needed to be removed as soon as possible. He made it sound very scary.
But he also presented himself as someone who was so kind and caring. I thought, “How lucky I am to have found a GOOD doctor if I’m going to have to deal with this terrible health crisis!”
I did ask many questions, but he not only didn’t give me the information I should have had, he blatantly LIED to me!
This is a long story with many details, but to summarize it…I did NOT need that surgery. And because of it, the quality of my life has greatly diminished. For me, everything has changed, everything is lost. I want my body back, my life back. I want to be the me who I was before.
But then comes the painful realization of…this is permanent.
I am overwhelmed with disbelief. I waste my thoughts struggling to find answers that don’t exist. “This is America, how did this happen here?” “What about our protections? Our rights?” “Why isn’t the man who did to this me considered a criminal?”
But it gets me nowhere. I’m looking for something that can’t be found because it doesn’t exist. This is how things are, this is how they will remain. I’m not ever going to be me again. There will never be justice. And what happened to me–here in an American hospital–legally–was genital mutilation! “A rose, by any other name…”
The doctor who performed my sex organ removal surgery (hysterectomy) is:
Dr. William C. Bradford, May-Grant Associates, Lancaster, PA.
I had no cancer, just a benign 6cm fibroid tumor aggravated by a hyperthyroid condition. Dr. William C. Bradford portrayed himself as a doctor, a family man with five children who I did not think would harm me. This doctor must be in his late fifties now, and I am told he and his wife just had another child.
As it is now my entire life has been changed into a life long set of physical, sexual and emotional problems and pain, because my sex organs were amputated. I am not functioning well now in any aspect of my life, and wish I was dead.
Imagine, if it has not been done to you, your sex organs being amputated and no longer being able to have an orgasm, ever. The lack of hormones from my ovary and uterus can not be replaced, it has made me weak and nonfunctioning as the women I was. I am in constant pain vaginally from the removal of my cervix, I have little energy and the only way I can describe what has happened to my body is, it is not my body anymore.
I was never seriously sick in my lifetime, I was regularly menstruating and was tricked into a hysterectomy, removing my cervix, uterus and one ovary, with the incorrect information I was given.
I pointed to my thyroid and discussed this with, Dr. William C. Bradford and both the enesthestists, at, The Women’s and Babies Hospital, Lancaster, PA, before the operation, but I guess this was the go ahead for you.
I have been suffering since the day you knifed me, and you have ruined my health and my life.
My hope is that every women is given the correct information before they are subjected to the horror that I have somehow endured to this point. Every person with a conscience sign the petition to end this brutality against women and the people who care about them.
The doctor who performed my sex organ removal surgery is:
Dr. William C. Bradford, May-Grant Associates, Lancaster, PA
HERS Foundation said…
Sassy,
The kind of bleeding, blood clots, and pain that you’re experiencing is caused by a submucosal fibroid, one that is in the inside, endometrial layer of the uterus. A submucosal fibroid that is 4cm or smaller can be shelled out with a hysteroscope, a periscope like instrument that’s inserted into the vagina, into the cervix, then into the uterus. A tool is attached to the scope and the fibroid is shelled out.
If the submucosal fibroid is larger than 4cm you would need a myomectomy. A horizontal incision would be made above the pubic bone and the fibroid would be removed, leaving the uterus intact and functional.
To understand more fully why you still need your uterus even though you are not going to have more children go to HERS web site http://www.hersfoundation.org and view the video: “Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs”.
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor.
I have had this procedure twice and the fibroid remains. My symptoms have not improved. It is supposed to only be a small one like 2cm. Is my doctor just now good?
Karen,
Thank you for your comment. You ended with “Is my doctor just now good?”. My reply makes the assumption that “now” was a typo and that you meant “not”. Please correct me if you did actually mean “now”.
More information is needed to determine whether the gynecologist removed the entire fibroid in the first myomectomy, or was part of the fibroid not removed. Also relevant is your age. All of the fibroids you are going to have are there in your early 40’s. If you are younger than your early fibroids, you may have had a fibroid completely removed and then grown another fibroid. Are you less than 40 years of age?
i am a 47 yr old woman. i am done having kids. i am suffering from painful fibroid, clotting every month and am sick of it. i was given a few options by my gyn doc,
uterine artery embolization, hysterectomy keeping ovaries, or suffer till menopuse and a couple other options. it is all overwhelming to me and a scardy cat as pain threshold low. not sure what to do except talk to others who had similar probs, read and research this and try to decide. any info or help is appreciated.
thanks, sassy
Yes, please feel free to post a link to our blog. You may also want to post a link to HERS new 12-minute educational video “Female Anatomy: the Functions of the Female Organs” at http://www.hersfoundation.org/anatomy
Sign the Petition to compel doctors to provide this video to every woman before she is told to sign a Hysterectomy Consent form.
No information? No Consent!
I love your blog! Thanks so much for finding my blog and leaving your valuable comment. I’m new to the blogging world and am so happy to find someone so knowledgeable about the topic of hysterectomy. I’ve started my blog to raise my voice about the nightmare I went through after my hysterectomy at the age of 42, to try to prevent others from going through what I did. It was awful just trying to find someone to help me get my hormones balanced. Now, at age 47 I’m doing really well but it’s constant work to monitor my hormone levels and take the right HRT to keep me feeling good. I’d like to link to your blog if that’s okay.
Best,
Michelle
http://beingempowhered.blogspot.com
You never need a hysterectomy for fibroids unless you have the wrong doctor. The type of bleeding you are experiencing is almost always caused by submucosal fibroids. A submucosal fibroid is located in the inside, endometrial layer of the uterus. If it is smaller than 4cm it can be shelled out with a hysteroscope, which is performed vaginally and does not require an incision. If the submucosal fibroid is larger than 4cm you will need a myomectomy, surgical removal of the fibroids, leaving the uterus intact. It is performed with a horizontal incision above the pubic bone. For more information contact HERS at 610.667.7757.
I have a 6cm fibroid and I get heavy periods large clots abdominal pain and strange nerve pains at the top of my right leg. I am on a waiting list as I have been told that my problems are due to my fibroid and because it is in the uterine lining a hysterectomy is my only option. I can’t find any doctors who are willing to talk to me. I just get told to either to put up with it or have the hysterectomy. I am soo confused.