Is there an alternative to a hysterectomy to treat fibroids?

Operation to remove fibroids

Surgery for prolapse

Question
I have been diagnosed as having fibroids, and have been in a lot of pain with severe bleeding.

I am being treated by a gynaecologist who says the only treatments are a hysterectomy or six doses of 5mg Utovlan per day, which I can only take for three months. What are the side-effects of this treatment?

This morning on TV a new treatment was discussed involving starving the fibroids of blood by injecting PVA granules. Where can I find out more about this treatment?

Answer
The treatment you mention is called fibroid embolysation and isn't usually carried out by a gynaecologist. A fine flexible catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and guided into arteries in the uterus, using X-ray television control by a radiologist.

Once secure within the uterine arteries, fine particles of a plastic substance known as PVA are injected through the catheter. The PVA particles fill up the arteries, blocking off the blood supply. This effectively starves the fibroids, causing them to shrink and shrivel up.

The patient experiences some pain for 12-24 hours after the operation, but this can be controlled by pain relief. The complication rate is much lower, and sexuality and femininity are unaffected because you retain your womb.

The average stay in hospital is one or two nights compared to 10 days after a hysterectomy. Most women are back to work within one or two weeks, compared to the six to 12 weeks necessary after hysterectomy.

However there are pros and cons with this procedure and it isn't suitable for all women with fibroids. To find out more, contact your local radiology department.

The Utovlan that you are taking is used to control regular and heavy bleeding caused by a number of things, including fibroids. The usual dose is one tablet three times daily, and side-effects include tummy upsets, disturbances of liver function and fluid retention, among other things.

Utovlan is an established and effective short-term therapy to control inconvenient symptoms, but ask for further advice from your GP or pharmacist about your concerns.

Yours sincerely

The Medical Team