Q&A Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

Sept. 3, 2004 -- The following questions were submitted to ABCNEWS.com in response to 20/20's story on uterine fibroids and fibroid embolization broadcast Aug. 27.

For more information on embolization treatment for uterine fibroids, visit the NUFF Web site at http://www.nuff.org or call NUFF toll free at 1-800- 874-7247.

Kim from Ohio asks:My periods have become impossible to bear. I bleed through everything and the pain lasts two to three days. I don't know if I have fibroids or not so what procedure is used to detect them?

Carla Dionne:

Please see your gynecologist and share your bleeding concerns with him/her as soon as possible. After evaluating your bleeding situation and doing an in-office exam, your gynecologist may want you to have a variety of tests. An endometrial biopsy can help rule out uterine cancer. You may also undergo an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can help determine the presence, size, and location of fibroids in the uterus.

Mary from California asks:Where can I find more information on uterine fibroids and treatment options? Are there any support groups for women with fibroids?

Carla Dionne:

More information on uterine fibroids and treatment options may be found on the Web site for the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation at http://www.nuff.org. In addition, you may want to call our toll free number and leave your name and mailing address to receive a packet of information in the mail. 1.800.874.7247.

There are a wide variety of support groups available online for women with fibroids. We sponsor one such group and you may join (it's free!) at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/uterinefibroids. This support group also contains a large amount of up-to-date information on research, surgical photos, a physician database, and answers to wide range of frequently asked questions about fibroids and treatment options.