Potential Side Effects from Fibroid Treatments

Aug. 27, 2004 -- Fibroid embolization is an increasingly popular treatment for uterine fibroids. The nonsurgical procedure destroys fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, and a growing number of experts say it is a preferable option to hysterectomies.

The treatment preserves a woman's uterus, and has far fewer side effects than hysterectomy. The Hers Foundation cites adverse effects of hysterectomies here: http://www.hersfoundation.org/effects.html.

In 2003, Dr. Tim Johnson reported on women who were having problems with sex after undergoing hysterectomies and said they were never warned of the surgery's consequences. To read that story, click here.

For more information on uterine fibroid embolization visit the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation Web site at http://www.nuff.org or call the group toll free at 1-800-874-7247.

There have been numerous studies on uterine fibroid embolization as a treatment for fibroids. Here are some major research findings.

• Comparison of Uterine Embolization With HysterectomiesThis study, published in the most recent journal of the American College of Obstetrics, states that women who underwent fibroid embolization suffered fewer complications than those who underwent hysterectomies to remove fibroids.

• Comparison of Uterine-Sparing Procedures for Fribroid TreatmentsThis study was published in the June 15, 2000 issue of American Family Physician. In it, Steven J. Smith, M.D., compares risks and benefits of various treatments for symptomatic fibroids. Smith finds far fewer risks associated with embolization procedures than with hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Adverse Effects Possible With Any Procedure

All medical procedures carry possible health risks and adverse side effects. Since fibroid embolization procedures were first performed in the mid-1990s, experts have found that the procedure compares favorably to both hysterectomy and myomectomy for fibroid treatment.

Below are adverse effects cited in medical publications for all three procedures.