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Fibroid Treatment
Fibroid Treatment
Fibroid tumors are found, most often, in the uterus of women in their 30's and 40's, although they occasionally develop on other organs which contain smooth muscle cells. Most fibroid tumors are slow-growing and cause no symptoms, but for some women they can cause pain, heavy bleeding and fertility problems.
If you have fibroids, talk to your doctor about your options, and weigh all the risks and benefits of each before making your decision. No single treatment option is best for all women. Many factors influence which choice is right for you, including age, medical history, symptoms, and the number and location of the fibroids.
For some women, uterine fibroid embolization is a good treatment option. This procedure, performed by an interventional radiologist, blocks the blood supply that nourishes the fibroid tumors, causing them to shrink.
After sedation, a small needle is placed in the groin followed by placement of a small tube (catheter) to the blood vessels that supply the fibroids with blood. The blood supply to the fibroids is then blocked with the injection of small particles through the catheter. Without blood, the fibroids shrink, which relieves the patient's symptoms. Many women report uterine cramping for hours to days after the procedure. The patient is in the hospital for less than 24 hours. It can take several weeks for the fibroids to shrink, but symptom relief often comes much sooner. Ninety percent of women who have undergone this procedure find relief from symptoms.
Find a Physician
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Douglas K. Rhodes, MD
Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA
264 Lafayette Road
Building B
Portsmouth, NH 3801
Maps & Directions -
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O. R. Stevens, MD
Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA
264 Lafayette Road
Building B
Portsmouth, NH 3801
Maps & Directions -
O. R. Stevens, MD
Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA
264 Lafayette Road
Building B
Portsmouth, NH 3801
Maps & Directions -
Jesse Smith, MD
Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA
264 Lafayette Road
Building B
Portsmouth, NH 3801
Maps & Directions -
John Pierce, MD
Portsmouth Radiological Associates, PA
264 Lafayette Road
Building B
Portsmouth, NH 3801
Maps & Directions
Locations
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