Are you tired of reaching for the ibuprofen?
If you find yourself popping open a bottle of pain reliever for abdominal cramps or pressure even during the weeks where you’re not plagued by your period, you may well be living with uterine fibroids.
In that case, does that mean there are different prescription pain relievers you should be taking? Or perhaps other medications more specifically aimed at relieving the woes of uterine fibroids?
The answer: Maybe, albeit not long-term.
Medication 101
The basic rule of using medication to treat your uterine fibroids is as follows: Medications will not cure, shrink, or eliminate your fibroids entirely, so it is unwise to expect a pill to accomplish as much.
That being said, medications can be a preferable resource for women seeking to combat their day-to-day symptoms in non-invasive ways, particularly if they have not yet settled on a long-term treatment plan that they feel comfortable with.
Medication Varieties
One of the most recent examples of a medication being introduced to the uterine fibroid market is that of ORIAHNN, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first oral medication designed to aid women with excessive menstrual bleeding — the likes of which is a common symptom of uterine fibroids.
Additionally, Lupron, according to the National Women’s Health Network (NWHN), is another one of the most commonly prescribed medications used to block estrogen production in a woman’s body, as the hormone can stimulate fibroid growth. Take care to note, however, that it is also more commonly regarded for its varied health risks and side-effects.
Otherwise, the University of California San Francisco Health reports that contraceptive pills, progestational agents, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) are all commonly used as a form of hormone treatment to help women better manage their uterine and/or menstrual-specific symptoms.
Moving On from Medication
If medication is not cutting it for your symptoms, or if you’re ready to finally find long-term relief from uterine fibroids and any accompanying pain, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) may be the best solution for you.
Featuring a patient satisfaction rate over 90%, UFE is a minimally-invasive procedure designed to shrink away your fibroids by blocking blood flow to the fibroids themselves. Thus, as the fibroids are deprived of nutrients, they — along with your symptoms — will be eliminated.
Are you ready to find freedom from fibroid pains, excessive menstrual bleeding, and urinary incontinence? Or do you have further questions regarding UFE and medication? Then it’s time to get in contact with Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center!
Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center is a specialized center focused on educating women on their options, with the ultimate goal of removing any number of the various types of uterine fibroids they may be living with. Call today at 904-423-6017 to schedule your appointment!
