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Fibroids
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Because fibroids are common, it is very important to learn all you can about your options. As you and your doctor or other healthcare professional discuss your condition and explore your options, be sure to ask all of the questions that you have until you feel confident that you have the information you need to make a decision. Some of the important questions you may want to ask include:
1) What medicines can I take to relieve the pain caused by my fibroids?
2) What sorts of tests are needed to determine if I have fibroids?
3) Is there a way to reduce my symptoms without removing the fibroids? What are my treatment options?
4) Are my fibroids going to get bigger? Over how long a period of time?
5) If my fibroids do grow larger, what symptoms will they cause?
6) Is it possible that something other than fibroids is causing my symptoms?
7) Will my fibroids make it hard for me to get pregnant or carry a baby to term?
8) Is hormone therapy an option for me? Why or why not?
9) If I have my fibroids removed without a hysterectomy, what is the likelihood that they will grow back? Will I need surgery again?
10) If you recommend surgery, what method would be least invasive and still be effective? What is its success rate in reducing pain or curing the condition? What will happen if I choose not to have surgery?
11) If I have a myomectomy, what is the likelihood that adhesions will form, and how can we prevent them?
12) I want to get the best treatment possible to get rid of my fibroids, but I want to have children as well. What are the best treatment options for me?
13) If I become pregnant after having a myomectomy, will I have to have a cesarean section?
14) If I have a hysterectomy, what minimally invasive options are available? Can I preserve my ovaries and fallopian tubes? Can I preserve my cervix?
15) What are the possible complications of surgery?
16) I'm post-menopausal and have had problems with fibroids in the past. Are the fibroids likely to continue being a problem now?
Talk to your doctor if you think you have fibroids.
Learning all you can, and having an open discussion with your doctor is the very best way to help ensure the best outcome possible.
You may want to download and print out this
list of questions (PDF: 20 KB)
for your doctor.
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