Is it true the birth control pill can cause uterine fibroids to grow and if so why? - Harrisburg, PA 

Some birth control preparations can stimulate fibroid growth because they contain estrogen or increase circulating estrogen levels.  However, the response appears to be very individual.  - Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D.

Has UAE ever been performed to help a woman who have painful periods or heavy bleeding?  Will a woman with heavy periods have lighter periods after the procedure?

The major indication for UAE is fibroids causing abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding. About 90% of patients have relief from their abnormal bleeding after UAE.  - Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D.

Is it true that some Gyns first use anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) to reduce heavy bleeding and pain associated with uterine fibroids?  Wouldn't it be better to tell the patient she has uterine fibroids and get the UAE procedure done while the uterine fibroids and uterus are at a smaller size?  Are there any side effects with the prescription Naproxen that is sometimes prescribed to uterine fibroid patients?

NSAIDs can moderate bleeding in some women. In my experience they tend not to work for very long. A few patients can get significant GI (gastrointestinal) upset, even ulcers, from these medications. On the other hand, some patients are happy with the control they get from these medications and want to avoid any invasive therapy if they can do so.  - Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D.

What is the success rate for UAE procedures? 

The clinical success rate of UAE is ~90%.  - Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D.

What percentage of UAEs require a subsequent hysterectomy or myomectomy? - Carlisle, PA

About 4-7% of patients do not get enough resolution in symptoms after UAE to be satisfied and go on for elective myomectomy or hysterectomy.  About 1 patient in 200-300 UAEs develops a complication of UAE that leads to urgent or emergent hysterectomy.  - Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D.

My Gynecologist has FACOG as his medical title.  What is FACOG? 

FACOG (Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) - William Parker, M.D.

What is the reason that some gynecologists ask for a pelvic ultrasound and a vaginal ultrasound to diagnose uterine fibroids?  Can you explain what the numbers on an ultrasound report represent? 

Ultrasound imaging is the major tool we use to evaluate the uterus and diagnose fibroids. It usually allows us to separate fibroid disease from other problems. Usually the numbers on an ultrasound report are the measurements of the overall size of the uterus and of each ovary, and measurements of at least some of the fibroids that may be present. These are usually measured in centimeters; they are 2 and one-half centimeters to an inch.  - Robert Worthington-Kirsch, M.D.

How often should ultrasounds be performed for uterine fibroids?  I’ve read that you should have checkups/exams every 6 months, but was wondering how often ultrasounds were done? 

I have an ultrasound performed once, when I begin to care for a woman with fibroids (often, an ultrasound has been performed elsewhere before I see them). After this, usually an examination can tell me if there is any growth of the fibroids. An ultrasound is only repeated if there is a significant change in symptoms or the pelvic examination.  - William Parker, M.D. 

Why are so many women being diagnosed with fibroids (reason for them)?  It seems like a lot of my friends are being diagnosed with them recently.

It is not clear either that more women are developing fibroids or that there is any documented reason for them for this perceived increase.  It could be that we are using technology such as ultrasound and detecting more fibroids that otherwise would not be noticed. - Francis Hutchins, Jr., M.D.