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July is World Fibroid Awareness Month, so it seems appropriate to focus for a moment on just how many women are affected by this condition and the symptoms they may experience. Uterine fibroids are in fact a common problem affecting 1 in 3 of the UK’s female population [1]. Typical symptoms include pelvic pain, urinary problems and heavy bleeding, all of which can have a severe impact on a patient’s physical and mental wellbeing [1].
Approximately 600,000 women undergo surgical interventions for uterine fibroids in Europe and the US [2]. This is often after having waited more than 3.5 years before seeking treatment, according to a recent survey [3]. The survey also revealed that 79% wanted, where possible, to avoid invasive surgery that can require a lengthy recovery time [3].
Gynesonics’ Sonata® System is the only treatment option for uterine fibroids that integrates imaging guidance (ultrasound) and therapy (radiofrequency energy) into a treatment device to locate, target and treat individual fibroids.
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What common treatments are currently available?
Medical / hormonal therapy
Medications and hormones that may be prescribed do not eliminate fibroids, but can treat the symptoms and in some cases, shrink the fibroids temporarily. They can also cause some undesirable side effects, such as triggering a temporary menopause and even osteoporosis (brittle bones) if taken over an extended period.
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy eradicates all the fibroids by removing the entire uterus. This is a significant surgical procedure usually performed under general anaesthesia, requiring up to six weeks of recovery. Pregnancy is not possible after hysterectomy, and the time to menopause may be shortened.