Is a hysterectomy my only option?
Are you living with symptomatic uterine fibroids?
If the answer is yes, then you likely know just how physically, mentally, and emotionally draining they can be.
Women with fibroids, which are noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus, might experience painful, heavy, or prolonged periods alongside a list of other frustrating symptoms. If you’ve ever bled through your underwear or canceled plans because of debilitating cramps, it’s no wonder you’re looking for relief!
You may have been told that the only way to get relief from your symptoms is surgery to remove your uterus, and historically, a hysterectomy was one of the only treatments. We’re here, however, to share that there’s good news – you now have other uterine-sparing options.
Alternatives to hysterectomy
In addition to non-surgical methods like birth control pills or an IUD, advances in medicine have led to the creation of minimally invasive procedures that can address a range of fibroid types, sizes, and severity. These procedures may be a better fit for your lifestyle and health goals, as they often don’t require a long recovery.
The two minimally invasive procedures we’re going to explain today both use radiofrequency ablation (targeted heat) to shrink fibroids but differ in the way your uterus and fibroids are accessed.
The first minimally invasive option is the Sonata® procedure. During the Sonata procedure, your doctor will insert a small device through your vagina and cervix into your uterus. The physician will then direct radiofrequency energy to the fibroid using the device. The radiofrequency energy applied during the procedure results in fibroid shrinkage over time, which reduces symptoms. No incisions are made, and the uterus is left intact.
The second minimally invasive option is the Acessa® procedure. During the Acessa procedure, your physician will make a minimum of three incisions in your abdomen to access the uterus. These incisions allow your physician to see all your fibroids and deliver radiofrequency energy to those treatable with Acessa. This will shrink your fibroids over time resulting in a reduction of symptoms.
Technically, the Sonata and Acessa procedures don’t remove your fibroids, instead, they shrink your fibroids which can help alleviate fibroid symptoms. Many women experience relief in the first three months, but everyone is different, and the timeline can vary.1,2 Patients who undergo either procedure are likely to return to work within five days.3,4
Advocate for your health
Ultimately, only you and your doctor can decide what treatment is best for you, but know that when it comes to fibroids, hysterectomy is not the only option. You have other choices that are uterine-sparing and don’t require a long recovery.
Even if you’re confident in the treatment plan your doctor has recommended for you, it’s OK to get a second opinion. It doesn’t mean you don’t trust them; it means you value your health and want to explore all your options.
- Visit our Physician Finder to get connected with a doctor who offers minimally invasive procedures like Sonata and Acessa.
- Download our Discussion Guide for tips to help ensure your questions are answered.
Fibroids and their symptoms shouldn’t negatively impact your life.
We’re here to help you discover that Better is Possible!
The Acessa ProVu system is intended to identify and shrink symptomatic uterine fibroids. The Acessa ProVu system is used by trained physicians during laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia. Rare but serious risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to, infection, internal injury, blood loss and complications related to laparoscopic surgery and/or general anesthesia. This procedure is not recommended for women who are planning future pregnancy. This information is not medical advice. Please discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor to find out if the Acessa procedure may be right for you.
The Sonata System is intended for diagnostic intrauterine imaging and transcervical treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids, including those associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Common Side Effects include bleeding, spotting, cramping, and/or discharge. There are potential risks with this treatment such as skin burn and infection. Women who are pregnant, have a pelvic infection, are known or suspected to have gynecologic cancer, or have intratubal implants for sterilization should not have this procedure.
References
- Lin L, Ma H, Wang J, et al. Quality of life, adverse events, and reintervention outcomes after radio frequency ablation for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a meta-analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2019;26(3):409-416 ↩︎
- Berman JM, Guido RS, Leal JGG, et al. Three-years outcome from the Halt trial: a prospective analysis of radio frequency volumetric thermal ablation of myomas. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2014;21(5):767-774 ↩︎
- Chudnoff SG, Berman JM, Levine DJ, Harris M, Guido RS, Banks E. Outpatient procedure for the treatment and relief of symptomatic uterine myomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2013;121(5):1075-1082 ↩︎
- Chudnoff S, Guido R, Roy K, Levine D, Mihalov L, Garza-Leal JG. Ultrasound-Guided Transcervical Ablation of Uterine Leiomyomas: The SONATA Trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jan; 133(1): 13-22 ↩︎
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