Understanding Fibroids and When to Seek Help
Fibroids are not cancer! So, when you are deciding on what treatment to seek, do not be pressured into a decision that makes you uncomfortable. Take your time to seek a second medical opinion.
Consider that you might not even need treatment for your fibroids. Engage with your gynaecologist and if you are considering non surgical treatments, contact us to discuss the role of embolisation in fibroids treatment.
Tests and diagnoses
Uterine fibroids are frequently found incidentally during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor may feel irregularities in the shape of your uterus, suggesting the presence of fibroids. In order to determine the exact nature of your fibroids, we may order one or more of the following tests: collaborative one between the interventional radiologist, the gynecologist, and most importantly, the fibroid patient.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to get a picture of your uterus to confirm the diagnosis and to map and measure fibroids. A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound device (transducer) over your abdomen (transabdominal) or places it inside your vagina (transvaginal) to get images of your uterus.
MRI
If a traditional ultrasound does not provide enough data, we may order a Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI can show the size and location of fibroids, identify the type of the fibroids, and confirm treatment options.
Lab tests
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, your doctor may order other tests to investigate potential causes. These might include a complete blood count (CBC) to determine if you have anemia because of chronic blood loss and other blood tests to rule out bleeding disorders or thyroid problems.