Fibroid & Endometriosis

Posted by PyoPyo (472 days ago)

Hi, I have a fibroid and endo. I really do not wish to have a operation. Does anyone know of any alternative treatment to treat this? I heard chinese medicine and acupuncture may help. Has anyone got treated with chinese medicine? If so, which chinese doc did you consult? I hope to get treated soon as I will like to have a baby soon. Doc did advise I can try IVF but I am not sure if it is wise to do IVF with a fibroid in there.
Pls advise. I am so confused and upset now :(

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Find what you are after in our Tokyo A-Z Directory

Posted by rugby (472 days ago)

don't be upset. now that you know where you stand, you can position yourself better.
generally speaking, fibroids should not cause major problems for pregnancy. however, depending on the size, location and type, they will affect implantation. my understanding is that TCM might be able to shrink but never to eliminate. if you are pregnant with a big fibroid, you can have pre-term labour. but lots of women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies (or sometimes they don't even know they have them).
endo is trickier. again it depends on the severity and location. it is often confirmed by endoscopy (unless you have adenomyosis then it can be seen with ultrasound). because endo can spread to ovaries, fallopian tubes and abdomen, sometimes you need to clear them before getting pregnant. they recur easily so often it is advised to get pregnant within 6 months of surgery.
i have known women have fibroid, had an operation and went to become pregnant and i have also known women with endo, operated and fell pregnant within 3 months.
obviously if you prefer to stay on TCM/alternative treatment then you need to factor in time. if you are a bit older, then time is not on your side.
it might be worthwhile it get 2 or even 3 opinions before you decide to operate. remember you also need to recuperate after operation.
also a tip is to see doctor just before ovulation (say day 12, 13, 14) if you have a regular cycle. your estrogen is highest at these points and therefore you fibroids/endo are most noticeable under u/s.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by babybemine (471 days ago)

Rugby, that information is so useful. Thank you.

PyoPyo, I have a fibroid as well but the doctor said that because of the location, it doesn't impact the chance to get pregnant but fibroids can cause discomfort during pregnancy. Try and find out about the location and its a good idea to get another opinion as Rugby suggested.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by PyoPyo (471 days ago)

Rugby, thanks so much for the info. Your info is very useful indeed and you sounded so knowledgeable. :) I have actually consulted 2 docs and both wanted me to go for a op. I had an op 2 years ago and I really hate to subject myself to another one. This seems to be an never ending ordeal! :( The doc who operated on me told me that I should try IVF but I just think that it might be a waste of time and money if the fibroid might hinder the implantation. Ya, I prob should consult another doc. Thanks, rugby!!

Thanks babybemine for your encouragement!!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by rugby (471 days ago)

yes, they are nasty. drs don't seem to understand scientifically why they occur but some suggest it's hormonal imbalance (too much estrogen and not enough progesterone).
a couple more ideas for you:
1. have you done any hysterosalpingogram? they inject a dye into your system and take a series of xrays. the goal is to check whether your uterine cavity has been distorted. if it has, then op needs to be serious re-considered. if not, then try ivf or iui. this also checks whether your tubes are open which u/s cannot (if they are - do iui with drugs, if not, then ivf is probably a better bet). iui is less invasive.
2. your symptoms - do you have any? do you bleed a lot? are you in pain? do you feel pressure in your abdomen? if you have symptoms then that means it is serious and probably can affect pregnancy (even if not in the beginning, it might be dangerous getting closer to term). something you should keep in mind.
3. have you tried getting pregnant naturally with crinone (utrogestan) - they progesterone suppositories to help after ovulation.
by the way, i know someone who has endo, couldn't get pregnant. she had an op then iui within 2 months. she got pregnant and just had a baby.
good luck....everything will work out. don't worry.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jcheung (470 days ago)

Acupuncture is quite good in treating fibroid, and AT THE SAME TIME, it can also be as a good preparatory treatment for ivf - to increase its success rate.

more info can be found from some of the web sites in the service directory of AsiaXpat :

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/atoz.asp?cat=201&id=44

(I am based in Hong Kong)