Uterine Fibroids Topic

Of Free Program In Trumbull

TRUMBULL — Bridgeport Hospital experts will discuss the causes and treatment of uterine fibroids during a free Women’s Wellness program, “Uterine Pain: Fibroid Relief, With or Without Surgery,” 7 pm, August 20, at the Trumbull Marriott.

To register, call 203-384-4444 or visit www.bridgeporthospital.com and click on the “Free Women’s Wellness Program” box at the right of the home page.

“Women who suffer from pelvic pain or pressure and irregular menstruation may have uterine fibroids,” said Nancy DeGennaro, a certified nurse midwife and one of the speakers at the program. “If left untreated, fibroids can affect childbearing ability and overall health.”

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus. They can grow on the inside of the uterus, within the muscle wall of the uterus or on the outer surface of the uterus. Fibroids can alter the shape of the uterus as they grow. Over time, the size, shape, location, and symptoms of fibroids may change.

Although uterine fibroids may be present in up to 75 percent of all women, only about 25 percent have symptoms. In addition to abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain, these symptoms may include abdominal swelling and frequent urination.

The cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Once fibroids develop, however, the hormones estrogen and progesterone appear to influence their growth. A woman’s body produces the highest levels of these hormones during her childbearing years. When menopause begins and hormone levels decline, fibroids often shrink or disappear.

Heavy, prolonged, and painful periods caused by uterine fibroids will stop naturally when menopause occurs. Controlling symptoms until menopause is complete may be an option.

Women who do not wish to have any or more children, do not wish to have a hysterectomy, and the appropriate indications are present may find that uterine fibroid embolization is a good option, explained Dr Kenneth Zinn, a Bridgeport Hospital-affiliated vascular and interventional radiologist who will also speak at the program.

Uterine fibroid embolization is a nonsurgical procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids in the uterus. Fibroids treated with this procedure shrink an average of one-half to one-quarter of their original size. Normal uterine tissue remains unharmed because it is supplied by other arteries.