Category: Fertility

Uterine Artery Embolisation, UAE for Fibroids Video

2nd October 20155th October 2015 Fibroid Network

Uterine Artery Embolisation of Fibroids is a treatment carried out by a Radiologist , which is minimal surgery for Fibroids. A Specialist Radiologist , uses a substance to block the blood supply to the fibroids , so that it shrinks. This is a procedure that has been available in the UK on the NHS & privately. Women have experienced substantial shrinkage of their fibroids & relief from symptoms such as Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia, AUB) & pain. There have also been pregnancies after embolisation. Initially it was trialled on older women who didn’t wish to conceive , however younger women worldwide are now using the procedure & achieving pregnancy and therefore avoiding Hysterectomy (womb removal).

Dr Woodruff Walker, the leading Fibroid Embolisation specialist in the UK, has informative videos & a website at http://www.fibroids.co.uk CLICK HERE

View the videos here:

Comment on Femme Fibroid Trial UK Clinical Trial comparing Myomectomy with Embolisation & Fertility

1st October 201528th October 2020 Fibroid Network

Femme Study

UK Clinical randomised trial of treating fibroids with either embolisation or myomectomy to measure the effect on quality of life among women wishing to avoid hysterectomy (womb removal) (the FEMME study)

The Trial was to compare the outcomes of Myomectomy vs Embolization to find which treatment has the best effect on women’s quality of life & if desired, pregnancy outcomes. This Trial is complete but it has now become apparent that the now recalled drug, Esmya, Ulipristal Acetate (From Gedeon Richter) was used in this Trial Continue reading

Fibroids & Fertility

29th September 201529th September 2015 Fibroid Network

Do you have Fibroids and want to get Pregnant?

Info about Fibroids Pregnancy Fertility
Fibroids do not affect your fertility. Infertility is currently defined as the inability to become pregnant, without contraception, after regular, unprotected sex for over a year. Many women have fibroids & sometimes only discover them during pregnancy, and still go on to have healthy babies. Fibroids are very common in women , between 50-80% of women will develop them by the age of 50. Some people will have tiny pea size fibroids, some can have melon size fibroids. 50% of women will have no symptoms from fibroids , irrespective of their size.

There has been research on fibroids & fertility, which confirms that women with fibroids are as fertile as the average woman of their age in society. After myomectomy , the chances of pregnancy for a woman under 35 is up to 75% . Women’s ability to maintain a pregnancy (if they had , had problems before) increased after Myomectomy.

FORESIGHT CHARITY Online also provides information on Preconception Health Programmes which assists with information on improving overall health before trying for a baby. With up to date research on Endocrine Disruptors, which may affect Fertility.

NHS help for Heavy Periods

25th September 201525th October 2015 Fibroid Network

The NHS NICE (National Institue for Clinical Excellence) Heavy Menstrual bleeding guideline (HMB) Guideline – CG44 was published in 2007. The HMB Patient Guide to Treating Heavy Periods is available for FREE download here:

CLICK HERE TO VIEW The Patients Guide to Treatments

You can read & search the FULL HMB Guideline HERE

CLICK HERE for the FREE DOWNLOAD of the full , Evidence based 2007 UK Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) GUIDELINE for Patients & NHS Healthcare Providers: with full research & evidence on treating Heavy Periods including recommended Drug Treatments & Surgery with or without Fibroids Published January 2007 . Please note that this Guideline is being reviewed with a current target date of March 2016, particularly in respect of medical Treatments for Fibroids.

HMB Guideline Updates:
The Guideline wishes practitioners & patients to be aware that ‘Oral progestogen (norethisterone)which was previously recommended , is not licensed for use as a contraceptive, but may affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant while it is being taken. This is one of a number of treatments , due for review. Please see website

Patient Feedback Post 2007 HMB Guideline

From a patients perspective, we would also want an urgent NHS review of all medical & surgical treatments, including Hormonal Contraceptives & Mirena , which are now being used as treatment for Menorrhagia & Fibroids. We have received Patient feedback, that Women with Fibroids are not being given full informed choice of treatments available , including Uterine Fibroid Embolisation & Myomectomy in situations where it is recommended in the guideline.

Women have told us that they are only being offered Medical treatments or Hysterectomy. They have also stated that they have not been given written information about their Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods) or Fibroids, and the full rage of options available, to assist in their decision making. They have also not been advised of the Risks & benefits of the Medical Treatments & Hormonal Contraceptives offered. And they have not been told that if they have relief from symptoms, using medical treatments, the relief only lasts as long as the medical treatment is being taken & the symptoms are likely to resume if medical treatment is discontinued.

We have also had feedback that even where further fertility is not desired by a woman, Doctors are not considering some patients desires , not to be given a premature surgical menopause by having a Hysterectomy (Womb Removal). Continue reading