by Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA
(Short Read—Women’s Health—News About Uterine Fibroid Treatment)
If you’re diagnosed with uterine fibroids, ask your gynecologist this one very important question: What are all the treatment options? It’s important to speak up now so you can become aware of all the treatment options. In other words, in oder to make informed and educated decisions about your health, you need to be aware of all the available treatment options. One treatment option for uterine fibroids include Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical treatment option.
UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous benign tumors. “Ultrasound evidence shows that more than 80% of African American women and approximately 70% of white women will have uterine fibroids by age 50.” Fibroids are the most common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding which often leads to chronic iron deficiency anemia. They also often cause abdominal bloating, pelvic/buttock/lower back pain, and frequent urination.
At one time, a hysterectomy was considered the standard treatment option, however, there are non-surgical treatment options for uterine fibroids. Moreover, a new coalition is challenging outdated treatment options, and raising awareness for treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids.
Free From Fibroids|Fibroid Coalition
In a news release statement, Free From Fibroids and the Fibroid Coalition launched their efforts to raise awareness about all available treatment options for uterine fibroids. They are teaming up to help empower women to take charge of their health by encouraging women to speak up and questions. If you’re a woman with uterine fibroids, it’s vital to ask your gynecologist about all the treatment options for uterine fibroids because your health matters.
The organization is founded by interventional radiologist, Dr. John C. Lipman, MD, FSIR, one of the leading fibroid experts in the country. Additionally, Jan Dees, Founder & CEO of American Vascular Associates (AVA) is on the board of directors and Mark Garcia, MD is Chief Medical Officer.
John Lipman, MD
There are non-surgical options available like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) that allow women to get their life back much quicker than surgery, and to keep their uterus,” said John Lipman, MD in an email statement. “I am excited to form this coalition of medical professionals and ambassadors who want to empower women suffering from fibroids to take their life back.”
If you’re one of the many women suffering from uterine fibroids, and you’re told by your doctor that a hysterectomy is the only option—please question it and ask about UFE.
Cynthia Bailey talks about her experience with uterine fibroids
Cynthia Bailey, Cynthia Bailey, reality television personality, model and entrepreneur discusses her experience with uterine fibroids with Dr. Lipman.
“I didn’t know there were options…I became severely anemic as a result of my fibroids,” said Cynthia Bailey, reality television personality from The Real Housewives of Atlanta (BRAVO Media, Inc. Division of NBC Universal), model, and founder of the Bailey Agency School of Fashion during an interview with Dr. John Lipman (YouTube). “My energy level was just very low, always very fatigued, very low sex drive.” As she continues talking about her journey with fibroids, she said, “My only regret about my fibroid situation is that I didn’t do it sooner.” “UFE and Dr. Lipman just completely changed my life,” she added. Watch and listen to the complete interview here:
Cynthia Bailey’s Interview from The Doctors
Free From Fibroids Mission
According to their website, Free From Fibroids mission is to provide unbiased medical information regarding uterine fibroids. Additionally, it’s to support and empower women suffering with uterine fibroids. Most importantly, the organization encourage women be their own health advocates. Furthermore, they want to ensure that women are receiving all of the available treatment options, not just the surgical ones.
Free From Fibroids, 501c3 Organization
FreeFromFibroids.org is a new 501c3 organization.
“I started this nonprofit foundation to help empower women,” said Dr. Lipman. “It is also important to be your own health advocate and realize that no one knows your body better than you do. With respect to fibroids, a hysterectomy should no longer be the first and only option given to these women. We need to challenge those health care providers that do not listen to the needs of their patients and who offer singular outdated solutions.”
For more information please visit:
Board of Directors:
- John C. Lipman, MD, FSIR
- Jan Dees, CEO
- Mark Garcia, MD
- Jayne Lipman
- Paula Gwynn Grant
Advisory Board:
- Teresa Edwards (4-time Olympic Gold Medalist)
- Felicia Moore (President of the Atlanta City Council & Mayoral candidate)
- Ken Taylor, MD (OB-GYN)
- Frederick Johnson, Jr., MD (Interventional Radiologist)
- Paramjit “Romi” Chopra, MD (Interventional Radiologist)
- Mary Costantino, MD, FSIR (Interventional Radiologist)
- Janice Newsome, MD, FSIR (Interventional Radiologist)
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s important to talk with your gynecologist to find out about all the treatment options for uterine fibroids. Non-surgical options are available. Know all your options. Be an empowered health care consumer. Be an empowered patient. Always speak up and ask questions. After all, your health is important. Be proactive and speak up.
Your Turn
We’re interested in your thoughts. Before reading this post, were you aware of non-surgical treatment options for uterine fibroids?
Additionally, we’d like gynecologists to weigh in. Moreover, as a gynecologist, do you recommend non-surgical treatment options for women with uterine fibroids?
Additionally, this post is for informational purposes. Always contact your health care provider if you have any questions because your health is important. This post is written to help inform you about one treatment option for uterine fibroids. It’s a quick read with information from a news release, research, and an email interview. John Lipman, MD and the Free From Fibroids organization is on a mission to help educate and empower women about their health.
Use this post to jump start your conversation with your gynecologist because your health matters. Remember to speak up and ask questions.
Summary in 30 Words
It’s important to be an empowered patient. Speak up & ask questions. If you’re diagnosed with uterine fibroids, ask your gynecologist this very important question: What are all the treatment options?