Uterine fibroid cysts are a common problem found in women during their 30s and 40s. Though often there are no signs and symptoms of fibroids, they can sometimes cause heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure, constipation, frequent urination, and even back or leg pain.

If such symptoms of uterine fibroids occur, they typically need to be treated. Though there are medicinal uterine fibroid treatments available, they only shrink the cysts temporarily. Uterine fibroid removal is typically required in these cases to ensure that the problem is resolved properly once and for all.

When presented with such a case requiring a uterine fibroid surgery, more and more doctors are beginning to recommend a type of procedure that uses a technology called radiofrequency ablation.

Uterine fibroid treatments that use radiofrequency ablation are minimally-invasive, outpatient therapies designed to destroy fibroids of all shapes and sizes. First, the solution provider places two standard laparoscopic ports — a five millimeter infraumbilical port and a 10 millimeter superpubic port for the ultrasound transducer, which is what these uterine fibroid treatments use to get rid of the cysts.

Because the laparoscopic ultrasound transducer is placed directly on the uterine surface, its image is high resolution, allowing the uterine fibroid treatments provider to find the large number of fibroids that would have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Then, the uterine fibroid treatments provider places a hand piece percutaneously through a small skin incision, and guides it via ultrasound. The uterine fibroids treatments provider then guides this handpiece to the fibroid capsule, inserting it one centimeter in. The caregiver then deploys the electrode array into the fibroid, and begin ablation. The array heats up, and ablates the fibroid. None of the surrounding tissue is affected, and destroyed tissue can then be reabsorbed.

Once over, patients can return home the same day. They require only non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory agents for pain, and can return to work in about four or five days.

If you’re suffering from fibroids, speak to your doctor about these uterine fibroid treatments. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.