About this topic
The uterus is the organ where a baby grows when you are pregnant. The uterus is also called the womb. You get rid of the lining of the uterus each time you have your period. ‚
Some women develop tough balls of muscle tissue inside their uterus. These tough balls of muscle tissue are uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids may grow in three places: inside of your womb, inside the wall of your womb, and on the outside wall of your womb. Treatment may include drugs or your doctor may need to remove the fibroids with surgery. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- The doctor will give you drugs to control bleeding and to shrink fibroids. Take the dugs as ordered by your doctor.
- The doctor may have put a device, called an IUD, inside your womb to help decrease heavy periods. Keep the device in place. Call your doctor right away if the device falls out.
- Heat may be used to lower pain. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly. Use a heating pad for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as you may get burned.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
- Your doctor may send you to a gynecologist. Your doctor may also send you to a fertility doctor if you plan to have children.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Control bleeding
- Shrink the fibroids
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Problems getting pregnant, called infertility
- Bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine.
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Pain in your lower belly not relieved by drugs
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding.
Where can I learn more?
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq074.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20141107T1221294225 ‚
Womenshealth.org ‚
https://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚