News | Protecting Uterine Health: Mayo Clinic Issues New Recommendations for Treating Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are a common gynecologic condition affecting about 80% of women during their lifetime. Nearly half experience reduced quality of life from severe pain, anemia, and other symptoms, and some face impaired fertility. Despite this, hysterectomy has long been a primary treatment for uterine fibroids. In a clinical practice article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, however, researchers at **Mayo Clinic** recommend prioritizing minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments.
Reducing Invasive Surgery to Protect Women's Health
“Minimally invasive treatments not only help women recover faster and return to normal life sooner, but research also shows that preserving the uterus and ovaries has many health benefits,” said Mayo Clinic obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Shannon Laughlin-Tommaso, a co-author of the article.
Even when the ovaries are preserved, removing the uterus significantly increases the risks of:
Cardiovascular disease
Depression and anxiety
Higher mortality
These risks are especially high among younger women. Dr. Shannon said: “Women considering hysterectomy should receive a thorough risk assessment and counseling, because many patients with uterine fibroids have other minimally invasive treatment options.”
What Minimally Invasive Treatments Are Available?
Current nonsurgical treatments for uterine fibroids include:
Medication
Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Radiofrequency ablation
Focused ultrasound ablation
Uterine artery embolization
These treatments can reduce surgical trauma and preserve uterine function for longer. Research suggests that about 60% of women undergoing hysterectomy had not tried these minimally invasive treatments.
The Importance of Early Screening and Treatment
“Early detection is key. When fibroids are smaller, treatment is easier and carries less risk.” The incidence of uterine fibroids rises with age and is highest before menopause. Fibroids are also more common and severe among Black women.
“Earlier diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids can reduce health disparities among Black women,” said Mayo Clinic gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Ebbie Stewart. Surveys show that many Black patients prefer minimally invasive treatments over hysterectomy.
Although pelvic ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose uterine fibroids, screening often occurs only after fibroids have grown or symptoms appear. For younger women with a strong family history, especially Black women, the researchers recommend early screening and treatment to reduce long-term health risks.
Why Is Hysterectomy Chosen?
Hysterectomy has long been a primary treatment for uterine fibroids for several reasons:
Doctors do not need to determine which specific fibroids require treatment, simplifying surgical decisions.
Hysterectomy is an established procedure available at nearly all obstetrics and gynecology practices.
Concern about missing a rare uterine smooth-muscle cancer called leiomyosarcoma also contributes to higher surgery rates.
Fibroids frequently recur: about 50% of women develop new fibroids within 5 years after fibroid removal, although not all new fibroids cause symptoms, particularly near menopause.
Future Research and Social Significance
The team calls for future research to optimize screening strategies, especially early screening in high-risk groups, and to assess the long-term health benefits of minimally invasive treatments. Promoting nonsurgical options may reduce hysterectomy rates and their negative effects on women's physical and mental health.
News | Protecting Uterine Health: Mayo Clinic Issues New Recommendations for Treating Uterine Fibroids
News | Protecting Uterine Health: Mayo Clinic Issues New Recommendations for Treating Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are a common gynecologic condition affecting about 80% of women during their lifetime. Nearly half experience reduced quality of life from severe pain, anemia, and other symptoms, and some face impaired fertility. Despite this, hysterectomy has long been a primary treatment for uterine fibroids. In a clinical practice article published in The New England Journal of Medicine, however, researchers at **Mayo Clinic** recommend prioritizing minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatments.
Reducing Invasive Surgery to Protect Women's Health
“Minimally invasive treatments not only help women recover faster and return to normal life sooner, but research also shows that preserving the uterus and ovaries has many health benefits,” said Mayo Clinic obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Shannon Laughlin-Tommaso, a co-author of the article.
Even when the ovaries are preserved, removing the uterus significantly increases the risks of:
Cardiovascular disease
Depression and anxiety
Higher mortality
These risks are especially high among younger women. Dr. Shannon said: “Women considering hysterectomy should receive a thorough risk assessment and counseling, because many patients with uterine fibroids have other minimally invasive treatment options.”
What Minimally Invasive Treatments Are Available?
Current nonsurgical treatments for uterine fibroids include:
Medication
Hormone-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Radiofrequency ablation
Focused ultrasound ablation
Uterine artery embolization
These treatments can reduce surgical trauma and preserve uterine function for longer. Research suggests that about 60% of women undergoing hysterectomy had not tried these minimally invasive treatments.
The Importance of Early Screening and Treatment
“Early detection is key. When fibroids are smaller, treatment is easier and carries less risk.” The incidence of uterine fibroids rises with age and is highest before menopause. Fibroids are also more common and severe among Black women.
“Earlier diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids can reduce health disparities among Black women,” said Mayo Clinic gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Ebbie Stewart. Surveys show that many Black patients prefer minimally invasive treatments over hysterectomy.
Although pelvic ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose uterine fibroids, screening often occurs only after fibroids have grown or symptoms appear. For younger women with a strong family history, especially Black women, the researchers recommend early screening and treatment to reduce long-term health risks.
Why Is Hysterectomy Chosen?
Hysterectomy has long been a primary treatment for uterine fibroids for several reasons:
Doctors do not need to determine which specific fibroids require treatment, simplifying surgical decisions.
Hysterectomy is an established procedure available at nearly all obstetrics and gynecology practices.
Concern about missing a rare uterine smooth-muscle cancer called leiomyosarcoma also contributes to higher surgery rates.
Fibroids frequently recur: about 50% of women develop new fibroids within 5 years after fibroid removal, although not all new fibroids cause symptoms, particularly near menopause.
Future Research and Social Significance
The team calls for future research to optimize screening strategies, especially early screening in high-risk groups, and to assess the long-term health benefits of minimally invasive treatments. Promoting nonsurgical options may reduce hysterectomy rates and their negative effects on women's physical and mental health.
Source:
Collected online