Diagnosis
The first level of diagnosis will be from your GP or family doctor. They will take a history and possibly blood to investigate hormone levels - FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) to find out whether the menopause is approaching. A pelvic examination may also be carried out -
Pelvic ExaminationThis is similar to a cervical smear, buy information pills but the abdomen (lower stomach area) will also be examined. It is difficult to differentiate between fibroids and other problems - large cysts and cancerous growths and an imaging scan is also required. After the scan result the woman will be referred to a gynaecologist.
Ultrasound ScanWhat is ultrasound?This is the same type of scan used in pregnancy. It is safe and uses sound waves to generate images from the body. What will happen?You will be asked to drink a lot of water before your scan to ensure that your bladder is full. A gel will be put on your abdomen/tummy to give a good contact for the probe. The radiologist who performs the scan will move the probe over your abdomen and the image will show up on a screen. The scan is completely painless. A special probe may be placed in the vagina. Ultrasound examination can show the difference between cysts and solid tumours such as fibroids. It cannot accurately diagnose the number, size or position of the fibroids.
MRI ScanWhat is MRI?MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The scan uses radio waves and very strong magnets to produce images of soft tissues. No x-rays are used. The magnets are contained in a large tube and you will lie on a table, which moves inside the scanner. Although people suffering from claustrophobia are often worried by this type of scan, as the abdomen/tummy is being scanned the head will normally stay outside the scanner throughout. Nothing should be eaten or drunk for 2 hours before the scan. The scan will normally take 30-45 minutes and you can go home immediately afterwards. No items containing iron such as zips, belts or jewellery should be worn. The scan is not at all painful. The scanner is very noisy and the patient will wear headphones and listen to music. The patient will be asked to keep still and hold her breath at certain times. Some contrast agent may be injected into the arm to give clearer images. The advantage of MRI is that the exact type, size and position of the fibroids can be seen, as well as the size of the uterus / womb. Other diseases such as adenomyosis (the lining of the uterus / womb grows into the muscle of the uterus / womb), endometriosis (the lining of the womb grows in other parts of the pelvis), cysts and cancers etc can also been diagnosed. There are too few MRI scanners in the UK and access may be difficult or there may be a long waiting list.
Hysteroscopy / LaparoscopyThis involves a surgeon, a gynaecologist inserting a tube into the cervix - hysteroscopy or through the belly button - laparoscopy, under anaesthetic. This enables the surgeon to see the uterus directly and make a diagnosis. This will require a hospital admission, often as a day case. |
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Our Survey and Guidelines
NICE Review of their Clinical Guidlines on Heavy Menstrual Bleeding carried out by part of RCOG is launched 14th March'18. FEmISA condemns it as unsafe for women - see our press release. FEmISA queries NICE's figures on hysteroscopy. This is regressive - see our concerns and our submission to this NICE eEview.
See FEmISA's new report on NICE compliance and patient choice for fibroid treatments part of this report was included in the recent APPG On Women's Health report Informed Choice? Giving women control of their healthcare
Thanks to all who took part in our survey about the information and choices for their fibroid treatment. Please click here for the Patient Information and Choice Survey report and here for our report on access to UFE treatment with The Medical Technology Group and All Party Parliamentary Group on Improving Patient Access to Medical Technologies.