Month: August 2022

Categories
Fibroids

Is a Hysterectomy an Option

Treatment options for women with uterine fibroids used to be very limited. One of the first lines of treatment was a hysterectomy.

In the past, treatment options for women with uterine fibroids were very limited. In fact, more often than not, one of the first lines of treatment was a hysterectomy.

Though there are now many different treatment methods for women with uterine fibroids, a hysterectomy is still an option to consider, and sometimes it is necessary. Therefore today, let’s take a look at what a hysterectomy is, and why it can be a potential treatment option for women with uterine fibroids.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and the cervix. The procedure is usually done through either an incision in the abdomen or belly button, or it is done vaginally.

One of the benefits of having a hysterectomy is that in removing the uterus, the fibroids are also removed. In doing so, not only are the fibroids eliminated but so is the possibility of them growing back. To put it frankly, no more uterus, no more fibroids.

Another benefit of a hysterectomy is that because the operation removes the uterus, menstruation, and fibroid-related bleeding are stopped entirely.

Though there are several medications that can halt menstruation and stop or lessen fibroid-related bleeding, these medications are not without their issues. In fact, some women will opt to get a hysterectomy as a permanent fix to avoid having to use these medications long-term, which can increase the risk factors involved in taking them.

Some of the side effects and risks associated with medications for uterine fibroids that women may wish to avoid are:

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex

  • These medications are used to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding but can cause an increased risk of osteoporosis.

Tranexamic Acid: Lysteda

  • This medication is used to ameliorate fibroid-related heavy bleeding, however, it is expensive and it interacts with several other medications which as a result, can be potentially harmful.

Birth Control Pills: Lo Loestrin FE, Norethindrone

  • Given that some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills out there can increase estrogen and therefore increase the size of fibroids, unless the birth control is the right balance of hormones, it could make the fibroid situation much worse. Also, using birth control is known to mask the severity of fibroids and other underlying conditions.

Combination therapy of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and birth control: Oriahnn

  • This medication can reduce period bleeding, but its treatment is limited to 24 months due to the risk of it causing permanent bone loss. It’s also expensive and interacts with many other medications.

A hysterectomy is an option for women with fibroids that would like to avoid having to take medication and experience the side effects associated with them, as well as avoid the risk of fibroids returning following some of the other treatment procedures available.  However, a hysterectomy is a major surgery, and it is not without its own side effects and risks.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the potential side effects and risks associated with having a hysterectomy, as well as what can be expected in regard to the recovery period following the procedure.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Treating BPH Symptoms with Alpha-Blockers

Today we will begin our series exploring all of the treatment options available for men with benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate.

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we specialize in treating an enlarged prostate through a procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization. Using state-of-the-art technology, this non-invasive outpatient procedure is done by our highly skilled expert radiologist, Dr. Rishi Sood.

Though we highly recommend a consultation to see if PAE would be best for your prostate condition, we also believe that it’s important to be informed as to all of the treatment options available. This way you can have an informed conversation with your doctor, and our team here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, in order to determine which treatment would be best for you.

Today we will begin by looking at medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, starting with the commonly used class of medications called Alpha-Blockers.

Alpha-Blockers are a type of blood pressure medication, that has been found to be useful in treating some of the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. These medications work by “blocking” the hormone norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) and thereby prevent the muscles in the walls of veins and smaller arteries from constricting. In doing so, this allows these vessels to remain open and relaxed, and as a result, blood flow is improved and blood pressure is lowered.

Alpha-blockers can also be an effective medicine to treat some of the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Due to their ability to relax the muscles in the prostate and around the bladder, men taking this medication may have an easier time urinating.  In fact, according to some studies, it is estimated that around 3 out of 5 men that take alpha-blockers find that their urinary symptoms improve within the first month of treatment.  Even better, for men that are responding well to the medication, alpha-blockers may continue to work for several years thereafter.

Alpha-Blockers typically work best for men experiencing moderate to severe benign prostate hyperplasia, and men who are experiencing the irregular flow of urine. By improving the flow of urine, alpha-blockers can also reduce the risk of bladder infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial prostatitis.

Though alpha-blockers can help increase urine flow and relieve tension in the bladder neck and prostate, they do not cure an enlarged prostate. And, like all medicines, alpha-blockers do come with their side effects and risks.

In our next article, we will take a look at the most commonly prescribed alpha-blockers. And, we’ll look at the side effects and risks associated with alpha-blockers as well.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

Pain from Soda?

Soda, diet soda, and its many flavors and brands are not only unhealthy, but they can cause increased knee pain.

Most of us know that soda, diet soda, and the many flavors and brands of it, are not considered to be a part of a healthy diet. In fact, far from it. And, for those of us with knee osteoarthritis, it may be best to avoid it altogether.

If you’ve read some of our previous articles that took a look at the connection between being overweight and knee osteoarthritis, you may think that the issue with soda is the potential for weight gain.

Yes, that is true, as sodas a packed full of sugar- and when consumed in excess it can lead to obesity, diabetes, and even osteoporosis- however, there is more to it than that.

According to a recent study conducted at Harvard University, drinking too much soda can increase knee pain, especially in men. Researchers kept track of the soft drink consumption of more than 2,000 men who had a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. These men were asked to come in regularly over a four-year period, where the researchers studied the progression of their knee osteoarthritis and measured their cartilage in order to check for any changes in thickness. Upon analyzing all of the data collected, the study found that the men with the fastest progression of knee osteoarthritis were indeed those who drank the most soda.

This information probably isn’t too surprising. It makes sense that men who drink a lot of soda are more likely to do so along with a not-so-healthy diet. In the western fast food diet, soda tends to pair well with foods that are high in trans fats, red meat, and sugar- Think of a McDonald’s value meal.

So yes, that makes sense. However, believe it or not, that wasn’t what the research found. In fact, the men who were the heaviest did not have the most knee arthritis. Those with the greatest progression of knee osteoarthritis were the soda drinkers that were thin.

What??

You read that right.

The study found that the impact of soda intake on knee osteoarthritis is independent of the wear and tear on the joints that are caused by simply being overweight. So what is causing it then? What is it about soda that could increase the progression of knee osteoarthritis in men?

Inflammation.

When a soda, which is high in refined sugar, is consumed this causes a major spike in blood sugar, which creates stress on the body and triggers inflammation. Add up that response to drinking soda several times a day, and you’re looking at a case of chronic inflammation and of course, increased knee pain and injury.

So does this mean that men with knee osteoarthritis can never drink soda again?

Though that would be a great idea, it’s not entirely necessary as long as your soda intake is very limited and is only an occasional part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle. That being said, when it comes to your knee health, you may want to think twice before popping that can of soda and opt for a nice cool glass of water instead.

Categories
Fibroids

Tranexamic Acid for Fibroids

Control heavy bleeding from fibroids, with oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists. Another option is the use of tranexamic acid.

Heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids is often accompanied by heavy cramping, both of which leave those inflicted, fatigued, and sometimes unable to work and fully participate in their lives.

In the earlier stages of fibroids, some physicians will try to control the common symptoms of heavy bleeding with oral contraceptives or GnRH agonists and will treat pain and discomfort with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, if this isn’t working, another option your doctor may try is the use of tranexamic acid.

For several decades the medical field has relied on tranexamic acid to help blood clot in order to reduce blood loss during surgery, or as a result of trauma, childbirth, and more. Belonging to a category of drugs called antifibrinolytics, tranexamic acid works by preventing the breakdown of a protein called fibrin, which is the main protein in a blood clot.

The history of using tranexamic acid in the treatment of heavy bleeding caused by menstruation, trauma, and childbirth, is a rather interesting one. It all started in Japan in the 1950s, at a time when postpartum hemorrhage was a leading cause of maternal death.

Utako and Shosuke Okamoto, a Japanese husband, and wife, both biochemists in Tokyo, had been working diligently to identify a drug that could reduce the risk of postpartum hemorrhaging and save more women. The couple knew that there was an enzyme in the blood that breaks down blood clots, and sought to discover a medicine that would inhibit this action. What they discovered was the bleeding reduction effect of tranexamic acid.

In 1962, Utako and Shosuke Okamoto, published their findings in The Keio Journal of Medicine. Though at first, practitioners were slow to start using tranexamic acid, eventually it caught on as a useful treatment to control bleeding during routine procedures such as tooth extractions.

Following a few years of further research regarding the effectiveness of tranexamic acid, the medical field finally began to utilize this form of treatment. As a result, tranexamic acid is now used to treat bleeding-related issues in everything from that of trauma patients, pregnant women, hemophiliacs, and women experiencing too much blood loss during menstruation due to fibroid-related heavy bleeding, as well as other uterine conditions.

Though tranexamic acid is effective in controlling blood loss during surgery or as a result of trauma, the only FDA-approved usage of tranexamic acid is for heavy menstrual bleeding ( caused by fibroids or other conditions) and hemophiliacs.

Tranexamic acid comes in a tablet form and is usually taken with or without food three times a day for up to 5 days during monthly menstruation, starting on the first day of a period. These tablets need to be taken at around the same time every day of a menstrual period.

Though it is effective at reducing menstrual bleeding, tranexamic acid isn’t without its problems.

For starters, it’s expensive.

Sold under the brand name Lysteda, tranexamic acid can cost around $170 for 30 tablets of 650 mg. Not only is it a little pricey, but it can also have the following side effects:

abdominal or stomach pain, discomfort, or tenderness
fever or chills
difficulty with moving
headache, severe and throbbing
joint or back pain
muscle aching or cramping
muscle pains or stiffness
stuffy or runny nose
fatigue

Tranexamic acid also has many drug interactions that are not safe, and it can not be taken with any of the following medications:

estrogens
birth control pills, patches, injections, rings or other devices that contain both estrogen and a progestin
certain medicines used to help your blood clot
tretinoin (taken by mouth)

The Bottom Line:

Tranexamic acid is a nonhormonal option that reduces menstrual blood loss in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids. Though it is more expensive than oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormone therapies- it is an option when those treatments are not recommended or desired. That being said, tranexamic acid may reduce fibroid-related heavy bleeding, however, it does not affect or address the underlying cause- The fibroids themselves.

In order to truly eliminate fibroid symptoms, fibroids need to be treated directly. In our next article, we will begin to look at surgeries and non-invasive procedures that can shrink and/or eliminate uterine fibroids.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Treatment Options for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia/Enlarged Prostate

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular & Interventional, we specialize in a non-invasive procedure to treat an enlarged prostate, called Prostate Artery Embolization. Though this method is highly effective and definitely worth your consideration, it is important that you are aware of some of the other treatment options available. Knowledge is key, and by understanding your options for treating an enlarged prostate, you can work with your doctor and make an informed decision as to which treatment would be best for your particular situation.

Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at what these options are. We will cover the following:

Medications to Treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)/ Enlarged Prostate
     – In many cases, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be treated with medication. Though these medications do not cure the condition, oftentimes they are able to slow the progression of prostate growth. Some of the medications used to treat enlarged prostate are:

Alpha-blockers: Such as tamsulosin (Flomax) or terazosin (Hytrin).
– These medicines are used to relax muscle tissue.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Such as dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar).
– These medications are used to shrink the prostate.

A combination of the Alpha-Blockers and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
– Over time, this combination has been found to help control symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, more than either medicine alone.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors: This includes vardenafil (Levitra), sildenafil (Viagra), and tadalifil (Cialis). However, only tadalifil (Cialis) is also FDA approved to help relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
– These medications increase blood flow to the penis, while also relaxing muscle cells in the bladder and prostate. As a result, it can ease urinary symptoms associated with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

Supplements
Though this form of alternative therapy is not necessarily recommended by physicians, it is out there, and some people do find it to be effective. That being said, these forms of treatment aren’t as closely regulated as the FDA-approved medicines, which means their safety, efficacy, and quality can be inconsistent. The most commonly used supplements to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate that we will look at are:

– Saw palmetto
– Beta-sitosterol
– Pygeum
– Rye grass

Surgeries to treat an enlarged prostate:

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
– During this procedure, a urologist will insert a resectoscope into the urethra and will use it to remove excess tissue that is blocking the urine from leaving the bladder.

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
– This is a similar procedure to Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), however, instead of prostate tissue being removed, the bladder neck and prostate are cut to relax the bladder opening, allowing urine to flow more freely.

Prostatectomy:
– This is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made through the abdomen or is performed laparoscopically and is done to remove the inner portion of the prostate gland.

GreenLight™ laser:
– This treatment vaporizes prostate tissue in order to create a channel in the urethra for free urination.

Plasma button electrovaporization:
– In this procedure, prostate tissue is removed using low-temperature plasma energy.

Non-invasive surgical treatments available to treat an enlarged prostate:

Water vapor therapy (Rezum):
– Water vapor therapy is an office-based procedure where water vapor is directly delivered to the prostate tissue, in order to destroy the excess tissue.

UroLift:
– This is an outpatient procedure whereby implants are used to pin the lateral prostate lobes out of the way in order to reduce obstruction.

Prostate Artery Embolization:
– This non-invasive procedure is one that we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Using catheters to deliver microscopic beads that block blood flow to the prostatic artery, and as a result, shrinks prostate tissue and thereby reduces symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.

In our next article, we will begin our series on the various treatments for an enlarged prostate, starting with a deeper look at the medications used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. The first medication we will look at belongs to a group of medicines called Alpha-Blockers.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

Alcohol Use and Knee Osteoarthritis

When consumed too often, or in excess, alcoholic beverages can have serious effects on your brain, your overall health, and...your knees.

When consumed in moderation, a glass of wine with a nice meal or an ice-cold margarita on the beach can be an enjoyable treat. However, when consumed too often, or in excess, alcoholic beverages can have serious effects on your brain, your overall health, and…your knees.

Yes. You read that right. Too much alcohol can adversely impact your knees, especially in those of us already diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis.

The problem with alcohol is that it can trigger an inflammatory response in the body which can aggravate joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Too much alcohol can also adversely affect immune function, which can inhibit the joints from healing.

In 2019 a study at the University of California took a deeper look at the link between alcohol consumption and knee osteoarthritis. The researchers measured the effect that a 12-month period of alcohol consumption had on the knees of 2,061 participants.

Using MRI imaging, and T2 mapping- which provides more sensitive information on the cartilage including its collagen fiber orientation, the scientists were able to determine that there is indeed a connection between alcohol consumption and knee issues.

In fact, they found that those participants that consumed 1-7 drinks per week, on average, had worse cartilage biochemical composition. And, in addition to that, they found that alcohol use was also negatively associated with cartilage and meniscus joint morphology.

Though this and other studies back the claim that alcohol use has a negative effect on knee health, the predominant information available to us seems to say the opposite. Even the American Heart Association has stated that “drinking alcohol in moderation is associated with a reduced rate of heart disease-related mortality in some patients”. This claim has led many people with various ailments including osteoarthritis, to think that drinking alcohol will actually help them. Especially drinking red wine.

We’ve all heard the many health benefits of antioxidant, reservatol, and flavonoid-rich red wine. We’ve heard that it’s “heart healthy” and can reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol, and even help reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, the reality is, for many of us, the risks associated with consuming alcohol, even red wine, may outweigh the benefits.

Some of the most common adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption include, but are not limited to:

Accidents, violence, and suicide
Certain types of cancer
Heart failure
High blood pressure
Liver and pancreas diseases
Stroke
Weight gain and obesity

Alcohol can also interact with many medications that are used to treat and reduce knee osteoarthritis pain. These interactions can not only inhibit the efficacy of the medicine but can also cause serious, even life-threatening health complications as well.

The Bottom Line: Though consuming alcohol, particularly red wine in limited amounts may have its health benefits, it is not a recommended part of any treatment plan for knee osteoarthritis or any medical condition for that matter.

Consuming even a moderate amount of alcohol can have an inflammatory effect that can aggravate degenerative joint pain and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Alcohol can also inhibit healing in the body, and, in particular, the knees.

Therefore, if you do choose to drink alcohol it should be done so as a very small and occasional part of a healthy diet, and a healthy lifestyle.

Categories
Knee Osteoarthritis

The Connection Between Diet and Knee Pain

Losing weight through proper dieting and exercise can decrease knee pain, and increase your quality of life.

Losing weight through proper dieting and exercise can decrease knee pain, and increase your quality of life.

In previous articles, we’ve taken a look at helpful knee-safe exercises, as well as stressed the importance of having a healthy diet. Today we are going to take a look at the connection between dietary choices and inflammation, which can increase osteoarthritis pain and decrease knee mobility.

Researchers have been studying the relationship between nutrition and osteoarthritis for quite some time. A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is just one of many that have found a connection between following a western diet and increased progression of osteoarthritis. In this particular study, a “western diet” was defined as a diet high in red meat, sugar, salt, fat, and refined grains.

So let’s take a look at this western diet, and see what it is about these foods that are problematic when it comes to osteoarthritis of the knee.

Red Meat

Though lean red meat on occasion can be beneficial for our health, eating too much red meat can make arthritis symptoms worse.
The problem is that animal products contain saturated fats that can actually increase inflammation. So when it comes to eating red meat, it’s best to choose leaner cuts and limit the amount consumed.

Sugar

Though every diet involves limiting your sugar intake- when it comes to those diagnosed with osteoarthritis- this is a must.

Research has shown that there is a relationship between excessive sugar intake and increased knee osteoarthritic inflammation. In fact, according to a recent study,  researchers found that it only takes 40 grams of sugar, which is roughly the amount found in one can of soda, to trigger this response. Not only that, but too much sugar can also increase the likelihood of weight gain, which can be extremely detrimental to your joints.

Salt

Studies have found that cutting back on salt is a good choice for people with osteoarthritis. Research has shown that a high salt diet can increase the severity of osteoarthritis, and contributes to cartilage breakdown and bone destruction. There is also a link between a high-sodium diet and an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease.

Though salt is a necessary part of our diet, as it helps the body to function properly- too much salt can cause swelling and water retention which will worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Fat

There are good fats, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and avocadoes, and there are bad fats, such as trans fats found in processed foods and saturated fats found in animal products.

These “bad fats” can increase inflammation and contribute to a slew of other health problems such as heart disease and an increased risk of stroke.

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are grains that are processed in order to remove their natural nutrients and fiber. This process decreases their nutritional value and makes them more easily digestible. It also makes it easy for them to be absorbed into the bloodstream which causes a spike in blood sugar.

These foods, such as baked goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, and snacks with added sugar, salt, and fat- all greatly contribute to osteoarthritis pain, by triggering inflammation as well as weight gain.

The Bottom Line: By simply avoiding or at least limiting your intake of these foods, you can decrease the amount of inflammation in your body, and as a result, decrease osteoarthritic knee pain.

In our next article, we will look at some common beverages that should be limited or altogether avoided because they can increase inflammation and knee pain.

Categories
Fibroids

Oriahnn: A New Combination Oral Therapy

A combination therapy that was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of heavy bleeding caused by uterine fibroids called Oriahnn.

In the previous weeks, we’ve dug deeper into the use of Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and birth control in treating fibroid symptoms. This week, we’re going to look at a combination therapy that was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of heavy bleeding caused by uterine fibroids called Oriahnn.

Oriahnn is a prescription drug, that has been created by combining three different oral therapies. These include a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and two hormones: estradiol (a form of estrogen), and norethindrone acetate (a form of progestin).

The GnRH agonist in Oriahnn is elagolix, which causes a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels in the body. The decrease in these hormones causes a temporary menopause-like state which reduces the size of the fibroids and the size of the uterus. It also inhibits menstruation, thus enabling women with bleeding-induced anemia, to increase their stores of iron. GnRH agonists can also improve fibroid-related symptoms such as frequent urination and constipation.

One of the problems with GnRH agonists is that the decrease in estrogen caused by them can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis.  Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens the bones, thus putting them at a greater risk for sudden and unexpected bone fractures. Since estrogens play a central role in the homeostasis of the skeleton, estrogen deficiency seems to be primarily responsible for the adverse skeletal effects of GnRH agonists. As a result of the estrogen decrease caused by GnRH therapy, bone turnover can increase while bone mineral density can decrease, thereby increasing the risk of fractures.

This is where the addition of estradiol and norethindrone comes in.

Estradiol is a type of estrogen hormone used by women to help reduce the symptoms of menopause. And, in the case of treating fibroids, it helps to prevent the bone loss that can be caused by using a GnRH agonist alone.

Norethindrone is a progestin hormone. The addition of this hormone helps to inhibit estrogen-related fibroid growth and therefore helps to keep the fibroids from growing.

Studies have found that Oriahnn is effective in reducing fibroid-related heavy menstrual periods. The combination of GnRH agonist, estradiol, and norethindrone has proven to be effective with a lower risk of adverse problems than can come from GnRH agonists alone. However, when it comes to eliminating fibroids completely- this medication can not achieve that outcome.

Here are some of the pros and cons associated with this new medication:

Pros:

Works to lighten heavy periods for a majority (7 out of 10) of women

Can reduce period bleeding by 50% after 1 month

Non-surgical treatment option for uterine fibroids

Can take with or without food

Cons:

Treatment is limited to 24 months because of the risk of permanent bone loss

Unknown if it’s safe or works for children under 18 years of age

Interacts with many medications

No generic available,  so it might be expensive

Needs to be taken twice a day

The bottom line:  The FDA’s most recent approval of the medication Oriahnn to control heavy bleeding in women with uterine fibroids, is potentially a better medicine than a GnRH agonist alone- but it is not without its problems. Oriahnn is not recommended for long-term use and it doesn’t eliminate fibroids. In order to shrink or eliminate fibroids, a non-invasive procedure such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization, or sometimes surgery is usually the best choice.

Next week we will wrap up our look at oral therapies used to treat uterine fibroid symptoms, by looking at the use of Tranexamic Acid to reduce fibroid-related bleeding.

Categories
Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Artery Embolization: What the Research Says

In our last article, we took a look at a non-invasive outpatient procedure to treat an enlarged prostate called Prostate Artery Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Today let’s take a look at what some of the research says about the efficacy of this procedure. 

A recent study published in the medical journal Interventional Radiology looked at 1,000 men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization between 2006 and 2017. The particpants of the study were followed up with for several years after the procedure, where they were evaluated for enlarged prostate symptoms. Specifically, the researchers measured the size of the prostate and evaluated the partipants regarding erectile dysfunction, and urinary issues.

Given that one of the primary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is its impact on urination, the study involved measuring not only the amount of urine retained in the bladder after urination, but researchers also measured the urinary flow rate.

Lastly, each participant’s prostate-specific antigen levels ( PSA) were checked, which is a test that is used to screen for prostate cancer.

Now the big question- What did they find?

The data from these measurements found that at the short-term mark, the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment had a cumulative success rate (measuring all of the variables listed above), of over 90%.

The cumulative success rate of the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment was then measured at the 3-year mark, at which point the researchers found there was an 82% success rate, and again every year after that, resulting in a cumulateive long term success rate of 79%.

The study also discovered that, unlike medication and surgeries which can have unwanted sexual side effects, men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization did not report any adverse effects on their sexual function.

This is just one of the research studies conducted on the effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on men experiencing adverse symptoms from an enlarged prostate. However, there are many more out there, and they all tell us one thing: Prostate Artery Embolization is an excellent option for men with BPH, because it works.

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer Prostate Artery Embolization and would love to schedule a consultation to see if this procedure can benefit you. That being said, PAE is one of many treatment options that are available for an enlarged prostate, so it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine which treatment is best for your particular case.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the other treatment options available, starting with medications that are used to treat an enlarged prostate. We will look at the pros and cons of each treatment, to help you to be as informed as possible when making these important decisions for your health.

Categories
Fibroids

Using Birth Control Pills to Reduce Fibroid Symptoms

Depending on the severity of fibroid symptoms, sometimes progesterone-containing birth control can be effective at reducing them.

A class of medication that is sometimes used to treat fibroid symptoms is progesterone-containing birth control.

Depending on the severity of fibroid symptoms, sometimes progesterone-containing birth control can be effective at reducing them.

Though the exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unknown, there is evidence to suggest that their growth is influenced by hormones. The hormones most connected with fibroids are estrogen and progesterone, which are also affected when birth control pills are used.

The two main types of birth control pills are those that contain estrogen and progesterone and those that only contain progesterone. These birth control pills work by preventing the egg from becoming fertilized by the sperm. Or, in the case of the estrogen and progesterone-containing pills, the hormones are used to stop ovulation entirely. Both types of birth control pills are used to prevent pregnancy and are sometimes prescribed to lessen the severity of period-related issues like heavy periods, mood swings, and cramps.

One of the most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual periods. This is where birth control comes into the picture.

Many physicians have found that birth control pills can help reduce the symptom of heavy bleeding and often prescribe them to women with uterine fibroids for this reason. While this may be effective in the short term, birth control pills can not shrink or eliminate fibroids. In fact, in the case of estrogen-containing birth control, the increase in estrogen can actually cause fibroids to grow.

Therefore, when using birth control to help alleviate fibroid symptoms, or as a primary form of birth control, it is important that they are low estrogen or predominantly progesterone-containing pills.

Some examples of low estrogen birth control pills are:

 Lo Loestrin FE:

Lo Loestrin provides the lowest daily dose of estrogen at 10 mcg. This birth control could be a good choice for women with fibroids because it can decrease heavy periods and reduce pain from menstrual cramps, and the low dose of estrogen most likely will not cause fibroids to grow. Loestrin is the name brand of this birth control, however, many less expensive generic options are also available.

Norethindrone Birth Control:

Norethindrone is a progestin-only pill (POP), often referred to as the “mini pill”. Since there is no estrogen in this pill, there is no risk of it causing fibroids to grow. Norethindrone can also decrease fibroid symptoms such as heavy and painful menstrual periods.

Given that some of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills out there can increase estrogen and therefore increase the size of fibroids, birth control is not always the best solution. If the fibroids are small, and the symptoms are mild, a low estrogen or progesterone-containing birth control pill may be beneficial. However, it is important to keep in mind that birth control can sometimes mask the severity of fibroids and other underlying conditions.

The bottom line, if you are experiencing heavy and painful periods due to uterine fibroids, your doctor may suggest taking birth control pills to reduce your bleeding. Though the pills may help control some symptoms of uterine fibroids, birth control pills will not effectively treat them.

Addressing the cause of the fibroid’s symptoms, which is, of course, uterine fibroids, can reduce and eliminate symptoms entirely. So it’s important to talk to your doctor about the different treatment options that are available. And, if you are thinking of going on birth control pills, make sure to keep in mind the type and any impact it could have on your fibroids.