Why it's done

Focused ultrasound surgery:

• Eases bothersome symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, including heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain and pressure
• Provides a noninvasive alternative to surgical treatment of fibroids
• Typically allows a rapid return to normal activities after the procedure

Although focused ultrasound surgery offers many advantages over other fibroid treatment options, it's not the best option for everyone. It may not be a good choice for you if:

• You have multiple abdominal scars that make it difficult to find a safe path between the transducer and the fibroid
• You have many fibroids or very large fibroids
• Your doctor suspects your fibroid-like growth might be a cancerous growth instead

Focused ultrasound may be an option for women who still want to have children. A number of women have had successful pregnancies after treatment, and the treatment appears to be safe. However, more study is needed on the possible long-term effects on a woman's ability to have a successful pregnancy.