ST. LOUIS PARK - Sometimes, unwanted surprises are revealed in exam rooms. That was the case for Rose McKinney.
She said a visit to her doctor revealed a uterine fibroid the size of a tennis ball and was causing discomfort and severe bleeding.
McKinney said her gynecologist at the time recommended a total hysterectomy.
“I thought that sounded pretty extreme,” McKinney said. “Hysterectomies are one of the most over recommended, over performed procedures for women of child-bearing age who have uterine fibroids.”
According to federal data, nearly 500,000 women get hysterectomies every year in the United States. A hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in the US. This information led McKinney to raise the question: Is a hysterectomy necessary?
After researching, she discovered Dr. Michael Cumming. He is an interventional radiologist at the Center for Diagnostic Imaging in St. Louis Park. CDI offers an option called Uterine Fibroid Embolization. The out-patient, non-surgical procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid causing it to shrink.
Cumming said the procedure has been around since the 1990’s and offers multiple benefits to patients. It can also help treat women who are experiencing pelvic pain.
“It plays a role in bone health. Heart health. And in sexual function. Uterine fibroid embolization is a great way to help women keep their uterus,” Cumming said. “They can be back to work within a week. It is minimally invasive and much safer than a hysterectomy.”
McKinney said she will continue to advocate for the procedure. She wants women to know alternatives are available. For more information on the procedure visit, click here.