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The quick answer to the question is that "One
month is recommended."
But let's look at the logic behind
such a statement. We all accept the fact that patients differ
a great deal in how quickly they recover. The utility of "Quick"
answers is that they are good basic rules to address the question.
However, consider the following:
- Generally speaking, the major
reason to avoid relations relates to discomfort after
the procedure. UAE will definitely cause pain in the treated
fibroids or adenomyosis which gradually diminishes over time.
When the uterus is no longer "tender," resumption of
relations should pose no problems.
In the long run - it is a question that the patient will undoubtedly
answer based on her own observations. Our suggestion would be
to abstain until all lower abdominal soreness has subsided (this
could be 14-30 days depending upon the number of fibroids embolized,
and the way a particular patient's body handles the healing process.)
Observe gentleness at first - and then resume normality once
it is apparent that all soreness has subsided.
- A second thing has to do with
bleeding - which may superimpose another time frame on
top of what was just said. Bleeding is liable to be more evident
if there were a significant sized "submucous fibroid"
- one that is inside the cavity of the uterus. If these are of
any size, there may be bleeding as the fibroid degenerates and
is either expelled in small fragments or, less likely, is expelled
intact.
The way in which this affects the question is that the place
where the submucous fibroid is attached is liable to be an open
surface for a time. Many gynecologists recommend abstention for
the sake of avoiding intra-uterine infection while bleeding -
similar to the way they recommend a similar abstention following
the birth of a baby. A lack of bleeding for at least one week
has been used as a criteria for resuming normal relations by
some of our gynecologists. Depending upon whether or not submucous
fibroids were part of your problem, and post procedure bleeding
continues, you might want to run this past your gynecologist
for advice.
Frankly
- at this time - we are unaware of any intra-uterine infections
after this procedure based on resumption of relations.
1/23/01 |
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