MRI Scans | Fibroid treatment

What is MRI?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which is a diagnostic test that uses a very strong magnetic field and radio waves to provide cross-sectional images of internal organs and body tissues. It allows doctors to see inside your body from many different angles to visualise your internal organs without any invasiveness. MRI does not use ionising radiation and therefore has none of the potentially harmful side effects of x-rays. MRI can produce very clear diagnostic images in virtually all areas of the body.
How long does an MRI scan take?

MRI scans vary depending on the area of your body that is being scanned but typically last between 20mins and 60mins. You will be informed how long your scan should take at the time of booking.
Will an MRI scan hurt?

No. The MRI scan is non-invasive and so is painless. For some patients, the doctors may need to use a special contrast dye (gadolinium) to help visualise parts of your body better in which case you would need a cannula (small needle put in the vein of your hand through which the dye can be injected).

All patients are in constant contact with the scanning team via speaker phone so you can let the radiographer undertaking your scan know if you feel uncomfortable. You are also given a buzzer which you can activate at any time to stop the scan and be removed from the scanner.
Will I be experiencing pain tonight and/or tomorrow after the treatment?

Most patients have no problems following the treatment. However, you might experience some lower abdominal pain similar to period pain which will last no more than a few days. This pain can be settled with a simple over-the –counter paracetamol.
Am I going to bleed in the immediate future as a result of the treatment?

No. The treatment itself should not cause you to bleed. As part of your fibroid/s has been treated, we anticipate that your period may deviate from normal. The first two cycles can be heavier than usual but should gradually lighten. If you received GNRH injections prior to the treatment, your first cycle should come back anytime between the 5th and 12th week from the last day of injection. It varies for every individual. Some patients may experience irregular periods following the treatment.
Can I go back to work the following day?

Yes. Provided that you feel you are capable of doing your duties. Please be reminded that the sedatives that you had may stay in your blood stream until the following day. Therefore, you are not allowed to drive and/or operate machinery for 24hrs as you might have episodes of drowsiness. We also advise you to avoid alcohol for 24hrs.
Can I do strenuous exercise after the treatment?

Yes. The treatment that you had is non-invasive which means there was no incision made in your abdomen. You will be able to go back to your normal daily routines as you desire following the treatment.
Are there any restrictions on sexual intercourse following the treatment?

No. But if you are trying to conceive, we recommend using a contraceptive method for the first three (3) months following the treatment. We are still learning about pregnancy post-MRgFUS and so recommend following the advice used with other fibroid treatments.
Will my fibroid disappear?

No. It is not possible to take your fibroid/s away without surgery. We anticipate 10-30% size reduction but it can be more or less than that over a period of time. The treated fibroid will gradually be absorbed by the body thereby creating shrinkage. The objective of the treatment is to improve your symptoms and it is entirely dependent on the nature of you fibroid/s. Remember that size reduction is not linked to symptomatic reduction so even if minimal shrinkage is obtained, you should still experience good symptomatic improvement.