Fibroids Specialist

What are Fibroids?

Sometimes called uterine myomas, fibroids are tumors that grow from the muscle tissue of your uterus. Fibroids can develop inside the uterus, on its outer surface, or within the uterine wall.

You can have one fibroid or many, and they can range in size from that of a tiny pebble to the circumference of a grapefruit. In rare cases, fibroids can grow even larger. It’s possible for a fibroid to gradually increase in size or to remain small for a long period of time and then grow suddenly.

Who is at Risk for Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are common in women of childbearing age. Your risk of developing fibroids increases during your 30s and 40s, but fibroids typically go away after menopause. It’s estimated that 20-80% of women develop at least one fibroid by age 50, but many of these are too small to detect during a physical exam.

Being overweight or eating a lot of red meat or ham may also increase your risk of fibroids.

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

It’s possible to have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms at all. Fibroids that do cause symptoms can range in intensity from mild to severely disruptive. When fibroids do create symptoms, they include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Frequent urination
• Abnormal bleeding in between periods
• Painful intercourse
• Low back pain

Fibroids can also lead to pregnancy complications such as infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. In many cases where fibroids are the cause of infertility, it’s possible to get pregnant after the fibroids have been treated.

How are Fibroids Diagnosed and Treated?

First, your provider at Woodglen Medical Group performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history. They may detect the first signs of fibroids during your pelvic exam and use an ultrasound to look for growths.

Then, they discuss the best treatment options for your specific condition. Hormonal medications and hormonal birth control methods often relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding and pelvic pain, but they may not prevent fibroid growth.

If your symptoms are severe or don’t improve with medication, your doctor may recommend a more involved procedure to remove fibroids, such as:

• Hysteroscopy
• Endometrial ablation
• Myomectomy
• Hysterectomy

If you suffer from pelvic pain or heavy menstrual bleeding, call Woodglen Medical Group or book an appointment online.