Fibroids

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterus, most commonly affecting women in their reproductive years. You’re at greater risk of getting fibroids if you’re African-American or obese, but researchers aren’t sure what causes them. It’s thought that elevated levels of estrogen cause uterine tissue growth to accelerate. 

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Uterine fibroids are usually discovered during a pelvic exam when the doctor feels the size and shape of your uterus. If it’s irregularly shaped or enlarged, fibroids may be present. If your doctor suspects fibroids after a pelvic exam, an ultrasound is ordered to confirm. Your doctor may also order an ultrasound to diagnose fibroids if you have any fibroid symptoms.

What are fibroid symptoms?

Small growths don’t usually cause symptoms, so you may not even know you have fibroids. But larger growths can trigger pelvic pain and other symptoms, such as: 

• Prolonged or heavier than usual menstrual periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Pelvic or lower back pain
• Pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
• Pain during or after sexual intercourse
• Frequent or difficult urination
• Constipation or difficult bowel movements

You should also schedule an appointment with Advanced Women’s Health Specialists if you can physically feel a mass within your pelvis or lower abdomen. Getting annual well-woman exams enables your doctor to detect fibroids that aren’t causing symptoms. 

What are my treatment options for uterine fibroids?

Your treatment plan is customized based on the severity of your fibroid symptoms, your overall health, and your current and future reproductive plans. Initial treatment for fibroids or for mild to moderate fibroids involves conservative approaches, such as anti-inflammatory medications or anti-hormonal medications to lower estrogen levels. 

For fibroids with pain or other symptoms, surgical treatment options include:

• Uterine artery embolization 
• Surgical removal of fibroids, including myomectomy
• Surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)

Before surgery, your doctor may order additional tests to locate the exact positioning of fibroids, their size, and shape. 

Common tests include saline hysterosonography, which uses a balloon and saline to inflate the uterus for improved ultrasound pictures, MRI to capture clear images, and hysteroscopy, in which your doctor views your uterus through a long telescope. The providers at Advanced Women’s Health Specialists have extensive experience performing minimally invasive and laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

If you're due for your well-woman’s exam or experience symptoms of uterine fibroids, call Advanced Women’s Health Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.