Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or on the walls of your uterus. They range in size from the size of an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit, or in rare cases they can grow even larger. Depending on the size and location of your fibroids, you may experience:

• Heavy bleeding
• Painful periods
• Swelling in your lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Painful sex
• Low back or pelvic pain

Fibroids can interfere with your fertility and cause pregnancy complications. Although, you can have fibroids and still also have a perfectly healthy pregnancy and delivery.

What causes fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids isn’t fully understood. However, medical researchers believe that your genetics and hormones are two critical risk factors for fibroids. For example, if you have a family history of fibroids, you are more likely to develop them as well. Additionally, the presence of fibroids drops dramatically in menopausal women, which indicates that your hormones play a role in fibroid growth. 

How are fibroids diagnosed?

The doctors at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology often discover fibroids during a routine pelvic exam as they can feel the growths during your internal exam. If your doctor suspects that you have fibroids, they order an ultrasound, MRI, and X-rays to examine your uterus and internal structures in more detail. They may also use hysteroscopy or a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure to look at the inside of your uterus and check for abnormal growths. 

How are fibroids treated?

Treatment for fibroids depends on the severity of your condition and how it’s impacting your health and quality of life. For example, if you have small fibroids that aren’t causing problems, your doctor may suggest waiting and watching, delaying treatment until your fibroids cause issues. 

However, if your fibroids are larger and more disruptive, your gynecologist may recommend a minimally invasive surgery to remove the fibroids. For example, they may suggest a myomectomy to remove the fibroids surgically. You might also consider uterine fibroid embolization or uterine artery embolization, which cuts off the supply of blood and nutrients to your fibroids, causing them to shrivel and die.

The doctors at Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology also offer endometrial ablation treatments, which heat and destroy the lining of your uterus to reduce heavy or abnormal bleeding. Thermahchoice can reduce or end your fertility, so you should only consider this option if you aren’t planning on having children in the future. 

If you’re concerned about fibroids, call Eighth Avenue Obstetrics and Gynecology or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and customized treatment.