It is common for women to develop uterine fibroids. Thankfully, most are benign. If you suspect that you have uterine fibroids, contact Women’s Health for an appointment.  Click on this link for more information about uterine fibroids.

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Uterine fibroids can appear in women, usually during their childbearing years. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, this condition is a noncancerous growth that develops in the uterus. They can range in size from small enough to be undetectable by the human eye to larger masses that can affect the inside of the uterus.

Signs of Uterine Fibroids

It is possible to have uterine fibroids and experience no symptoms. The most common signs of uterine fibroids include:

• Heavy menstrual flow
• Pressure or pain in the pelvic area
• Periods that last longer than one week
• Frequent need to urinate
• Backache
• Leg pain
• Constipation

The severity of the symptom will depend on the size, quantity, and location of the uterine fibroids. Talk to your gynecologist if you notice any combination of the symptoms listed above.

Treating Uterine Fibroids

Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound and lab tests to diagnose the condition. If you have uterine fibroids, then you may be prescribed one of several treatment options.

• Treatment with Medication – Several medication options are available depending on your situation. These include non-hormonal Lysteda, a progestin-releasing IUD, or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists like Lupron or Synarel.
• Treatment with Ultrasound Surgery – A non-invasive ultrasound surgery may be prescribed. This is done inside an MRI scanner that provides a view of the uterine fibroids during the procedure.
• Other Treatment Options – Other possible treatments include monitoring, uterine artery embolization, endometrial ablation, and robotic or laparoscopic myomectomy.

Only a medical professional can recommend the best course of action to take when you have uterine fibroids. Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center today to schedule an appointment.

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Fibroids are growths that appear in the uterus. They are round in shape and almost always non-cancerous. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a melon. They are sometimes referred to as myomas or leiomyomas. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove these abnormal growths.

What Causes Fibroids?

Between 20% and 50% of women develop fibroids. They are more common among women between the ages of 30 and 50. The exact cause is not known, but certain factors can raise your risk of getting them.

Women who are obese, have a family history of fibroids, experience early menstruation before age 10, or eat large amounts of pork and beef tend to have an increased risk. Women who have had children have a lower risk which continues to decrease when having more than one child.

Why Do I Have to Have Fibroids Removed?

Having fibroids doesn’t mean you must have surgery. About one in three women with fibroids will experience symptoms and most likely need surgery. Common fibroid symptoms include:

• Long menstrual periods that extend past a week
• Heavy bleeding during period
• Pressure or pain in the lower stomach and pelvic region
• Leg or lower back pain
• Constipation
• Painful intercourse
• Frequent urination

In extreme cases, fibroids can also cause infertility and miscarriage. Women with fibroids are at a higher risk of experiencing difficulties during pregnancy and delivery.

3 Types of Myomectomy

There are three types of myomectomy. An abdominal myomectomy involves making an incision along the lower abdomen. This is a major surgery and usually requires a couple of nights in the hospital followed by weeks of recovery.

A laparoscopic myomectomy can work for patients who do not have large or deeply embedded fibroids. This procedure requires four one centimeter-wide incisions. A laparoscope is inserted so the doctor can see the fibroids and remove them.

The third type is the hysteroscopic myomectomy. This is an outpatient surgery that involves placing a speculum in the vagina and removing fibroids without exterior incisions.

Not all fibroids need surgery and some fibroids need a different treatment. Contact Women’s Health and Menopause Center and make an appointment with one of our gynecologists today to learn more about the best option for you.

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No patient wants to hear their doctor tell them that they have a tumor. Fibroid tumors are a little different. According to Steve Goldstein, MD, an NYU Medical Center professor, “there is virtually no threat of malignancy.” While they may not be life-threatening, every woman should understand what they are and how to treat them.

What Are Fibroid Tumors?

Fibroid tumors, also called fibroids, are made of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle cells. The direct cause of this condition is not yet known. Medical professionals believe that the tumors develop due to aberrant muscle cells within the uterus. The cell multiplies quickly due to the effects of estrogen.

Fibroid Tumor Risk

An estimated 20% to 50% of women who are of child-bearing age have fibroids. Those who are nearing menopause are at the highest risk due to longer exposure to estrogen. African Americans and those who are obese have an increased risk. Small studies have also indicated a connection between women who have had two liveborn children and the appearance of fibroids compared to those who have not had children.

Fibroid Tumor Treatment

There are a number of ways that fibroid tumors can be treated. The best option for you will depend on your situation and medical status. Your gynecologist may recommend treatments such as:

• Hysterectomy
• Anti-hormonal agents
• Conservative surgical therapy
• Uterine artery embolization
• Anti-inflammatory pain medications
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (medical menopause)

If you notice heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, painful intercourse, lower back pain, abnormal bleeding, or a firm mass near the pelvis, you may have a fibroid tumor. Make an appointment with your Women’s Health and Menopause Center gynecologist for diagnosis and to learn more about treatment.

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