Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, which are growths in your uterus, affect 70-80% of all women by the age of 50. Although fibroids don’t always cause problems, they can sometimes trigger severe symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and prolonged menstrual periods. The friendly and understanding providers at West Kendall OBGYN, serving the areas of Doral, Kendall and West Kendall in Miami, diagnose and treat fibroids to help you feel your best again. Book now using the online tool or call today.
Fibroids Q&A
What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are uterine growths that can range in size from too-small-to-see to a grapefruit. Fibroids are extremely common, and most women have them during their childbearing years. Generally, fibroids go away on their own, but sometimes, they remain in your uterus and grow larger.
Fibroids are virtually always noncancerous, but that doesn’t mean they’re always problem-free. For some women, fibroids can cause a range of painful and inconvenient symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
If you experience fibroid symptoms, you may have:
Heavy bleeding during your periods
Bleeding between periods
Irregular periods
Pelvic pain
Pelvic pressure
More frequent urination
Constipation
Backache
Anemia
Fibroids may cause infertility, but they aren’t one of the most common causes. Fibroids may also increase pregnancy risk for placenta previa, placental abruption, and other complications.
Some of these symptoms occur in other conditions, such as endometriosis, so it’s important to see your West Kendall OBGYN doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment if you suspect fibroids.
How are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Your gynecologist may feel the fibroids during your well-woman exam. Imaging tests, including ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), give your doctor more information about the fibroids, including precise location, size, and number.
Do I Need Surgery for Fibroids?
Not always. It depends on your symptoms and how the fibroids affect your life. Drug therapy is often the first treatment for fibroids because it’s non-surgical. Birth control, including oral contraceptives and other hormone birth control methods like intrauterine devices, can alleviate heavy bleeding and pelvic pain.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, another medication option, stop your period and shrink your fibroids. But, it’s a short-term solution that you can only use for around six months maximum.
Hysteroscopy, an outpatient procedure to remove fibroids, may be a good solution if medication doesn’t work for you. In this treatment, your West Kendall OBGYN gynecologist delivers a controlled laser beam or electricity directly to the fibroids to destroy them. It’s often very effective at controlling bleeding.
If non-surgical options don’t help, your gynecologist may recommend myomectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the fibroids without removing your uterus. If fibroids are large and resistant to other treatments, a hysterectomy, surgical removal of your uterus, may be the best permanent solution. But, you can’t have children after a hysterectomy so your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you in detail before you make a decision.
For fibroid relief from caring experts, use online booking or call West Kendall OBGYN today.