What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop inside your uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous and often cause no symptoms.

They range in size from microscopic to the diameter of a grapefruit and can distort the size and shape of your uterus. You may have one or more fibroids at a time, and they tend to recur, even after treatment.

Uterine fibroids usually develop during your childbearing years.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Most fibroids are symptom-free and don’t interfere with your reproductive or general health. Often, you only learn you have them after a routine checkup or ultrasound.

However, some women have large or symptomatic fibroids and may suffer from:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Abnormal bleeding between periods
• Pain during sex
• Sensations of pressure or fullness in your abdomen
• Need to urinate more frequently than normal
• Infertility
• Constipation 

If you notice these symptoms, contact the office of FemmPro OB/GYN for an appointment today.

What causes uterine fibroids? 

What causes uterine fibroids develop isn’t fully understood. It’s believed genetics play a role, so if you have a mother, grandmother, or sister with problematic fibroids, you’re at a greater risk of developing them yourself.

Female sex hormones can also cause fibroids to grow. Often fibroids shrink during menopause as your hormone levels decline.

What are the treatment options for uterine fibroids?

Asymptomatic fibroids don’t need treatment, but the doctors may check them periodically to monitor their growth.

If you have uncomfortable symptoms because of fibroids, you may opt for hormone therapy to slow fibroid development. For some women, this means taking birth control pills or other medications that slow your hormone production.

Minimally invasive surgery to remove fibroids while leaving your uterus intact is another possibility. Women who want to preserve their fertility may choose this option. 

For women whose families are complete, endometrial ablation may be best. This procedure destroys a portion of your uterine lining, making a viable pregnancy impossible. Extremely large, recurrent, or symptomatic fibroids require a full hysterectomy.

The practitioners at FemmPro OB/GYN review all your treatment options with you and help you determine which is the best for your health and goals. 

If you have symptoms that suggest a uterine fibroid, call FemmPro OB/GYN or book an appointment online via ZocDoc.