Fibroids Specialist

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths on the uterus that can appear in women during the childbearing years. Fibroids don’t increase your risk of uterine cancer but can cause unpleasant symptoms when left untreated. At the first sign of uterine fibroids, see the Modern OBGYN Care team for an evaluation. 

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Common signs and symptoms linked with uterine fibroids include:

• Menstrual periods lasting longer than a week
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Problems emptying your bladder
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Leg pain
• Backaches

When left untreated, fibroids can cause discomfort and complications like anemia and fatigue. Fibroids may increase the risk of infertility, pregnancy loss, preterm delivery, and other pregnancy complications.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, has some of the same symptoms as uterine fibroids. Modern OBGYN Care specialists can diagnose PCOS in addition to fibroids.

What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?

There are a few risk factors likely linked to uterine fibroids. Examples include African American ancestry, being of reproductive age, family history of fibroids, starting your period at an early age, vitamin D deficiency, and following a diet high in red meat but low in plant-based foods. Drinking alcohol also may increase your risk of developing fibroids. 

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, eating nutritious foods, and maintaining a healthy weight are ways you can lower your risk of fibroids. 

How does my doctor diagnose uterine fibroids?

To find out if you have uterine fibroids and treat them if needed, the specialists at Modern OBGYN Care discuss your medical history and symptoms. They complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and may recommend specific diagnostic tests. 

Examples include blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs, other imaging procedures, or hysteroscopy. These diagnostic tests can also help your provider diagnose PCOS.

What are common treatments for uterine fibroids?

Common treatments for uterine fibroids include:

Watchful waiting

If your fibroids don’t cause debilitating signs or symptoms, watchful waiting may be the best treatment for the time being.

Medications

Taking certain medications can shrink fibroids and reduce unpleasant symptoms they may cause.

Noninvasive procedures

MRI-guided, focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is a noninvasive treatment for uterine fibroids that helps eliminate them using sound waves and heat.

Minimally invasive procedures

Minimally invasive procedures that can eliminate fibroids include injections, radiofrequency ablation, other types of ablation, and minimally invasive robotic surgery or laparoscopy.

Traditional surgery

Traditional open surgery allows your doctor to remove uterine fibroids, or your entire uterus in some cases, using a more traditional surgical approach.

To find out if you have uterine fibroids or PCOS, call the Modern OBGYN Care office or schedule an appointment online today.