Fibroids Specialist

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, or myomas, are benign growths in the uterus; they are not cancerous and do not indicate a higher risk of developing cancer. They range in size from tiny "seedlings" to masses that enlarge the uterus and cause pain. Some women have no symptoms with fibroids, while others experience one or more of the following:

Heavy periods that last longer than one week Frequent urination or trouble emptying your bladder Pelvic pressure or pain; pain in the back and legs Constipation

You should call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms and seek emergency care if you experience severe bleeding or sudden sharp pelvic pain.

What causes fibroids?

Medical researchers aren't sure what causes fibroids to develop in some women and not others. Clinical experience suggests that there may be hormonal or genetic factors at work. Fibroids contain more hormone receptors than other uterine tissue and tend to shrink after menopause, when the body's hormone levels decrease.

You may be at increased risk for developing fibroids if any of the following applies to you:

• Family history of fibroids
• Early onset of menstruation
• Use of birth control pills
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Vitamin D deficiency

What treatment options are available for fibroids?

Occasionally, your doctor will identify fibroids during a routine pelvic examination, or will suspect they are present based on your symptoms. The most common way to diagnose fibroids is with an ultrasound scan, although other, more advanced testing may be required to confirm them.

If you have fibroids, but they aren't causing any symptoms, in most cases, your doctor will take a "watch and wait" approach to management. If you are having symptoms, your doctor may recommend treatment with oral medications or an IUD. For more complex cases, there are several noninvasive and minimally invasive treatment options, such as MRI guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) or laparoscopic removal. Traditional surgical options are also available, including abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy.