What are fibroids?
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, are benign growths that form in the muscle tissue of your uterus. Fibroids are common and vary in size, shape, location, and number.
Though anyone can develop fibroids, you may be at greater risk if they run in your family.
Your diet may also play a role in increasing or reducing your risk of developing the benign tumors. A diet high in red meat increases your risk, while a diet high in leafy greens like spinach and kale reduces your risk.
Do fibroids cause symptoms?
Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms. In fact, many women don’t even know they have fibroids until they’re discovered during a well-woman exam.
Women with fibroid symptoms find that their symptoms disrupt their daily life. Common fibroid symptoms include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Abnormal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Increased urination
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Lower back pain
- Increase in abdominal girth
- Infertilit
During pregnancy, fibroids may complicate delivery and cause the need for a cesarean section.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
When you visit Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women with concerns about fibroids, your provider first conducts a physical and pelvic exam. If abnormalities are found, they perform an ultrasound to confirm a fibroid diagnosis.
Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women may also request more advanced diagnostic imaging to determine the location, size, and number of fibroids. Advanced testing may include:
- MRI
- Hysterosonography
- Hysterosalpingography
- Hysteroscopy
Your provider at Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women uses the information gathered during your exam to determine your treatment options.
How are fibroids treated?
Treatment for your uterine fibroids depends on the severity of your symptoms and the size and location of the tumors. If you don’t have any symptoms, your provider may take a wait-and-see approach and repeat your ultrasound test to monitor your fibroids.
If your fibroids cause symptoms, your provider may recommend the following medications to alleviate your symptoms:
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agnostic
- Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)
- Tranexamic acid
- Oral birth control to regulate menstrual bleeding
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain control
Your provider may perform non-invasive MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery to treat your fibroid. The women’s health experts can also perform minimally invasive procedures, including uterine fibroid embolization, myolysis, and minimally invasive myomectomy.
For innovative fibroid care, call Gwinnett's Progressive Healthcare for Women or book an appointment online today.
