Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are benign growths. Women who haven’t yet entered menopause sometimes grow fibroids on their uterus. These fibroids, called uterine fibroids, can be so small that you can’t see them with the naked eye or so large that they change the shape of the uterus.

Often, you won’t know or suspect you have a uterine fibroid until a doctor finds one during a prenatal ultrasound or pelvic exam.

What are the symptoms of a fibroid?

Often, you can go your whole life without knowing you have a fibroid. However, if a fibroid or fibroids are in big enough, in the wrong location, or numerous enough, they can present symptoms. Such symptoms include:

• Leg pain
• Backaches
• Pelvis pressure or pain
• Frequent urges for a bathroom break
• Trouble emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Periods lasting longer than a week
• Heavy menstrual bleeding

When should I go to the doctor about fibroids?

You don’t usually need to go in to see a doctor about your fibroids, but if you experience any of the following symptoms, schedule an appointment:

• Trouble emptying your bladder
• Persistent pelvic pain
• Painful, heavy, or unusually long menstrual periods
• Spotting in between periods
  
  

Also, if you experience either of the following symptoms of a fibroid complication, go in to see a doctor right away:

• Sudden, sharp pelvic pain
• Severe vaginal bleeding

What is the treatment for fibroids?

How your doctor at Alliance OB/GYN decides to treat your fibroid or fibroids depends on a few different factors, including:

• How many you have
• Their location
• Their size

Common treatments include:

• Pain medication
• Noninvasive removal
• Minimally invasive surgery using the da Vinci®️ robotic system
• Traditional surgery
• Hysterectomy

Because fibroids so rarely grow, if your fibroids are very small, seemingly harmless, or not causing you pain, your Alliance OB/GYN doctor will likely begin with a period of watching and waiting.

If you have a uterine fibroid, your Alliance OB/GYN physician will perform a hysterectomy only as a last resort. This is because, while hysterectomies permanently remove uterine fibroids, they also cause immediate menopause and inhibit your body from ever carrying a child.

If you believe you’re experiencing pain or complications associated with fibroids, reach out to the team at Alliance OB/GYN today. At your visit, your team member will determine whether or not you have fibroids, and the best treatment option for you. Schedule your appointment at Alliance OB/GYN today online or over the phone.