Fibroids are muscular tumors (abnormal growth of tissue) that grow in the wall of your uterus. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms, but if they do have symptoms it becomes hard to live with. You may have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.
If your fibroids are negatively impacting your fertility, then Buckhead fibroids specialists can provide treatments that can help. They use conservative methods and minimally invasive procedures to treat troublesome fibroids.
Fibroids- Overview
Fibroids are common benign (noncancerous) tumors or abnormal overgrowth of uterine muscles. They often appear rubbery in consistency. Fibroids can be small or large and not all women with these benign tumors show symptoms.
Smaller fibroids in your uterine lining may cause severe menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. Large fibroids can occasionally cause pelvic pressure that can press against your bladder, leading to frequent urination.
Diagnosing fibroids
Your doctor will initially evaluate your symptoms that include:
- Heavy periods
- Irregular menstrual flow
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Frequent urination
- Infertility
Uterine fibroids can be routinely detected during a pelvic exam, through changes in the shape of the uterus.
Your doctor may order further diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis. These include:
- Blood tests: Low hemoglobin levels indicate chronic blood loss
- Ultrasound scan: Detects the exact location, size, and number of fibroids
The treatment plan will be developed accordingly once your doctor is sure about the presence of fibroids.
Fibroids treatment
The treatment for uterine fibroids depends on whether your family is complete, or if you still desire to have children. Your doctor will execute a treatment plan according to your individual concern.
If the fibroids do not cause any harm, there is no treatment required except for periodic monitoring. Though large fibroids do not cause any symptoms they can still be dangerous since they can block the uterus or may advance to become malignant (cancerous).
There are several treatment options depending on the size of the fibroid.
- Some may be treated with medications to relieve symptoms
- While some fibroids may require removal.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require incisions or cuts. This technique uses a special device that fits through your cervix and provides easy fibroid removal access.
Takeaway
Fibroids, though benign in nature, can be distressing due to the symptoms which can negatively impact your quality of life. It can lead to infertility or large fibroids may even increase your cancer risk. It is essential you consult your gynecologist for an in-depth evaluation and treatment.
