What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that appear on your uterus, usually during your reproductive years. The fibroids, which are also called leiomyomas, aren’t tied to uterine cancer and only very rarely result in cancer.
The fibroids themselves range in size from a grain of rice on up to sizable growths the size of a grapefruit, and you can have one or multiple growths. Most women will have small uterine fibroids over the course of their lives and won’t even know it since they cause no symptoms.
When problems do arise, meaning the fibroid(s) grow large enough to affect your reproductive health, Dr. Halfon offers expert medical guidance to see you through.
What causes uterine fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids remains a mystery, but their existence often correlates with the following:
- Genetic changes
- Hormones
- Heredity
- Race (fibroids are more prevalent among black women)
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Most uterine fibroids are very small and go undetected unless Dr. Halfon comes across them during a routine exam. Larger fibroids, however, make themselves known in several ways, including:
- Heavy bleeding
- Longer periods (more than a week)
- Lower backache
- Frequent urination
- Pelvic pain, discomfort, or pressure
- Constipation or difficulty urinating
You may have one or more fibroids that are causing the symptoms, which only a full examination by Dr. Halfon can reveal.
How are fibroids treated?
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, Dr. Halfon’s first step is to diagnose the presence of fibroids because many of the symptoms can be related to other issues. He determines whether you have fibroids using the following methods:
- Visual pelvic exam
- Palpation of your uterus through your abdomen
- Ultrasound
- Blood test
If Dr. Halfon diagnoses you with fibroids, it’s important to understand that no magic bullet eliminates the growths. Dr. Halfon can help effectively manage the symptoms, allowing you a better quality of life.
These management techniques include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications for any discomfort
- Hormone medications that work to shrink the fibroids
- Ultrasound therapy to heat up and destroy the growth
- Laparoscopic surgery to remove the fibroid(s), which is called a myomectomy
- A hysterectomy to remove your uterus entirely
To learn more about relieving the discomfort and pain caused by uterine fibroids, call Isaac Halfon MD Obstetrics and Gynecology or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool.
