Fibroids
Up to 80% of women will develop fibroids before age 50. If you have fibroids that cause pain, heavy bleeding, or other bothersome symptoms, you can find help at Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology. The skilled gynecologists offer various treatment options for painful or large fibroids, including hormone therapy and minimally invasive surgery. To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for fibroids, call the Fort Worth, Texas, office or book a consultation online today.
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of your uterus. Generally, fibroids are not cancerous (benign); however, they can develop as a single growth or in groups and grow large enough to cause deformities in your uterus.
Your risk for developing fibroids increases as you age. Other risk factors for fibroids include your family history, being of African American descent, and being obese. If you eat a lot of red meat, it may also increase your risk of developing fibroids.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Not all women with fibroids will experience symptoms. Those that do might have:
- Heavy bleeding
- Painful periods
- Pain during sex
- Lower back pain
If you have large fibroids, you might feel fullness in your pelvic area or see a noticeable enlargement of your lower abdomen.
In some cases, enlarged fibroids can cause complications during pregnancy and labor. While rare, fibroids can also contribute to infertility.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
To determine if uterine fibroids are the cause of heavy or painful periods, the team at Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology can perform a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of your uterus.
Your evaluation will include a pelvic exam and ultrasound imaging to get a closer look at your uterus.
In some cases, the team will use laparoscopy to explore your uterus. They insert a slender instrument with an attached light and camera through a small incision near your navel. The laparoscope helps the team identify smaller fibroids along the uterine wall.
How are fibroids treated?
If you have fibroids that aren’t causing symptoms or interfering with your fertility, you might not need immediate treatment. Your fibroids may also shrink as you transition into menopause, the time when your periods permanently stop.
The Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology team will monitor your condition to ensure fibroids don’t grow too large or affect your reproductive health. You can relieve pain and discomfort with over-the-counter medications.
Other fibroid treatments include:
Hormone therapy
When you need treatment for large fibroids, your gynecologist might first recommend low-dose birth control to slow the growth of fibroids. Other prescription medications are available to shrink fibroids to relieve your discomfort.
Minimally invasive surgery
In cases where fibroids are enlarged, the Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology team might recommend surgery. They use minimally invasive techniques to remove fibroids without harming nearby tissue.
Hysterectomy
If you have recurrent fibroids, you might need a hysterectomy. This surgical procedure is the only way to cure fibroids and involves removing your uterus and possibly other reproductive organs.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for painful fibroids, call Fort Worth Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online today.