Fibroids Specialist

What are Fibroids? 

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids, are tumors in the muscle tissue which have developed inside the uterine wall. Usually, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous or benign. They commonly present as a single tumor, however some women develop multiple small fibroids. Fibroids typically range in size from that of a seed to the size of a grapefruit. Larger fibroids are less common. By the time women reach the age of 50, around 20 to 80% of them will report dealing with fibroids at some point. Fibroids can present with little to no symptoms or they can cause pain, usually when the fibroid itself is larger or there are multiple present.

What can Cause a Fibroid to Develop?

The exact cause is unknown. However, it is thought the multiple factors can affect their development. Hormonal fluctuations can affect them and it may also be hereditary. They have shown to respond to estrogen and progesterone levels and can also be found to grow rapidly during pregnancy. They have also been known to shrink during menopause.

What Treatments Are Used for Fibroids?

When symptoms begin to appear, doctors often treat fibroids using either surgery or medication. The treatment used will depend on the severity of the symptoms, how many or how large the fibroid is, the location of the fibroid, the woman’s age, and if she desires to become pregnant. When the symptoms are mild, medication is usually used. Birth control medications are used frequently and help to control the signs in addition to non-prescription pain relievers. Surgery is typically used when the symptoms are severe. A myomectomy or hysterectomy can be performed and either the affects tissues are removed or the entire uterus is removed. The lining of the uterus can also be removed in a procedure referred to as an endometrial ablation. If the fibroids themselves can be destroyed without complication, they can be electrocuted or frozen. Blood flow to the fibroid can also be cut off to prevent it from getting bigger. The doctor will go over all the options suitable for each patient’s unique situation.