Uterine fibroids are growths that appear inside or on the walls of the uterus. These growths are not cancerous, but they are very common. In fact, most women will have fibroids by the time they reach 50. Some women never even realize that they have fibroids because they do not experience any noticeable symptoms. Others may experience extreme pain, heavy bleeding, or other symptoms that make their daily life difficult.
Below, our OB/GYN specialists in St. John, Indiana are going to explain what fibroids are, the symptoms they can cause, and the different treatments that can help women manage them.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are noncancerous lumps made of muscle and fibrous tissue that grow within or on the uterus. The reason why fibroids form is not entirely understood, but factors like hormonal changes, genes, or family history are believed to influence their growth.
Fibroids are classified into different types depending on where they grow inside the uterus. Intramural fibroids are the most common type, and they grow inside the muscle walls of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids grow just below the inner lining of the uterus and can push into the uterus itself. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus and can grow outward into the pelvis. Some submucosal or subserosal fibroids are pedunculated and grow on a stalk — a thin piece of tissue that connects the fibroid to the uterus.
The common signs of fibroids
The most common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than seven days, pain during sexual intercourse, and a feeling of pressure or pain in the lower abdomen. Other signs include an enlarged uterus, unexpected weight gain, frequent urination, trouble emptying the bladder, constipation, and pain in the lower back or legs.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately. Our OB/GYN specialists in St. John, Indiana can run tests and recommend the best way to manage your symptoms.
Different methods to detect and confirm the presence of fibroids
For the diagnosis of a fibroid, your OB/GYN specialist in St. John, Indiana will start with a pelvic exam. During this exam, they check for changes in the shape or size of your uterus. If your uterus feels larger or has an unusual shape, it could be a sign of fibroids.
Our OB/GYN specialists can also recommend imaging tests to get a clearer picture. The most common test is an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is also a common imaging test. It produces higher-resolution images that show the exact size and location of the fibroids.
In some cases, our OB/GYN specialists can also recommend a hysteroscopy or an endometrial biopsy. A hysteroscopy is a procedure where a small camera is inserted into the uterus to look for fibroids inside, whereas an endometrial biopsy is when a tiny sample of tissue is extracted from the lining of the uterus to rule out other conditions. These tests give our doctors a complete understanding of what is happening inside your uterus and recommend the best treatment plan.
The available treatments for fibroids
If your fibroids do not cause serious symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and discomfort. These medications can also reduce heavy bleeding during periods, but they do not remove fibroids.
If you have more problematic fibroid symptoms and you want to avoid surgery, there are non-surgical treatments that can shrink fibroids. One option is Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), which blocks the blood supply to fibroids and causes them to shrink over time. Another option is Magnetic Resonance-Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS), which uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to heat and destroy fibroid tissue without surgery.
If your fibroids are very large or cause serious health problems, surgery may be your best option. A good surgical option is a myomectomy, which removes fibroids while keeping the uterus intact.
The best fibroid treatment for you will depend on your symptoms, your overall health, and your plans going forward. An experienced OB/GYN specialists in St. John, Indiana can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Looking for an Affordable OB/GYN Specialist in St. John, Indiana?
Are you ready to take the next step in managing your fibroid symptoms? If so, and if you’re ready to meet with an affordable OB/GYN specialist in St. John, Indiana, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to get started.