Uterine Fibroids

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are muscular growths in the wall of the uterus. These growths are tumors but are not cancerous.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

These benign growths have many variables including genetics and hormonal changes. Early onset of menstrual cycles increase risk of fibroids. Having more pregnancies can reduce the risk.

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

• Heavy periods
• Heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Urinating more
• Constipation
• Infertility

Fibroid treatment

This varies based on age and desires for more children. Sometimes medicines can help. Many therapies are surgical either to remove the fibroid or the uterus. Discussion with an experienced gynecologist can help pick the proper treatment.

Uterine Fibroid FAQs

Are Fibroids serious?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors. They can cause significant problems with pain and bleeding complications.

What if they fibroids are not treated?

They can continue to grow and cause more pain and issues.

What does fibroid pain feel like?

Pain and symptoms are different for every patient. The pain is often described as a pelvic fullness.

Can fibroids go away on their own?

Depending on symptoms, you and your physician may choose to not treat the fibroids. They may decrease in menopause, but there is a risk they could increase and press on other organs. This should be discussed with your doctor.

What is the best treatment for fibroids?

There are many options including hysterectomy and fibroid removal. There are many factors at play in the decision. Every patient is different so everyone’s treatment course will be different.

Can fibroids cause you to be gassy?

As they grown, fibroids can lead to compression of other organs. This can include the colon leading to gas and constipation.