Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?'

Uterine fibroids are common benign tissue growths that appear in or near the uterine wall. The cause of fibroids isn’t known, but they can cause painful side effects or infertility if they’re left untreated. Elite Women’s Care specialists offer advanced fibroid solutions to restore your quality of life.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

The following symptoms can indicate you have fibroids:

• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Problems emptying the bladder
• Frequent urination
• Lower back or leg pains
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• A feeling of fullness
• Infertillity or miscarriage

You might not have symptoms at all with fibroids, but many women have one or more of the above issues, and Elite Women’s Care offers treatments that can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

What are the risk factors for fibroids?

While the cause of uterine fibroids isn’t entirely clear, the following factors appear to increase your risk of developing them:

• Genetic changes
• Family history of fibroids
• Hormone changes
• Early onset of menstruation
• Obesity
• Vitamin D deficiency
• A diet high in red meat and low in vegetables
• Drinking alcohol

African American women may be at a higher risk for developing fibroids. 

You can lower your risk of fibroids by eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and taking vitamin D supplements if your doctor recommends it.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

To diagnose fibroids, your Elite Women’s Care specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history and completes a pelvic exam. They might utilize ultrasound, an MRI, or blood tests to help them make a final diagnosis.

Your practitioner may also complete a hysteroscopy by inserting a tiny, lighted telescope into your uterus to examine the uterine wall or remove tissue.

How are fibroids treated?

Your personalized fibroid treatment plan is based on the severity of your condition. Your Elite Women’s Care specialist might recommend:

Watchful waiting

You may not require treatment if fibroids are small, your symptoms are mild, or they don’t bother you.

Medications

Taking medications can shrink fibroids or relieve symptoms associated with them,

Intrauterine devices (IUDs)

These can help reduce heavy bleeding due to fibroids.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS)

This noninvasive procedure uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy fibroid tissue.

Another treatment option is a minimally invasive procedure during which your OB/GYN specialist can destroy or remove fibroids to offer symptom relief. They might recommend endometrial ablation, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, or other procedures.

Don’t let fibroid symptoms diminish your quality of life or cause infertility. Schedule an appointment with Elite Women’s Care by phone or book your visit online today.