Many women develop uterine fibroids at some point in their lives. For women in Ventura, California, they rely on the compassionate team of board-certified OB/GYNs at Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology to help relieve the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Call the office if you need help with treating fibroids or schedule an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are incredibly common, although many women are unaware they have fibroids. These muscular tumors rarely develop into cancer, and having uterine fibroids is not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer.
Women between the ages of 30-40 are most likely to develop uterine fibroids, but they can occur in women of any age.
Fibroids can be so tiny you can’t detect them with the human eye, or so large they distend your abdomen. You can have one fibroid or many, and not all fibroids present symptoms.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Many women have no idea they have fibroids, and if the growths aren’t causing symptoms, there may be no need to pursue treatment. When symptoms are present, they might include:
- Abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Constipation
- Frequent urge to urinate or trouble fully emptying your bladder
In some cases, infertility is the first symptom of uterine fibroids, and the condition is discovered as your OB/GYN searches for answers regarding your ability to conceive.
What are the treatments for uterine fibroids?
If you aren’t experiencing symptoms, the best course of action may be watchful waiting. Not all fibroids continue to grow, and they can shrink over time.
Medications can play a role in treating uterine fibroids. Hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy can control heavy bleeding and resolve anemia caused by fibroids. Other medications focus on altering your hormonal balance to shrink fibroids.
A procedure called fibroid embolization works by injecting a blocking agent into the arteries that feed your fibroids. Once that blood supply slows, fibroids shrink and symptoms lessen. Endometrial ablation is another approach and works by destroying a portion of your uterine lining to control bleeding.
Larger fibroids may need to be surgically removed. Minimally invasive techniques can remove larger fibroids. In rare cases, hysterectomy is the only way to eliminate large or painful fibroids.
To discuss uterine fibroid diagnostic and treatment options in more detail, call Main Street Obstetrics & Gynecology or schedule an appointment online today.