Fibroids Specialist

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are growths in or on your uterus. The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly. You may have one inside your uterus, on its outer surface, or attached to it by a stem-like structure.

The growths can be tiny or large enough to make your stomach expand. You may have one or two or lots of uterine fibroids.

Fortunately, uterine fibroids are rarely cancerous. Most are symptomless and go away on their own without treatment.

Who gets uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are more common at a certain age, usually between 30 and 40. African American women are more prone to get uterine fibroids, and their fibroids seem to grow more rapidly, too.

How can I tell if I have uterine fibroids?

You won’t always have symptoms with fibroids. When symptoms are present, they might include:

• Changes in the length of your period
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual cramps
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Frequent need to urinate
• Difficulty urinating
• Constipation
• Abdominal cramps

You might also have a miscarriage or have experienced infertility when you have uterine fibroids. If you suspect a problem, contact Prescott Women's Clinic for an evaluation. 

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Your provider may be able to detect fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. They may recommend diagnostic imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, to confirm your diagnosis. 

How are uterine fibroids treated?

Your Prescott Women's Clinic practitioner tailors your treatment to the size, location, and side effects of the fibroids. They may recommend hormonal birth control or medications to relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding and painful periods. Medications known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can stop your menstrual cycle and may shrink your fibroids.

In some cases, your practitioner recommends a myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure that removes your fibroids. A myomectomy can be done laparoscopically through a few tiny incisions in your abdomen, or it can be performed through a hysteroscopy, in which the procedure is done through your vagina and cervix. 

If you have multiple or large fibroids, sometimes an abdominal myomectomy or even a hysterectomy may be a better treatment option.

Rely on the women's health experts at Prescott Women's Clinic for expert diagnosis and care for uterine fibroids. Call today or schedule a consultation online.