What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths that appear in the uterus. These noncancerous growths can vary in size from small to large and usually appear during childbearing years. If fibroids grow large, they can change the shape of and cause damage to the uterus.
More severe fibroids can lead to the expansion of the uterus to the point where it reaches your rib cage.
Some women have multiple fibroids while other women may only get one. Some fibroids may not come along with any symptoms and can go unnoticed without the all-important well-woman exam.
Your doctor might discover fibroids during your well-woman pelvic exam, even if you haven’t had any symptoms or concerns.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Common symptoms of fibroids include:
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Leg and back pain
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Menstrual periods lasting longer than seven days
The symptoms usually depend on the location, number, and size of your fibroids.
What causes fibroids?
The cause of fibroids isn’t definitive. Certain factors might influence the development of fibroids.
Hormones
Experts believe progesterone and estrogen promote the growth of fibroids.
Genetic changes
Some fibroids have been linked to certain abnormal cells and changes in the genes that make the fibroid cells different from normal uterine muscle cells.
Other growth factors
Certain growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor (IGF), have been linked to high insulin levels and may impact or worsen fibroid growth.
What are the treatments for fibroids?
The Jersey Women’s Care providers diagnose fibroids through a number of testing methods, such as an MRI, a pelvic ultrasound, or a hysteroscopy. Once your provider has reached a diagnosis, you receive a customized treatment plan.
Jersey Women’s Care Center offers various ways to treat fibroids, including medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes:
Monitoring
Some fibroids don’t grow at all and others grow slowly. If your fibroids aren’t causing any symptoms or are only mildly annoying, your Jersey Women’s provider may decide to monitor your condition and recommend certain lifestyle changes, such as nutrition.
Medications and anti-inflammatories
Your provider might prescribe medications aimed at regulating your menstrual cycle and hormones. Some medications can also treat heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and other symptoms you might be experiencing. Non-hormonal anti-inflammatory medicines can be effective in relieving pain.
Surgery
For more severe cases, your provider might recommend surgery. She might prescribe a special medication that can only be used short-term to shrink your fibroids before your surgery. If you’re sure you’ve finished having children, a hysterectomy might be a good solution.
Your Jersey Women’s Care provider can help you determine the right course of treatment to get you feeling better.
If you have symptoms or believe you might have fibroids, don’t just live with it: Call the friendly and experienced specialists at the Jersey Women’s Care Center or click to book online.
