Fibroids are growths in the uterus. Many women have them; unfortunately, they develop problems such as pain and heavy bleeding. They can occur in any woman but are more common in women in their 30s and 40s.
Medical care is essential to evaluate your fibroids and get treatments. Upper East Side uterine fibroids specialist Dr. Gregory Shiffrin offers a safer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment to better your living. Make a call today or book your consultation online for more information.
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What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids grow in the uterus, common during the childbearing years. They are usually noncancerous but may lead to complications or cause negative symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids may not show any symptoms, but you are to experience the following:
· Heavy menstrual bleeding.
· Frequent urination.
· Longer periods than normal.
· Pelvic pressure or pain.
· Leg pain.
· Constipation.
· Back pain.
· Problems emptying your bladder.
Uterine fibroids may not be a risk to your health but may lead to anemia and fatigue due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
What Are the Causes of Uterine Fibroids?
There is no certain cause of uterine fibroids; however, medical research suggests the following cause of uterine fibroids:
· Hormones estrogen and progesterone.
· Genetic changes.
· Extracellular matrix.
· Growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor.
Fibroids vary in size and number.
What Increases Your Risk of Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids can develop in any woman but are common in women at their childbearing age. Other risk factors include:
· A family history of fibroids.
· Starting menstrual periods at an early age.
· Being African American.
· Obesity.
· Poor dietary habits.
· Alcohol consumption.
Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis
Your diagnosis with Dr. Shifrin starts with questions about your symptoms and health history. He also carries out a physical exam, including a pelvic exam to examine your uterus.
Dr. Shifrin might also suggest more diagnostic tests, including MRI, blood tests, ultrasound, hysterosonography, or hysteroscopy for further diagnosis.
What Are the Available Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options?
After finding your diagnosis results, your provider may recommend the following treatments based on your findings and symptoms:
Watchful waiting
Your provider may recommend watchful waiting when your fibroids are small, noncancerous, and without symptoms to see if they change over time.
Medications
Dr. Shifrin also offers medications to regulate your menstrual cycle, to minimize pelvic pain and heavy bleeding. They also help the fibroids shrink.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
It is a procedure where your provider damages the fibroids using sound waves.
Minimally invasive procedures
There are many non-invasive procedures to eliminate uterine fibroids, including:
· Injections
· Radiofrequency ablation
· Laparoscopic surgery
· Endometrial ablation
· Hysteroscopy
There are no exact preventive measures for fibroids, but healthy lifestyles, including healthy diets and regular exercise, can lower your risk of fibroids.
The Bottom Line
Fibroids are noncancerous growths found in many women’s uterus. But, they are more common to women at their childbearing ages. You are also at risk of fibroids if you are a black American or have a family history of fibroids.
Put an end to heavy bleeding and pain caused by uterine fibroid every other month by contacting Dr. Shifrin today to schedule your consultation.