What are fibroids?
Fibroids are benign growths inside or outside of your uterus that are made up of fibrous tissue and muscle. Fibroids may be asymptomatic, but they can also cause symptoms, such as:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Frequent urination
- Painful or crampy periods
- Pain during sex
- Lower back or leg pain
- Constipation
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Difficult pregnancy or delivery
Fibroids can be tiny or grow as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids may appear singly or in clusters. You may notice more symptoms around the time of your period.
How does an OB/GYN diagnose fibroids?
Your OB/GYN may be able to feel large fibroids on a pelvic exam. If you have infertility or menstrual symptoms, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound exam to identify and size your fibroids. You may have one or several different types of fibroids, including:
- Submucosal — under uterine lining
- Intramural — between the uterine muscles
- Subserosal — on exterior of uterus
Your fibroids may also be pedunculated, which means they have a tiny stalk that attaches them to your uterus.
Why do I have fibroids?
No one knows what causes fibroids, but they tend to run in families. You’re more likely to get fibroids if:
- You’ve never been pregnant
- You’re African-American
- You had your first period before age 13
- You’re obese
- You have high blood pressure
- Your vitamin D levels are low
- You eat a lot of red meat, but not many veggies or fruits
- You drink alcohol
About 60% of women in the US have fibroids by age 45.
How do OB/GYNs treat fibroids?
If your fibroids don’t cause symptoms, you don’t have to treat them. However, if you have symptoms or are having trouble getting pregnant, your OB/GYN may recommend shrinking your fibroids with medication or removing them with surgery (i.e., myomectomy).
Medications that can reduce the size fibroids include:
- Gn-RH inhibitors, such as Lupron
- Intrauterine device (IUD) that releases progestin
- Other hormonal contraceptives (i.e., oral, injections, implants)
If your fibroids don’t shrink enough, your OB/GYN may recommend surgery. The experts at Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. can remove some fibroids in the office with a Hologic® MyoSure procedure. Large fibroids may require in-hospital myomectomy.
To get relief from your fibroids and improve your fertility, contact the Ob-Gyne Associates of Lake Forest, Ltd. staff by phone or request an appointment online.
