Fibroids

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that can develop on or inside the uterus. The growths are usually noncancerous, but they can get quite large and cause severe abdominal pain. 

Fibroids can also cause heavy periods. However, sometimes, there are no symptoms at all, and you may never even know you have them.

The team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, have training in diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

The symptoms of uterine fibroids vary depending on how many tumors you have, where they are in your body, and how big they are. Some symptoms, however, are common to all fibroids. These include: 

• Increased menstrual cramping
• Longer-lasting menstruation
• Heavy menstruation that includes blood clots
• Heavy bleeding between periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower back and pelvis pain
• Swollen or enlarged abdomen
• Increased urination
• Pressure in the lower abdomen

Your provider works with you to treat fibroid symptoms using a comprehensive treatment plan.

How do you treat uterine fibroids?

The team at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, creates an individualized treatment plan according to your health, age, and size of your fibroids. Non-surgical or minimally invasive options include: 

Medication

Certain medications regulate your hormones and shrink fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop, which shrinks fibroids. GnRH antagonists achieve the same result by stopping your body from producing specific hormones.

Alternative or natural treatments

Weight and stress levels have links to fibroids. Your provider may recommend alternative therapies, like acupuncture, yoga, and massage. You can also use heat to ease severe stomach cramping, but avoid it if you have heavy bleeding. 

Dietary changes, such as avoiding high-calorie foods and meat and choosing green vegetables and cold-water fish instead, can help too. 

Minimally invasive procedures

Many doctors prefer to use minimally invasive procedures over surgery. Endometrial ablation destroys the uterine lining using heat, electric current, or hot water. 

Cryomyolysis freezes fibroids, and myolysis shrinks fibroids using an electric current or laser. In forced ultrasound surgery (FUS), your provider directs high-energy, high-frequency sound waves at the fibroids to destroy them. 

The providers at Advanced Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLC, use state-of-the-art technology to remove fibroids and improve the quality of life of their patients. Call to schedule an appointment or book online today.