Fight Fibroids: Find Answers, Relieve Symptoms

For too long women thought–and were often told–nothing could be done about uterine fibroids. And that means they were left dealing with painful and unpleasant symptoms like constipation, back pain and heavy bleeding. To make matters worse, for women eager to start a family, fibroids often made it difficult to get and stay pregnant.

“Fibroids are not only painful, but they can greatly interfere with a woman’s quality of life,” explains Jackie Werner, MD. “But the good news is that today’s treatments can relieve disruptive symptoms and allow women to get back to living their best lives.”

Understanding Fibroids

Fibroids are the most common type of pelvic tumor, developing in up to 75% of women by the age of 50. These non-cancerous masses are made up of smooth muscle cells and connective tissues that grow within or along the muscle wall, either in the uterine cavity (the wall of the uterus) or outside the uterus.

Fibroids can stay small, slowly grow or rapidly enlarge, and they range in size from as small as a bead to as large as a watermelon.

Symptoms can vary widely between women, but often include:

• Backache or leg pains
• Constipation
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Frequent urination
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods that last more than a week
• Pelvic pain or pressure

While it’s not completely clear what causes fibroids, researchers and physicians suspect hormones, race, age and family history all play a part. “But we do know that hormones fuel fibroids,” explains Dr. Werner. “Fibroids can grow rapidly during pregnancy and shrink with menopause.”

The Importance of a Diagnosis

Since it’s common for women with fibroids not to experience symptoms, they sometimes aren’t even aware they have fibroids. It’s easy to think it’s part of the aging process or that it’s normal to have heavy bleeding or cramping during periods – like their mother may have experienced.

“It’s so important to talk to your gynecologist if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms or have a family history of fibroids. A routine pelvic exam can detect fibroids and get you on track to find the right treatment for you,” urges Dr. Werner.

Fibroid Treatments

Luckily, there are several treatment options that range from minimally invasive to aggressive surgical approaches. Taking into consideration the location, size and number of fibroids you have, your doctor will discuss with you, and help you decide which is best suited to your needs.

There are three main types of surgery that remove or shrink fibroids, including:

• Embolization to halt blood flow so fibroids shrink
• Myomectomy to remove fibroids
• Hysterectomy to remove fibroids and the uterus

“Each of these procedures has pros and cons,” says Dr. Werner. “Talk to your doctor about your health and lifestyle goals, and be open and honest about what you expect from treatment. Together, you’ll find the approach that’s best for you.”

Ready to Find Answers?

Our women’s health providers will work closely with you to get to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms – and get you started on treatment that can help you feel like yourself again.