Uterine fibroids are tumors of varying sizes that grow in the uterus. Nearly always non-cancerous, these tumors develop for reasons that are unclear, but the hormones estrogen and progesterone seem to play a role in their growth.
Uterine fibroids usually don’t cause symptoms. However, for some women, pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms can disrupt everyday life, including the ability to enjoy favorite activities or perform their best at work. If uterine fibroids are hurting your quality of life, don’t wait to seek help. At Saint Francis Health System, our obstetrics and gynecology specialists can diagnose uterine fibroids and recommend a variety of treatment options. They can help you find relief from symptoms so you can feel like yourself again.
Diagnosis
Uterine fibroids are fairly common. Several risk factors can increase your chance of developing them, including:
- Age (most common from the 30s until menopause)
- A diet high in red meat
- Race or ethnicity (African Americans are at higher risk)
- Family history of uterine fibroids
- Obesity
Many women don’t experience symptoms, but a variety may occur, including:
- Abdominal cramps or pressure
- Anemia from excessive menstrual bleeding
- Constipation
- Discomfort during sex
- Frequent urination
- Heavy or painful periods
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Low back pain
- Pelvic fullness
A variety of tests and procedures can help your physician diagnose uterine fibroids, including:
- Pelvic exam — Your physician may be able to locate fibroids and gauge their size during a routine pelvic exam.
- Imaging tests — An ultrasound, MRI, CT or another type of imaging exam can produce pictures of fibroids to confirm their presence.
- Diagnostic surgery — Another way to confirm whether fibroids are present is with a laparoscopy or hysteroscopy, procedures that allow a physician to look for fibroids with a scope. Laparoscopy requires an incision in the navel. Hysteroscopy gives the physician access to the uterus through the vagina and cervix.
Treatment and Services
Treatments for uterine fibroids range from conservative to surgical. Determining the treatment that’s likely to work best for you depends on a variety of factors, including whether you’re experiencing symptoms (if you’re not, treatment may not be necessary), the size and location of the fibroids, and whether you plan to conceive, among others. Treatment options include:
- Medications — Over-the-counter drugs can help control pain, and birth control drugs may reduce heavy bleeding. Your physician may also prescribe medication to shrink fibroids.
- Surgery — A variety of procedures can treat uterine fibroids. Your physician may recommend a myomectomy to remove the tumors or a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus. A procedure called uterine fibroid embolization uses injectable substances to block the vessels that supply fibroids with blood. Endometrial ablation uses heat or cold to destroy the lining of the uterus.
Help for Uterine Fibroids When and Where You Need It
Don’t ignore the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Call Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688 to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options at Saint Francis Health System, or find an OB/GYN near you who can help.