Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that occur in the muscular tissue of the uterus. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, they can develop at any time in a woman’s life, although they are most common among women ages 30-40.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, you probably have many questions about them. For example, you may be wondering whether you have to have your fibroids removed or if there’s a chance they’ll go away on their own.
Here at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, Susan Crockett, MD, and our team have extensive expertise diagnosing and treating fibroids. To give you more information about this condition, Dr. Crockett would like to share the following fibroid facts.
Fibroids range in size and location
Fibroids can be as tiny as a pea or larger than a grapefruit. They can develop anywhere in your uterus or even on your uterus’s outer surface. In addition, you may have one fibroid or several.
Factors such as the size, number, shape, and location of your fibroids affect the severity of symptoms as well as the type of treatment you may need.
Fibroids can cause a range of symptoms
Uterine fibroids may cause no symptoms at all, or they may cause one or more of the following:
- Bladder or bowel movement changes
- Difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant
- Heavier periods
- Longer periods
- Low iron (anemia) because of excessive blood loss
- More frequent periods
- Pain and cramping around the time of your period
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pain that may radiate through your abdomen and to your back
- Pressure or a feeling of fullness in your pelvis or abdomen
- Spotting between periods
Fibroids don’t necessarily need treatment
Fibroids typically need treatment only if they are causing problems. For example, Dr. Crockett may recommend treatment if your fibroids are large or if they are causing troublesome symptoms.
If you have no symptoms or if you are close to menopause, she may recommend nothing more than keeping an eye on them during your regular well-woman visits.
Does that mean fibroids may go away? Not exactly. They usually don’t disappear completely. But they may shrink, especially if you are near menopause. Or they may stay the same size or grow very slowly.
Fibroids can be successfully treated
If troublesome symptoms mean your fibroids do require treatment, Dr. Crockett recommends a personalized treatment plan for you. The type of treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and extent of your fibroids, and whether you have finished completing your family.
Treatment options include:
- Medications, including gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH agonists), anti-hormonal drugs, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers
- Myomectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove fibroids
- Acessa, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a gentle technology known as radiofrequency ablation to shrink fibroids without damaging the uterus
- Hysterectomy, a surgical procedure that removes your uterus
In most cases, Dr. Crockett performs hysterectomy using the minimally invasive da Vinci® robotic surgical system.
Comprehensive fibroid care
Dr. Crockett and our caring providers at Virtuosa GYN are happy to answer all of your questions about fibroids. To schedule an appointment, contact us today at our San Antonio, Texas, office.
