Fibroids Specialist

What causes fibroids?

The precise cause of fibroids is unknown, but genetic and hormonal factors may be contributory. Many fibroids have genetic changes that aren’t found in normal uterine tissue cells. Estrogen, progesterone, and some other hormones seem to encourage the growth of existing fibroids, and when hormones decrease after menopause, existing fibroids tend to shrink. Fibroids may grow quickly or slowly. They may stop growing at a certain size, or shrink on their own after a time. Fibroids present during a pregnancy may disappear or shrink afterward when the uterus returns to normal size.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Many cases of fibroids have no symptoms. Uterine fibroids aren’t usually dangerous unless they grow to abnormal sizes, because they’re benign and don’t turn cancerous. However, in some women, they do become symptomatic. When this occurs, common symptoms include:

•         Periods lasting longer than a week
•         Heavy menstrual bleeding
•         Pain or pressure in the pelvis
•         Urinary problems including frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder
•         Backache and/or leg pains
•         Constipation

Some types of fibroids may cause infertility, miscarriage, or complications during pregnancy.

How are fibroids treated?

Many cases of fibroids are of no consequence and require no treatment. Women with few or no symptoms may wish to watch and wait to see if fibroids grow in size or grow in impact.

For women who seek treatment, certain hormonal treatments may reduce problems with menstruation and may sometimes shrink the fibroids. Fibroids can be identified, located, and destroyed inside magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. There are also several laparoscopic surgical procedures that destroy fibroids within the body, as well as traditional surgical methods for their removal. Call or schedule an appointment online with the experienced and skilled physicians at Gemini OBGYN. The practice is currently welcoming new patients and accepts most major forms of insurance.