Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are very common, affecting 20-80% of women by the time they reach 50. The muscular tumors grow in the wall of your uterus and may be as small as a strawberry seed or as large as a grapefruit. Some women have only one fibroid, while others have many.

Though fibroids can develop at any age, they most often occur when women are in their 30s and 40s. You may be at greater risk of developing fibroids if they run in your family. 

Obesity also increases your risk of fibroids. Women who are overweight or obese are 2-3 times more likely to develop benign tumors. 

What are fibroid symptoms?

Fibroid symptoms vary and it’s not unusual for women to have fibroids without any symptoms at all. However, for those women who develop symptoms, they can disrupt daily life. 

Common fibroid symptoms include:

• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Low back pain
• Constipation
• Enlarging waistline
• Abnormal bleeding

Fibroids can also cause infertility or complicate a pregnancy. 

How are fibroids diagnosed?

The team at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness diagnoses fibroids after a pelvic exam. Diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may be requested to determine the location, size, and number of fibroids you have. 

In the absence of any symptoms, the team may incidentally find benign tumors during your annual wellness exam. 

How are fibroids treated?

The team at Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness develops individualized treatment plans to manage fibroids based on the severity of your symptoms. If your fibroids don’t cause symptoms or affect your health, the team may take a wait and see approach and monitor your fibroids with regular ultrasound testing.

If your fibroids cause pain or abnormal bleeding, the team may suggest medical treatments such as:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Over-the-counter pain medication
• Hormonal birth control 
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH) to shrink the fibroid

Surgical intervention may also be recommended to remove fibroids. The team may perform a myomectomy to remove only the fibroid or a hysterectomy to remove your uterus to prevent further fibroid growth. A hysterectomy is only recommended if you have no future pregnancy plans.

For expert care of your fibroids from an experienced team, call Philadelphia Women's Health & Wellness or book an appointment online today.