What are fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous or benign muscular growths that form on the wall of your uterus. You may hear them referred to as myomas or leiomyomas. 

Women who have fibroids don’t always know they have them. They vary in size and number but affect anywhere from 20-80% of women by the time they reach age 50.

What symptoms suggest I have fibroids?

Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms, which is why the number of women affected is so variable. A fibroid, or fibroids, may be detected during a routine pelvic exam.

You may also experience symptoms associated with your fibroids. These symptoms include: 

• Heavy menstrual flow
• Pressure on the bowel or bladder
• Enlarged abdomen

Symptomatic fibroids may require additional diagnostic testing, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to determine the size, exact location, and number of fibroids. 

Oasis Women's Wellness Center may recommend these tests if you have asymptomatic fibroids, too. This would be to get a baseline and evaluate growth over time.

What are my treatment options for fibroids?

Treatment for your fibroids depends on your symptoms. If you have fibroids that aren’t causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend you have regular monitoring during routine visits.

However, if your fibroids are causing you uncomfortable symptoms, you may benefit from treatments, such as:

• Low-dose birth control
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to help shrink the tumor
• Surgery to remove the tumor (myomectomy)

The most common reason women have a hysterectomy is due to fibroids. If you have future plans to have children, Oasis Women's Wellness Center can perform a myomectomy to remove the tumor without affecting your ability to have children.

What can I expect during the removal of my fibroid?

For smaller fibroids, your Oasis Women's Wellness Center doctor may be able to perform myomectomy using a hysteroscopy. Your doctor uses a special telescope-like tool they insert into your uterus to generate a real-time image. They then use special surgical tools to remove the fibroid.

You are under sedation and anesthesia for the procedure. Expect it to take a few days to recover.

Even if you do manage fibroids or have them removed, new ones can emerge and grow.

If you need information about fibroids management or treatment, call Oasis Women's Wellness Center or schedule an appointment online.