Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are usually noncancerous growths that develop on the wall of the uterus. These growths are nothing more than connective tissue and muscle, but they can grow in clusters or increase to the size of a watermelon in severe cases. Fibroid growths can cause uncomfortable symptoms that vary from case to case. 

Most fibroids aren’t cancerous, and any fibroids you already have will not become cancerous if they don’t start that way. The chances of a cancerous fibroid developing are exceedingly rare.

What are some common symptoms of fibroids?

In many cases, fibroids cause no symptoms at all. Symptoms can appear for some women with fibroids depending on the number, size, and location. Schedule an evaluation with Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology if you have symptoms of fibroids like:

• Pelvic pain 
• Low back pain
• Abnormal bleeding
• Increased menstrual cramps
• Increased urination
• Abdominal swelling
• Constipation
• Increased vaginal discharge

Small fibroids are unlikely to cause pain, but larger fibroids can cause stabbing pain or constant discomfort in your pelvis, abdomen, or back. If you experience a feeling of fullness in the lower stomach, it may be due to a large fibroid.

Fibroids typically diminish or go away once you reach menopause since the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate fibroid growth, decrease at menopause. 

What are my treatment options for fibroids?

Fibroids without symptoms don’t usually require treatment. Still, the team at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology might suggest watchful waiting to observe the fibroids for growth or any new discomfort. 

The team feels your fibroids during a pelvic exam and views them with an imaging test like an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. They can tell you whether or not you should treat the fibroids and recommend options based on the fibroids’ size and location. 

Standard options for fibroid treatment or management include:

• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Hormonal birth control
• Iron supplements for anemia
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH) (Myfembree and Orilissa)
• Myomectomy surgical removal 
• Uterine fibroid embolization
• Radiofrequency ablation

If you have fibroids and are pregnant, it’s not the best time to get treatment. The team observes the condition closely throughout your pregnancy. Fortunately, it’s uncommon for fibroids to cause pregnancy complications. 

To find out more about uterine fibroids and the treatments available, schedule an appointment by phone or online at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology today.