Practical Management Techniques For Fibroids

Fibroids rarely cause any symptoms, but some may cause debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain. The specialists at Serenity Women’s Health &Medspa, Pearland medspa, offer consultation services about fibroids, which may help you decide on your treatment.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, refer to the non-cancerous tumors in a woman’s uterus during the child-bearing years. These tumors may range from small negligible nodules to large masses that cause severe pelvic pain and pressure. Some fibroids may expand to the point of stretching your uterus and reaching your rib cage. In most cases, fibroids rarely cause any symptoms, making it difficult to detect them. Your doctor may only stumble upon them during a prenatal ultrasound or a pelvic exam. The type of fibroid you may have depends on where it is located, outside or inside your uterus. The different forms of fibroids include:

·                     Subserosal fibroids

·                     Intramural fibroids

·                     Submucosal fibroids

·                     Pedunculated fibroids

What symptoms suggest that you may have fibroids?

Your symptoms depend on your fibroids’ location, number, and size. If you have small fibroids, you may not experience any symptoms. Fibroids tend to shrink postmenopausal due to a decline in progesterone and estrogen products, facilitating their development. Fibroids may display the following symptoms:

·                   Heavy bleeding during menstruation

·                   Pain in your legs

·                   Pelvic pressure or pain

·                   Frequent urination

·                   Periods that exceed a week

·                   Constipation

·                   Bleeding or spotting between your periods

·                   Backache

You may need prompt medical care if you have:

·                     Persistent pelvic pain that does not improve with pain relievers

·                     Overly painful or prolonged periods

·                     Sharp stabbing pain or vaginal bleeding that occurs suddenly

How can your doctor detect fibroids?

Your provider first reviews your medical history, conducts a comprehensive physical exam, and discusses your symptoms to understand your health condition better. Serenity Women’s Health & Medspa team may use MR or ultrasound to ensure that their diagnosis is accurate. They may also use diagnostic hysteroscopy to get a clear view of your uterus. Your provider may also order a blood count to rule out or confirm other factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

How can you treat fibroids?

If your fibroids do not cause any symptoms, your doctor may only monitor them and recommend appropriate treatments only if they begin causing uncomfortable symptoms. Fibroids are benign, and they rarely cause problems with pregnancy or fertility. If your fibroids are causing bothersome symptoms, your doctor may recommend the following treatments to relieve pelvic pressure and prevent heavy bleeding:

·                     Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

·                     Progestins or oral contraceptives

·                     Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists

·                     Progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)

Medications can’t eliminate fibroids but facilitate the shrinking of some fibroids. If you have recurrent uterine fibroids, your provider may recommend minimally invasive procedures to eliminate the tumors. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend complete removal of your uterus (hysterectomy). Some of these treatments may affect your ability to conceive, but your doctor educates you about the available options before helping you choose the most appropriate treatment.

If your fibroids cause uncomfortable symptoms, you may need to schedule a pelvic exam online or call Serenity Women’s Health & Medspa.