Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are tumors that grow in the wall of your uterus. In most cases, fibroids are benign (noncancerous), and they can grow singularly or in groups. The growth may be very small in size or grow large enough to distort your uterus and abdomen.

The cause of fibroids isn’t well understood, but it may relate to your genetic history or your hormone levels. While any woman can develop fibroids, there are factors that can increase your risk including your age, a heavier weight, and a family history of the condition.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Many women with fibroids don’t have symptoms when the growths are small. However, if the fibroid grows bigger, you may experience:

• Heavy bleeding
• Abdominal fullness
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
  
  

If the growth is large enough, you may even see a visible enlargement of your lower abdomen.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

The team at Orange Blossom Women’s Group uses several on-site diagnostic technologies to confirm fibroids and evaluate their location and size. In addition to a pelvic exam, your provider may recommend:

Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology uses soundwaves to produce images of your uterus and other reproductive organs.

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy uses a scope with an attached camera to view the inside of your uterus and evaluate the location and size of fibroids. The scope fits through your vaginal canal and requires no incisions.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy involves the insertion of a thin scope through a small incision near your navel. This scope has a light and a camera that captures real-time images of your inner structures, including any fibroid growths.

How are fibroids treated?

If you don’t have any symptoms from your fibroids, you may not need treatment. In this case, the team at Orange Blossom Women’s Group may take a watchful waiting approach, continuing to monitor the fibroids during routine pelvic exams.

When fibroid symptoms interfere with your period or your quality of life, you may benefit from low-dose hormonal birth control to ease heavy periods. There are also medications available to shrink your fibroids.

The team also uses robot-assisted surgical techniques to remove bothersome fibroids. This surgery requires only small incisions to reduce trauma to your body and help you heal faster. 

If you have extremely large or recurrent fibroids and are done having children, your provider may recommend removing your uterus in a procedure known as a hysterectomy.

If you have pain or other symptoms of fibroids, schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or call Orange Blossom Women’s Group today.