Do you often feel sluggish or bloated? Are your periods heavy with a lot of cramping? Do you wonder if there is something wrong with you, even if you don’t feel “sick.” These might be signs of fibroids. Many women live with uterine fibroids, either not knowing that the condition is present or not seeking treatment because they don’t feel “that bad.” There is no reason to live in discomfort due to uterine fibroids when there are compelling and minimally invasive treatments for this condition.
What are the signs of fibroids?
Heavy, painful periods are the most common sign associated with fibroids. In rare cases, fibroids can lead to fertility problems including complicated pregnancies, increasing chances of a cesarean delivery, and problems conceiving naturally. Other signs of fibroids include a swollen or distended abdomen, a feeling of pressure in the stomach area, and a frequent need to urinate.
How are fibroids signs treated?
There are several treatment options for fibroids. Historically, a hysterectomy was used to remove the entire uterus. While this procedure effectively removes the fibroids and prevents them from returning, it is also the end of the patient’s ability to bear children. Myomectomies were developed to remove the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. This surgical procedure can be performed in a traditional open surgery or with a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure. More modern treatments include ablation therapy, which heats and burns out the fibroids and fibroid embolization, which uses an embolic agent to stop the blood flow to the fibroids. Both myomectomies and ablation therapy have risks to fertility due to the potential to scar the uterus. Embolization, however, is 90 percent effective and poses no risk to future fertility. It is also a quick procedure with full recovery within five days.
What should I do if I think I have fibroids?
If you think you have any signs of fibroids, you should make an appointment with your gynecologist. Your doctor will talk to you about your signs and perform an exam. If fibroids are diagnosed, the physician will discuss the treatment options with you and help you to choose the best treatment for you. The physicians at the Fibroid Treatment Collective in Beverly Hills, CA, are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of fibroids. Contact them on (866) 479-1523 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
