Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Also known as myomas, uterine fibroids are tumors that develop in the muscle tissue of your uterus. These tumors can develop within the uterine wall, inside the uterus, on the outer surface of the uterus, or attached to it by something that resembles a stem.

Fibroids are nearly always benign or noncancerous but can cause complications like pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, and infertility. However, infertility is more likely to be because of another condition, such as endometriosis.

What are the symptoms of fibroids? 

Most of the time, fibroids don’t cause symptoms. When fibroids do cause symptoms, they may include:

• Changes in menstruation, including heavier, longer, or more frequent periods
• Vaginal bleeding in between periods
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal cramps
• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating
• Infertility or miscarriages

Even if you don’t have symptoms, your provider at Raveco Medical may find fibroids during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound test for other problems.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Your provider at Raveco Medical may detect signs of fibroids during a pelvic exam. To confirm a diagnosis, they may perform one or more tests, such as:

Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of your internal organs. The sound waves come from a handpiece (transducer) that your provider places on your abdomen or inside your vagina. 

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy involves inserting a long, thin device through your vagina and cervix. This allows your provider to see inside your uterus without making an incision.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that allows your provider to see the inside of your abdomen through a slender scope. They insert the laparoscope through a buttonhole-sized incision near your belly button.

What treatments are available for fibroids?

Your provider at Raveco Medical creates an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. 

If your fibroids are small and don’t cause symptoms, they may recommend watchful waiting. Fibroids that are large, growing rapidly, or causing symptoms like pelvic pain or infertility need treatment. 

If you aren’t trying to get pregnant, hormonal medications like birth control pills can reduce pain and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Surgery, including myomectomy and hysterectomy, may be the best way to treat fibroids with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Other treatment options include endometrial ablation, myolysis, or uterine fibroid embolization. These treatments involve destroying the fibroids with laser energy, electric current, or other means.

For comprehensive care of fibroids, call Raveco Medical, or book an appointment online today.