Fibroids Specialist
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GYN-CARE Women's Healthcare Center
Women's Health Center located in Atlanta, GA
By age 50, 70-80% of all American women develop fibroids. Sometimes, the fibroids don’t cause symptoms, but in other cases, they’re the reason for intense pain, severe bleeding, and other major issues. If you suspect fibroids or another female health problem, get the support you need from Eric Brown, MD and the highly skilled OB/GYN team at Gyn-Care in Atlantic Station, Atlanta. Use online booking or call the office now.
Fibroids Q & A
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are growths within the uterus. They're extremely common among women of childbearing age. Fibroids can be smaller than a pea, larger than a grapefruit, or nearly any size between. Although fibroids are noncancerous, that doesn't mean they can’t cause problems.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Some women experience no fibroid symptoms while others have symptoms so serious that it destroys their quality of life. If you have fibroids and you experience symptoms, you may have:
- Heavy periods
- Between-period bleeding
- Severe cramps
- Infertility
If you have some or all of these symptoms, your OB/GYN can do tests to determine whether fibroids are the issue.
What is the treatment for fibroids?
Fibroid treatment depends on your symptoms and your needs. The most common treatments include:
Medication
Medication can help with fibroid symptoms, but won't actually remove the fibroids. Medication can shrink the fibroids, alleviate heavy bleeding, and relieve pain in some cases. Oral contraceptives may help some patients with their symptoms long-term, but in most cases, medication is a short-term solution.
Uterine fibroid embolization
During uterine fibroid embolization procedure, your OB/GYN inserts catheters within two of the arteries inside your uterus. Next, your OB/GYN injects a solution that prevents your arteries from sending blood to your uterus. This often causes significant fibroid shrinkage and can greatly relieve your symptoms. In studies, almost 90% of fibroid sufferers got symptom relief from this procedure.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that's typically done using the da Vinci® robotic system. In this procedure, your OB/GYN creates small incisions in your abdomen to remove the fibroids without removing your uterus. Myomectomy can be an excellent option for women who want to preserve fertility but still need fibroid removal.
Hysterectomy
For cases of severe fibroids that don't respond to other treatments, uterus removal — which also permanently removes all the fibroids within — may be an option. However, hysterectomy does remove your ability to conceive and carry a baby, so it's not right for everyone.
Your Gyn-Care OB/GYN will discuss all of the treatment choices with you to help you decide which suits your needs best.
Book your appointment online or by phone today.
