Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Also called leiomyomas, uterine fibroids are muscular tumors that are almost always noncancerous (benign). You can have a single fibroid or many at once. Fibroids can develop on the inner or outer surface of your uterus or within the uterine wall. They range greatly in size and can be as small as a seed or as large as a grapefruit.

Each fibroid is unique and requires individualized care. The expert team at J. Shan Young, MD, carefully evaluates your fibroids and recommends the most appropriate form of treatment for you.

How do I know if I have fibroids?

Many women with fibroids don’t know they have them because they don’t have symptoms. Your provider at J. Shan Young, MD, may detect fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. 

When fibroids do cause symptoms, they vary based on the size, location, and number of growths. 

Common symptoms of fibroids include:

• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal uterine bleeding that may be heavy or prolonged
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Back pain
• Infertility
  
  

You should call the office if you experience any of these symptoms. They may be due to fibroids or another gynecologic problem, such as endometriosis. 

What tests and procedures are used to diagnose fibroids?

First, a member of the team reviews your medical history and performs a pelvic exam. If they suspect you have fibroids, they may confirm the diagnosis with an imaging test, such as a pelvic ultrasound. 

If imaging tests don’t provide enough information, you might need a minimally invasive procedure like hysteroscopy or laparoscopy. Hysteroscopy involves threading a long, thin instrument with a camera through your vagina and into your uterus. Laparoscopy requires making a small incision in your abdomen, and inserting a thin camera. 

What treatment options for fibroids are available?

After they diagnose your fibroids, the team at J. Shan Young, MD, develops an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment for fibroids may include:

• Medications, including hormonal birth control
• Endometrial ablation, which destroys the uterine lining
• Uterine fibroid embolization
• Surgery to remove the fibroids (myomectomy) or the entire uterus (hysterectomy)
  
  

If surgery is necessary, the team uses minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques whenever possible.

For advanced care of uterine fibroids, call J. Shan Young, MD, or book an appointment online today.