What are fibroids?
Fibroids are the most common tumors found within the female reproductive system, with up to 77 percent of women experiencing fibroids at some point during their childbearing years. Fibroids vary in size from a seedling to a small grapefruit. They are not associated with cancer and do not increase your risk for uterine cancer. Most fibroids will go undetected due to their small size and will not cause any significant symptoms.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
The location, size, and the number of fibroids play a big role in the presence and severity of your symptoms. It’s possible for some women not to experience any symptoms. Common symptoms of fibroids include:
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Bleeding between menstruation periods
- Menstruation bleeding for more than a week
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- A backache or leg pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
Anemia can also be experienced along with fibroids due to the heavy blood loss associated with this condition.
How can fibroids be diagnosed?
In addition to discussing your symptoms and medical history, Dr. Kushner can perform a physical exam to detect fibroids. One-third of fibroids are large enough to be detected through a physical exam.
Dr. Kushner can also perform an ultrasonography. This ultrasound test uses a small wand, called a transducer, which is inserted into the vagina. It will distinctly confirm the location and size of each fibroid.
What are the treatment options for fibroids?
Dr. Kushner offers minimally invasive options which include hysteroscopy, endometrial ablation, and uterine artery embolization. There are a number of treatment options for fibroids, ranging from oral medication to major surgery. Several treatment options include:
- Endometrial ablation
- Hysterectomy
- Conservative surgical therapy
- Hormone therapies
- Uterine artery embolization
It’s also possible for fibroids to shrink on their own without treatment, so monitoring and tracking changes in symptoms may be a possible first course of action.
What is endometrial ablation?
While some options for fibroid treatment include hysterectomy and surgical removal of fibroids, Dr. Kushner specializes in minimally invasive techniques, such as endometrial ablation, to avoid these large surgeries if possible.
Endometrial ablation is a simple outpatient procedure, with minimal recovery time. While the procedure may not be for everyone — especially those still looking to get pregnant — it may significantly help with heavy bleeding and pain, preventing the need for a hysterectomy.
There is no need to regularly suffer from pelvic pain or heavy bleeding. To discuss your symptoms and concerns with Dr. Kushner, call or book an appointment online today.
