​Uterine fibroids

While some women with uterine fibroids never experience symptoms, other women may experience painful symptoms and even infertility. Our expert physicians and staff have the experience and skill to diagnose and treat fibroids to make you symptom free and get you back to enjoying life.

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are benign growths that form on the wall of the muscle of the uterus. The good news is, most fibroids are non-cancerous and easily treated.

Uterine fibroids causes

While the cause isn't always known, fibroids develop from an abnormal muscle cell in the uterus and grow into a growth or fibroid. Fibroids can be as small as a peanut or as large as a grapefruit or larger.

While fibroids can develop anytime during the child-bearing years, women who are nearing perimenopause, are more likely to develop them. Although the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, it's likely that they are caused by many factors interacting with one another, including:

  • Hormones—estrogen and progesterone seem to promote the fibroid growth. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause as hormone production decreases.

  • Family history—having a close relative with fibroids increases your chance of developing them.

Uterine fibroids risk factors

In addition to being a woman of reproductive age, factors that may increase your risk for having uterine fibroids include:

  • Being of African-American descent

  • Being over the age of 30

  • Being overweight

Uterine fibroids symptoms

If you have uterine fibroids, you may have no symptoms, only mild symptoms, or you may be experiencing severe symptoms that can take a physical and an emotional toll.

Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include:

  • Difficulty emptying the bladder

  • Frequent urination

  • Infertility (inability to conceive children)

  • Low back pain

  • Miscarriage (loss of an embryo or fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy)

  • Pain during sex

  • Pelvic pressure or pain

  • Prolonged or abnormal menstrual periods

  • Severe menstrual cramps

  • Swelling in abdomen

When to see a doctor

If you have uterine fibroids, you may have no symptoms, only mild symptoms, or you may be experiencing more severe symptoms that are hard to ignore.

You may be unsure of the pain you are experiencing. Don't ignore the signs your body is sending you. If you have noticed any of these changes, it is time to make an appointment with your doctor:

  • Chronic constipation

  • Difficulty getting pregnant

  • Frequent abdominal pain

  • Heavier periods

  • Increased urination

Do you think you have fibroids? Discuss your concerns with your gynecologist or make an appointment with one of our women's health experts.

Do you think you may have fibroids but are not ready to make an appointment with a doctor? Have you been told you have fibroids but are looking for second opinion? Contact our ezCare Concierge nurse navigator, a free, confidential service designed to help you navigate the best next steps for you and your health. 

WOMEN'S HEALTH
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