Fighting Fibroids: Understanding Symptoms and Surgical Management

Fibroids are benign growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. These fibroids, or leiomyomas, can range in size and cause a variety of symptoms. Fibroids are very common and affect up to 80% of females by age 50. Symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary frequency/urgency, constipation, or difficulty getting pregnant. Some women who have fibroids are asymptomatic. Fibroids respond to estrogen, the main hormone in a female of child-bearing age, and therefore can shrink and grow up until menopause.

There are several ways to treat fibroids which includes conservative management or surgical intervention. Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, can help manage symptoms but do not shrink the fibroids. A uterine artery ablation is a non-surgical intervention that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids and may help them shrink. For women who have large fibroids or suffer from significant symptoms, their only option may be surgery.

If a woman is planning to have children in the future, fibroids can be removed with a surgery called a myomectomy where the uterus is preserved. Otherwise, a hysterectomy can be done which is a permanent treatment for fibroids. At Women’s Pelvic Surgery of NJ, we specialize in minimally invasive surgery for large fibroids that are traditionally treated with a large open incision. 

If you are suffering from the symptoms of fibroids, call the office today to schedule a consultation.