Our Services / Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are growths that appear in your uterus, usually during childbearing years. While they generally aren’t cancerous, fibroids can cause unpleasant symptoms or complications when left untreated. Your New Beginnings OB/GYN specialist might find fibroids during a routine pelvic exam or a pelvic ultrasound. 

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

You may not have any symptoms with fibroids. If you do develop symptoms, however, they could appear as:

• Frequent urination
• Periods lasting more than a week
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Constipation 
• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Backaches 
• Leg pain

Fibroids usually aren’t a cause for concern, but sometimes they can lead to anemia and fatigue associated with heavy blood loss.

What are the risk factors for fibroids?

Any woman can develop fibroids, but certain factors increase their risk. Examples include:

• Hormone changes
• Family history of fibroids
• Being of reproductive age
• Starting your period at an early age
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Obesity
• Eating a lot of red meat
• Eating too few fruits and vegetables
• Drinking alcohol

While you may not be able to avoid fibroids if you’re at risk of getting them, adopting healthy habits is the best way to keep your risk as low as possible. Maintain a healthy body weight, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, reduce your red meat intake, and get plenty of vitamin D.

How does my doctor diagnose fibroids?

To find out if you have uterine fibroids and treat them if needed, your provider at New Beginnings OB/GYN asks about your symptoms and medical history. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam, which includes a pelvic exam and Pap test if necessary.

Your OB/GYN specialist may order an ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, or another diagnostic test, as well as blood tests to diagnose your condition. 

How are fibroids treated?

In addition to watching and waiting, common treatments for fibroids include:

• Medications
• Hormone treatments
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
• Injections
• Radiofrequency ablation 
• Surgical fibroid removal 
• Endometrial ablation
• Hysteroscopic fibroid removal through the vagina

Your provider personalizes each treatment for fibroids based on the size of the fibroids and your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences. 

To find out if you have fibroids or get treated for them, call the New Beginnings OB/GYN office or schedule an appointment online today.