What are Fibroids?
Waiting to see if your symptoms of pain, bloating, and more go away when you have an inflamed fibroid within your uterus may not be in your best interest. These benign masses within or on your uterus can not only be painful, but they can also be very disruptive to reproductive organs. At Essential Women's Health Associates in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV, we have a team of seasoned gynecological specialists to diagnose your presenting symptoms. We perform ultrasounds and use other diagnostic technologies to find fibroids, and we offer several minimally invasive treatments to eliminate them. Fibroids can grow on the inside, middle (submucosal), and outside (subserosal) of the uterus.
If you would like to learn more about fibroids, please schedule an appointment. You can meet with one of our seasoned OBGYNs at Essential Women's Health Associates in our Las Vegas or Henderson, NV office.
What causes fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood. However, there are several factors that can contribute to their development. Hormonal imbalances – particularly an excess of estrogen and progesterone – can play a significant role in promoting fibroid growth. Genetic factors can also contribute to the development of fibroids. Other potential risk factors for fibroids may include obesity, race, and certain lifestyle choices such as a high-fat diet and lack of exercise.
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What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
When you have a fibroid, there is a good chance you may not even be aware of it or think it is something else. Symptoms of a uterine fibroid can look like many gynecological issues as it causes cramps, low back pain, and heavy flow during menstruation. When you are not on your period, you may feel bloated, a dull ache in your lower abdomen/back, have the need to urinate more frequently, and feelings of discomfort during sexual intercourse.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are typically diagnosed as part of a routine gynecologic visit with a pelvic exam. If your Essential Women's Health Associates practitioner notices an irregularity while feeling your uterus that may indicate the presence of fibroids, they will typically order an ultrasound to confirm that fibroids are in the uterus. If an ultrasound is inconclusive, they may order an MRI near Las Vegas or Henderson, NV, or another imaging procedure, such as hysteroscopy or saline hysterosonography.
Who is a Candidate for Fibroid Treatment?
Fibroid treatment is typically recommended for any woman who experiences pain, heavy bleeding, or other symptoms related to fibroids. It is important to undergo a consultation and evaluation with an OB/GYN to determine if fibroid treatment is the best option for your needs. Essential Women's Health Associates may ask about your medical history and whether you have tried other treatments for fibroids before creating a custom plan moving forward. Please inform your OB/GYN of any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as these may interfere with fibroid treatment.
How are Fibroids Treated?
We have cutting-edge technologies to diagnose and excise your uterine fibroids in an outpatient setting at a local surgical center or hospital where our OBGYNs have medical privileges. Once you have been diagnosed with one or multiple fibroids, then we can begin the talks about the removal process with surgery. The size, location, and level of severity are some of the determining factors on which treatment technique your OBGYN may select for you, such as open surgery, a hysteroscopic myomectomy, a robotic-assisted myomectomy, or a robotic-assisted hysterectomy. Your treatment plan will be decided upon with your input.
What happens if Fibroids are Not effectively treated?
If you choose not to see a doctor about your symptoms or refuse to have your uterine fibroids removed, you are taking the chances of this negatively impacting your overall health and fertility. A fibroid may become a barrier to getting pregnant and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. It is best for your body now and in the future to go through the diagnostic and removal process.
Fibroids FAQs
Will fibroids go away on their own?
Fibroids do not go away on their own in most cases. If you have uncomfortable or painful fibroid symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or bladder problems, you will likely need treatment from a trusted professional. Essential Women's Health Associates offers a variety of fibroid treatments to reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Do I need a hysterectomy?
Not necessarily. Many women are concerned about hysterectomy because the surgery involves taking out the uterus. However, there are alternative treatment options that do not require removing the uterus. For example, myomectomy addresses fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. Our team can perform a fibroid assessment and make recommendations based on your needs.
What about at-home treatments and medications?
There are many potential treatment options available for fibroids in Las Vegas, NV. However, it is important to remember that not all treatments are designed to be effective or long-lasting. Some may even be harmful. It is essential to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any kind of treatment in order to make sure you are getting the best possible care.
Remove with confidence
You deserve to have the best care possible, and at Essential Women's Health Associates, our main focus is your well-being. If you need to have a fibroid removed or want to have a specialist to perform diagnostics based on your symptoms, please contact our friendly patient care coordinators to schedule an appointment. Our experienced OBGYNs have many years of fibroid removal experience. We have two locations in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV for your convenience.