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Uterine Fibroids
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More than one in five women in the U.S. will have uterine fibroids in her lifetime. These non-cancerous tumors grow inside or on the uterus, and are most common in women in their 30s and 40s.
The causes of uterine fibroids are still unknown. Often, women aren't even aware of them. However, if they bleed or press against your organs, fibroid may cause pain, heavy bleeding or other problems.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Some of the most common uterine fibroid symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods (bleeding past seven days)
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying your bladder
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
Many women may not require treatment unless the fibroids cause uterine bleeding or significant pain. Uterine fibroids can also cause infertility and miscarriages.
If uterine fibroids are interfering with your quality of life, we’re here for you. Mercy doctors are expertly trained in diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids with effective, compassionate care. We've helped many women recover quickly and get on with their lives, and we will do the same for you.
Uterine Fibroid Treatments
Mercy understands how disruptive and frustrating this condition can be, and we offer several safe and effective ways to shrink or eliminate uterine fibroids. Treatment depends on your specific symptoms and lifestyle.If symptoms are mild, over-the-counter pain relievers may be enough.
For more significant symptoms, hormone therapy may help shrink the fibroids and prevent new ones. Hormone therapy is not an option for women who are trying to become pregnant.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood flow. While you are sedated, a fluid is injected into your blood vessel that stops blood flow to the fibroid. As the fibroid shrinks over time, symptoms subside. However, UFE is not appropriate for women who plan to become pregnant.
If these treatments are not successful, or if a woman wants to become pregnant, myomectomy may be recommended. This is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids from the uterus without removing the uterus itself. Depending on the size, location and number of fibroids, a myomectomy may be done through the vagina, through a few small incisions, or through a larger abdominal incision.
Women who do not plan to have children may choose to have a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus. A hysterectomy is the only procedure that ensures fibroids will not return.
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