Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are usually benign muscular tumors that grow in or on the walls of your uterus. You might develop a single fibroid, or you may grow several of them in your uterus. They also range in size from as small as a sunflower seed to as large as a softball.

You can have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms. However, you might also experience painful and disruptive symptoms, including:

• Heavy periods
• Periods that last for more than seven days
• Severe menstrual cramping and pelvic pain
• Frequent urination but difficulty emptying your bladder completely
• Constipation
• Pain in your legs or lower back

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they get in the way of your regular activities, make an appointment with the team at Miami Women's Health Associates to get to the bottom of your condition.

What causes fibroids?

The precise cause of fibroids isn’t currently known. However, doctors and medical researchers know there is a genetic component as your chance of developing fibroids is higher if a member of your family has fibroids. Also, research shows that your hormone levels, estrogen and progesterone, in particular, contribute to fibroid growth.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

If you have a personal or family history of uterine fibroids and are experiencing any of the common symptoms of fibroids, make an appointment for diagnosis today. The doctors at Miami Women's Health Associates perform physical exams and blood tests to check for signs of fibroids as well as other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

They may also use ultrasounds to examine your uterus for abnormal growths. If your ultrasound is inconclusive, they may order other imaging tests like MRIs. In some cases, they may suggest a hysteroscopy or a diagnostic laparoscopy to see inside your uterus.

How are fibroids treated?

Your doctor will suggest treatments customized to address your symptoms. For example, they may prescribe a hormonal treatment like birth control or an IUD that releases progestin. You may also take anti-inflammatory medication to ease painful cramping.

If your fibroids are large or causing distressing symptoms, you may benefit from uterine artery embolization, which destroys the blood vessels feeding your fibroids. Your doctor may also suggest a laparoscopic myomectomy — a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove fibroids.

Call or make an appointment online today to learn about your treatment options from the experts at Miami Women's Health Associates.