How a Gynecologist Treats Fibroids

Fibroids are surprisingly common among women. According to John Hopkins Medicine, up to 70% of women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives. The good news is that, in most cases, these fibroids are minor and do not cause any symptoms. However, if they do, a gynecologist offers several treatments that can either shrink or eliminate fibroids or minimize the symptoms.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop in and around the uterus. Typically, they are benign and never develop into cancer, nor are they associated with an increased risk of cancer. Fibroids can be too small to be noticed by the human eye or so large they distort the shape of the uterus.

They are usually not discovered until a gynecologist finds an abnormality during a pelvic exam or a woman notices troubling symptoms. Symptoms of fibroids include abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding outside of one’s regular menstrual cycle, and pelvic pain. Additional symptoms can include:

• frequent urination
• trouble emptying bladder
• Lower back pain
• periods lasting longer than a week
• constipation.

Women with a family history of fibroids or women who are older and overweight are more likely to develop them.

A woman can have between one or a few to several fibroids, and symptoms vary in severity and type due to the characteristics of the fibroids. Usually, a practitioner will need to conduct further tests, such as an ultrasound, to confirm the fibroid diagnosis. Fibroids grow slowly and tend to shrink after menopause, so in many cases, treatment is not necessary. However, if treatment is needed, a practitioner will typically try medication and minimally or non-invasive treatments first before considering surgical intervention.

Medication

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists or GnRHas is a common type of medication given to help shrink fibroids. They work by temporarily stopping the body’s production of estrogen. These and similar drugs are often the first line of treatment for fibroids. Other options include hormonal birth control, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, and other drugs that aim to control the symptoms but do not reduce the size of fibroids. Our team can help you determine which type of medication is the best fit for you.

Minimally or non-invasive interventions

If medication does not provide the desired results, then there are several non or minimally invasive procedures, including MRI-guided ultrasound surgery and the use of energy and heat to shrink fibroids. A gynecologist may also recommend an IUD. An IUD is a device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. However, it can also relieve symptoms of fibroid, such as pain and excess bleeding. These procedures can be outpatient procedures, meaning the patient will return home the same day. An IUD does not shrink fibroids; it only eases the symptoms.

Endometrial ablation is another option. This procedure removes a thin layer of tissue from the inside of the uterus. This procedure is also minimally invasive that can end or greatly reduce menstrual flow. However, it only works on fibroids inside the uterus and is not recommended for women who still wish to become pregnant.

Traditional surgical intervention

If the above approaches do not produce the desired results, a doctor may recommend more invasive measures.

Myomectomy: Myomectomy is a type of surgery to remove large or deep fibroids from the uterus. Women with large fibroid, deep, or multiple fibroids who want to avoid a hysterectomy may be candidates for this approach. The procedure can be performed as an open surgery or as a laparoscopic procedure, using cameras and a small incision in the abdomen. Fibroids may grow back after a myomectomy, and the procedure can impact a woman’s ability to have children.

Hysterectomy: This is the only surgery that is guaranteed to be a permanent solution for uterine fibroids. However, it can come with unwanted side effects that you and your doctor will need to discuss. A hysterectomy is the removal of a woman’s uterus, and women who undergo a hysterectomy are no longer able to become pregnant. This procedure is typically only recommended for women who no longer wish to have children and whose fibroids are seriously interfering with their quality of life.

In closing

Uterine fibroids are common and typically do not require treatment. Still, If you are one of the many women struggling with symptoms, finding relief is a priority. The good news is you have options, and our team will help you find the relief you seek in the least invasive way possible. We will work to help you manage your symptoms and get back to life.

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