Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that are very common in women during the childbearing years. You may not experience symptoms and, therefore, be unaware that you have fibroids. However, depending on the location of the fibroid and its size, some women do experience uncomfortable symptoms.
The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
Abnormal uterine bleeding, such as excessive bleeding and prolonged menstrual periods
Pelvic pressure or pain
Lower back or leg pain
Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Your doctor may diagnose your uterine fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, your doctor may order additional tests, including:
Ultrasound
Blood tests
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Hysterosonography, or saline infusion sonogram
Hysterosalpingography, which uses a dye to highlight the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes on X-ray images
Hysteroscopy, which uses a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope to examine your cervix into your uterus
To find out if your symptoms are the result of fibroids, your physician will perform a thorough pelvic examination, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and in most cases order blood tests to check your iron levels. In addition, your physician may recommend other diagnostic tests such as abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the size and location of the fibroids. Other imaging studies may include: hysterosonography or hysterosalpingography. At times, a minimally invasive procedure known as hysteroscopy is utilized in order to better view the interior of the uterus.
In general, uterine fibroids seldom require treatment. However, if you have mild discomfort or troublesome symptoms, hormonal therapy may be recommended to help reduce excessive bleeding and pelvic pressure. In cases where symptoms are moderate to severe, your physician may recommend a minimally invasive non-surgical option, such as endometrial ablation or uterine artery embolization. For women with severe or persistent symptoms, there are several minimally invasive surgical options, such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. In addition, each of these can be performed using state-of-the-art robotic technology.
At Hoag, our multidisciplinary team of board-certified gynecologic health experts includes gynecologists, urogynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists and other subspecialists who work together to provide a coordinated approach in the treatment of uterine fibroids, including the latest progressive treatment options personalized to meet the needs of the individual patient.
If surgery is necessary, Hoag’s expert team is well versed in the full gamut of minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, including robotic-assisted surgery utilizing the state-of-the-art da Vinci® Surgical System.
For more information about the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids, please speak with your physician, or locate a Hoag-affiliated physician near you.