Fibroids Specialist

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the myometrium (smooth muscle tissue) of the uterus. There are three types of fibroids:

• Submucosal — grows into the uterine cavity
• Intramural — grows in the uterine wall
• Subserosal — grows on the outside of the uterus

Fibroids typically appear during a woman’s childbearing years. Some shrink on their own, while others have growth spurts. Fibroids can be single or multiple, and they can range in size from microscopically small seedlings to large enough to distort and enlarge the uterus. Fibroids can occur with or without symptoms.

How Do I Know If I Have Fibroids?

Fibroids with no symptoms are usually detected during a pelvic exam or other tests such as an MRI or ultrasound. Symptoms commonly associated with fibroids include:

• Backache
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Heavy and prolonged menstrual periods lasting seven days or longer
• Leg pain
• Pelvic pain or pressure

Can Doctors Remove Fibroids?

Removal of fibroids depends on their size and accompanying symptoms. A small, non-symptomatic fibroid may be left alone and monitored for any change in size or symptoms. Fibroids that grow rapidly or are problematic may require treatment, which can include:

• Medication to shrink them
• Minimally-invasive procedures such as focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), laparoscopic myomectomy, myolysis, or endometrial ablation
• Traditional procedures such as abdominal myomectomy and, in severe cases, hysterectomy

Keep in mind that with the exception of hysterectomy, there is always the chance for undetected fibroid seedlings to develop into new fibroids.

Will Fibroids Prevent Me From Having a Baby?

You may still be able to have a baby even if you have fibroids unless you have submucosal fibroids, which can prevent conception or embryo development. In this case, you may need to have the fibroids removed before trying to conceive. Many women with fibroids in the San Ramon area have received quality care and treatment from Dr. Helen Matthews at her practice and have gone on to have perfectly normal pregnancies. If you have fibroids, call for an appointment to be seen as soon as possible.