Fibroids can strike any woman at any age. Many women have fibroids and do not know it. Many women with fibroids in the San Francisco Bay Area have been successfully treated by Dr. Helen Matthews in San Ramon, CA, who has over a decade of experience in women’s medicine.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the myometrium (smooth muscle tissue) of the uterus. There are three types of fibroids:
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.
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:
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:
Keep in mind that with the exception of hysterectomy, there is always the chance for undetected fibroid seedlings to develop into new fibroids.
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.
At the office of Dr. Helen Matthews, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.
"I saw Dr. Matthews for the birth of my second child and she was excellent. She thoroughly asked how I felt, examined me, was kind to my child who came with me..."
"I'm pregnant with my first child, and have emailed Dr. Matthews several times with different questions. Each time she's gotten back to me within a couple hours."
"Dr. Matthews is AWESOME. She is very personable, cheerful, knowledgeable and makes you feel so comfortable."
"Dr. Matthews is truly the best obstetrician I have met. She delivered my second child, and will be delivering my third. She was very attentive to all of my needs..."
