Fibroids Specialist

Fibroids are tumors that develop in the uterine walls. The vast majority (about 99 percent) of fibroids are benign. They are the most common kind of tumor found in the female reproductive system.

Women generally develop fibroids at any time between the onset of their first menstrual cycle and the onset of menopause. However, they are most commonly seen in women who are in their 40s or early 50s. African-American females have a higher incidence of fibroids than Caucasian women. For overweight or obese women, the risk of developing fibroids is at least twice as high as it is for other women. When other members of a woman’s family have fibroids, the risk of developing fibroids herself is higher.

Regular checkups at the gynecologist or urogynecologist are often the time when fibroids are discovered. In some cases, the fibroids may be found during a Pap smear. The doctor can typically feel the fibroids during a pelvic exam. However, in order to determine the exact location and diameter of the fibroids, either X-ray or MRI imaging is typically used.

Some women with fibroids don’t have any significant symptoms. Others may have very heavy menstrual periods, unusually long periods, pelvic pain, intense pain during periods, painful intercourse or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area.

In some cases, fibroids don’t require treatment, especially if they are not causing symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication, either over the counter or prescription strength, may be used for people who have fibroid pain. A minimally invasive surgical therapy known as myomectomy may be used to remove fibroids. GnRH agonists may be used to control estrogen levels and shrink fibroids. Other hormones, particularly those that oppose estrogen, may be useful in the control of fibroid growth. For women with long-term chronic fibroid issues, hysterectomy may be the best solution.