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Fibroids
Uterine Fibroids affect up to 50% of all women over the age of 40.
About 30 percent of women between 25 to 45 are diagnosed with fibroids, according
to the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
- Fibroids are the #1 cause of hysterectomies.
- 50% of women over 40 have fibroids.
- Fertility is often affected.
More than 1 in 4 U.S. women will have a hysterectomy by the time they are 60 years
old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the more than 600,000 hysterectomies performed
on American women, more than one-third of them were to treat fibroids or abnormal uterine bleeding. Read Alternatives to Hysterectomy
-  more
What are fibroids?
 Fibroids are disordered benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. The uterus is
an organ of the body which is made up primarily of smooth muscle cells (involuntary muscle). At times these cells
may become disorganized and form a ball-like tumor in the wall of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most common
tumors in women. Although fibroids are called "tumors," they are not cancer. Fibroids can be as small
as a seed or a pea or as large as an orange or small melon.
The technical term for a fibroid tumor is leiomyoma. About 2 of
every 10 women who have not gone through menopause have fibroids. During the pre-and perimenopausal years, fibroids
can enlarge in response to a woman's estrogen level. Most fibroids do not cause symptoms and require no treatment
other than regular monitoring by a physician. But some fibroids can cause heavy and/or irregular menstrual bleeding
as well as pain, cramping, and pressure in the pelvis. If fibroids press on the bladder or bowel, they can cause
frequent urination, constipation, painful bowel movements, and hemorrhoids.
When a woman starts experiencing symptoms such as heavy bleeding,
anemia, lethargy, exhaustion, pelvic discomfort, sciatica pain, and pressure affecting the proper functioning of
the bladder and bowel, its a signal that you need to take action.
Symptoms of Fibroids
- Menorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding)
- Excessive menstrual pain
- Infertility
- Back pain, bloating
- Mass effect - pelvic pressure, frequent urination, stress incontinence, sciatica,
constipation
- Hydronephrosis - secondary to compression of the ureters
Alternatives to Hysterectomy:
New Technologies, More Options?
Today, women have other options--new medications, technologies,
and procedures--to treat noncancerous uterine conditions. Some of these less invasive procedures translate into
lower risk, quicker recovery, and less expense. And some preserve the ability to get pregnant, unlike hysterectomy.
Click
here for options
If you have a problem that affects your uterus or another part
of your reproductive system, this information is for you. It explains most of the problems that can affect a woman
and ways the problems can be treated, including medication, surgery, and other kinds of treatments.
How are fibroids treated?
You may have several treatments to choose from if you have fibroids.
It depends on how big the fibroids are, where they are, and whether you are pregnant or want to become pregnant.
Let's look at your options - more
Insurance
A number of insurance companies are paying for fibroid embolization
procedures. You will want to talk with your interventional radiologist about this before your procedure
Where do I Call for a Consultation?
Please Call
us TODAY at 727-791-7300 if you have any questions.
We're looking forward to helping you .
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