Fibroids

If you have large or painful fibroids, you can find help at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C. At the offices in Troy and Rochester Hills, Michigan, the experienced gynecologists offer comprehensive care for bothersome fibroids. They design a care plan using pain relievers, birth control, or minimally invasive surgery to ease your symptoms and prevent additional complications. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for painful fibroids online or by calling Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., today.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are typically noncancerous growths that develop in your uterus. If the fibroid grows inside your uterine wall, it is known as intramural. If it develops on the interior of the uterine wall, it’s submucosal. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of your uterine wall.

These growths can be very small or grow large enough to distort the shape of your uterus. You can have one fibroid, or fibroids can grow in a cluster.

There’s no clear understanding of what causes fibroids. You may be more likely to develop fibroids due to your levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Your genetics may also play a role in fibroid growth, and if your family has a history of fibroids, you may be at a higher risk for also developing them.

Other factors that can increase your risk for fibroids are alcohol use, obesity, and the consumption of red meat.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

While fibroids generally don’t cause disruptive symptoms, you may experience issues if the fibroid grows large enough. Common symptoms of fibroids include:

• Back pain

• Pelvic pain

• Heavy periods

• Constipation

• Severe cramping

• Frequent urination

Fibroids can also extend the length of your period and cause bleeding that lasts longer than a week.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

To confirm that fibroids are the cause of your symptoms and not another underlying condition, your provider at Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., carefully reviews your personal and family medical history.

The practice offers on-site diagnostic testing such as ultrasound to get a better look at your uterus. This technology uses sound waves to produce images of the uterus and fibroids. Your provider can assess the location and size of the fibroids to determine if you need treatment.

Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., also offers in-office hysteroscopy services, a procedure that uses a slender, lighted tube with an attached camera to get a closer look at your uterus and fibroids.

How are fibroids treated?

Your treatment plan for fibroids depends on the severity of your discomfort and other symptoms. If you have fibroids that aren’t causing any issues, your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., provider may not recommend treatment but continues to monitor your condition.

If you have pelvic pain or other fibroid symptoms, you may benefit from:

Medication

Over-the-counter or prescription medication can ease cramping, back pain, and pelvic pain. You may also benefit from taking hormonal birth control to regulate your periods and reduce heavy bleeding and cramping.

Taking gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can also work to shrink fibroids and reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Surgery

If large fibroids aren’t treatable with conservative therapies, your Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C., provider may recommend a myomectomy to remove fibroids using minimally invasive, laparoscopic techniques.

If you need a diagnostic evaluation for fibroid pain, rely on the expertise of Oakland Macomb Obstetrics & Gynecology, P.C.; call or schedule an appointment online today.