What are fibroids?
Fibroids are a type of uterine tumor that affects between 20 and 50% of women of reproductive age. Over 99% of these tumors are non-cancerous, and they don't increase a woman's risk of developing uterine cancer. Fibroids are the most common type of tumor in the female reproductive organs. Doctors aren't sure what causes fibroids, but they may develop from defects in muscle cells of the uterus or due to the influence of estrogen.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Some of the more common symptoms of fibroids include:
- Heavy, prolonged menstruation
- Abnormal bleeding between periods
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Pain with intercourse
- Frequent need to urinate
- A mass felt in the mid-pelvis
- Anemia due to heavy periods
- Fertility problems
Some women have fibroids with no symptoms.
How are fibroids and pregnancy related?
Small and medium-sized fibroids don't create any unnecessary risk during pregnancy. Sometimes, however, pregnancy hormones and increased blood flow to the uterus allow fibroids to grow. This can increase the discomforts of pregnancy. If the fibroids are large or if the woman has multiple fibroids, she's at higher risk for complications. Dr. Burt monitors fibroids closely during pregnancy to help lessen this risk.
Who needs fibroid treatment?
Dr. Burt recommends treatment for women whose fibroids cause discomfort, fertility issues, or cause other worrisome symptoms. He may also recommend treatment if fibroids suddenly start t grow rapidly.
How are fibroids treated?
Dr. Burt offers a number of treatment options. These include:
- Medical therapy
- Robotic or minimally-invasive surgery
- Open surgery
- Uterine artery embolization
- MR guided focused ultrasound
- Hysterectomy, only in extreme cases
Dr. Burt also recommends watchful waiting, which involves monitoring the fibroids for growth but not pursuing other treatment, for fibroids causing mild symptoms.
