Uterine fibroids are a common condition among women of childbearing age. While many women have fibroids without knowing it, some with the condition may be at risk for complications that interfere with their sexual and reproductive health.
At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, we offer high-quality fibroid care, including minimally invasive surgery to remove fibroids.
Our board-certified OB/GYNs focus on the treatments that work best for your health, support your family planning, and reduce the risk of complications.
Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop on the lining of the uterine wall. The root cause of fibroids isn’t well understood but your hormone levels and genetic background can play a role in their growth.
Women typically develop fibroids between age 30 and 50, but the growths can also occur earlier. Fibroids start out small in size but can grow as large as a grapefruit. They can also grow slowly or quickly and in some cases, shrink on their own without medical intervention.
Fibroids are rarely cancerous. Complications from fibroids usually result from the size and location of the growth.
Fibroids that grow large can cause uncomfortable symptoms that affect your physical health, including:
Very large fibroids can also change the shape of your uterus and cause a notice bulge in your abdomen.
Some women may also experience issues with infertility if a fibroid prevents sperm from fertilizing eggs or the implantation of a developing embryo.
If you have any of these issues, our OB/GYNs offer comprehensive pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and other diagnostic tests in-office to evaluate the location and size of uterine fibroids. They recommend the treatment that works best for your health and family plans.
If a pelvic exam or ultrasound reveals the presence of uterine fibroids but you don’t have any symptoms, our team will continue to monitor the abnormal growths. Over-the-counter pain medications can help ease any pelvic discomfort you have.
Other fibroid treatments we offer at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group include:
Moderate pelvic pain and heavy periods may require low-dose birth control, such as oral pills or an intrauterine device (IUD). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can also be an effective way to shrink large fibroids.
If you have very large fibroids that contribute to infertility or chronic pain, our team may suggest a myomectomy. This minimally invasive procedure allows your surgeon to remove fibroids without damaging your uterus or other reproductive organs, so you can still conceive a pregnancy.
Women with large or recurrent fibroids who are done having children may be a candidate for a hysterectomy. During this surgery, we remove your uterus to prevent new fibroids from growing.
Through routine pelvic exams, we continue to monitor your reproductive health following fibroid treatment. Our providers can also provide any family planning resources you need to start or expand your family.
Call The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group in Brooklyn or Staten Island, New York, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for fibroid symptoms. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.
