We specialize in high-risk pregnancy.
We work to minimize complications and help you achieve the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Fibroid Care & Treatment
Uterine fibroids represent the most common gynecologic tumors, affecting about 20-50% of women of reproductive age.
These uterine growths can produce pain and heavy bleeding and may interfere with your ability to get pregnant. The doctors at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine have years of experience treating fibroids, including using minimally-invasive surgery. If you have pelvic pain, please call their office in the Midtown East area of New York City, or schedule an appointment online.
Fibroids Q & A
Q.
What are uterine fibroids?
A.
The walls of your uterus are made up of three layers of tissue, with a middle layer that consists of smooth muscles. Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in the muscle. They can grow outside the uterus or in the uterine lining, although that’s not common. Uterine fibroids aren’t cancerous — and they don’t increase your risk for cancer — but they can cause health problems.
Fibroids can be any size — as small as a pea and as large as a grapefruit — but only about one-third of them get large enough to be discovered during a pelvic examination. You can have a lot of small fibroids, one large growth, or both.
Q.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
A.
If your fibroids are small, you may not have any symptoms. When the fibroids get larger, they cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Your symptoms may include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
If you experience abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, or have a hard time urinating, it’s important to schedule a checkup at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine. Other potentially serious gynecologic disorders can cause the same symptoms; a thorough exam can rule out complications.
Q.
How are uterine fibroids treated?
A.
Treatment depends on your age, symptom severity, overall health, and the size and location of the fibroids. If you’re close to menopause and your symptoms are mild, you may be able to wait without treatment, because fibroids usually stop growing or shrink when you reach menopause.
Several medications are available to control heavy bleeding and alleviate pain, but they don’t shrink the fibroids. Medications that stop your menstrual cycle or reduce the size of the fibroid may be considered. Progestin-releasing intrauterine devices also reduce bleeding.
When medications don’t help, your doctor may recommend one of the following types of surgery:
- Myomectomy: fibroids are removed but the uterus is left intact for future pregnancy
- Hysterectomy: entire uterus is removed; fibroids are the top reason for hysterectomies
- Uterine artery embolization: blood supply to fibroids is blocked making them shrink
Come visit your Manhattan OBGYN.
