What are Uterine Fibroids and When do They Require Treatment?

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common and noncancerous. They range in size from being barely visible to the naked eye to being as large as a grapefruit. In many cases, fibroids don’t cause symptoms, but in some women, they can be extremely disruptive.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

• Heavy bleeding during periods
• Painful cramping
• Persistent pelvic and/or low back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Urinary frequency and constipation
• Bleeding between periods

As fibroids get larger, you may notice your abdomen looks swollen and distended. You may also have pain during sexual intercourse as a result of fibroids.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Dr. Golshan uses diagnostic imaging tests, including ultrasound, MRI to detect uterine fibroids. He also evaluates your gynecological history and symptoms to determine if fibroids are likely the cause of your discomfort and issues.

How are uterine fibroids treated?

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Symptoms associated with uterine fibroids can include: heavy bleeding, painful cramping, pelvic bloating, and urinary frequency. At times symptoms can be managed with medication. But when medication and conservative treatment are not effective UFE offers an excellent minimally invasive, uterine preserving, treatment option. 

In 9 out of 10 cases, women who undergo UFE experience significant improvement in their symptoms. Uterine fibroid embolization has many benefits over surgery, including:

• Preservation of the uterus
• Nonsurgical and minimally invasive
• Fewer complications than surgery
• Reduced recovery time

Alternatively, uterine fibroids can be treated with surgery – either a myomectomy in which just the fibroid is removed or a total hysterectomy to remove the entire uterus. 

UFE involves the insertion of a thin catheter into an artery near the fibroid’s blood supply. The catheter releases small particles that block the small blood vessels feeding the fibroid, so the growth is deprived of nutrients and cannot survive. Dr. Golshan performs more than 1,000 vascular procedures per year and is experienced in uterine fibroid embolization. The procedure is effective for multiple fibroids.

If you have symptomatic uterine fibroids, consult Beach Wellness MD to learn about your options for noninvasive uterine fibroid embolization. Call the office or request a consultation online.