Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a common condition, which often cause heavy periods, bleeding, pain, abdominal distension, and increased urinary frequency. At the office of Tate Kirk, MD, located in White Plains, New York, Dr. Kirk offers advanced treatments for symptomatic uterine fibroids, helping women relieve symptoms and enjoy better health. To schedule a uterine fibroid consultation, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors or growths that form in the uterus during a woman’s childbearing years. They may grow within or outside the uterine lining and can be divided into three categories based on location:

• Intramural fibroids (the most common type) are located in the uterine wall
• Submucosal fibroids are located in the lining of the uterus
• Subserosal fibroids that grow on the outside wall of the uterus

Although not as common as intramural fibroids, submucosal fibroids tend to cause the most pain, as well as heavy menstrual bleeding.

Are fibroids cancerous?

Fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous). In less than 0.1% of women with fibroids, cancer may be detected; however, this cancer does not arise from already existing fibroids. Having a fibroid also won’t increase your chance of contracting other types of cancer.

What symptoms do fibroids cause?

Some women may have few or no noticeable symptoms associated with their fibroids, but when symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• A feeling of fullness and pain in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Anemia

Fibroids can occur at any age, but are most common in women between 40 and 50. They are three times more common in African-American women than in white women.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Fibroids may be diagnosed based on your history, symptoms, and the results of a physical examination.  Your doctor may perform an ultrasound, diagnostic imaging, or use a minimally invasive procedure called hysteroscopy. Your provider may also confirm the diagnosis through lab work, MRI, and laparoscopy.

How can fibroids be treated?

Fibroids that don’t cause symptoms typically don’t require any treatment, but it might be good to monitor them regularly. Fibroids that cause symptoms like abnormal bleeding, or those that grow rapidly or exert pressure on the organs can be treated in several ways, including:

• Medications to limit further growth
• Surgery to remove the fibroids through the vagina and cervix or through an incision made in the abdomen
• Hysterectomy to remove some or all of the uterus
• Open surgical techniques that use larger incisions to treat multiple and large fibroids

Women who have open surgery to remove fibroids may require C-sections if they become pregnant in the future. Your treatment may also depend on your age, symptoms, size, and location of the fibroid. For women who think they might want a noninvasive treatment option, there is also the option of uterine fibroid embolization, which is a procedure that treats fibroids without surgery.

If you’d like to learn more about this safe and non-surgical treatment option, call Tate Kirk, MD, or request an appointment online today.