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Uterine Fibroids services offered in Boca Raton, Boca Raton, FL
Uterine fibroid also known as leiomyomas are fairly common growths which are not cancerous and may be asymptomatic (without symptoms), or cause symptoms ranging from pelvic/abdominal discomfort to pregnancy issues.
Uterine Fibroids Q & A
What are the different types of fibroids?
There are different names given for the places your fibroids are located in and on the uterus. These names describe not only where the fibroid is, but how it’s attached. Specific locations where you can have uterine fibroids include:
- Submucosal fibroids: In this case, the fibroids are growing inside the uterine space (cavity) where a baby grows during pregnancy. Think of the growths extending down into the empty space in the middle of the uterus.
- Intramural fibroids: These fibroids are embedded into the wall of the uterus itself. Picture the sides of the uterus like walls of a house. The fibroids are growing inside this muscular wall.
- Subserosal fibroids: Located on the outside of the uterus this time, these fibroids are connected closely to the outside wall of the uterus.
- Pedunculated fibroids: The least common type, these fibroids are also located on the outside of the uterus. However, pedunculated fibroids are connected to the uterus with a thin stem. They’re often described as mushroom-like because they have a stalk and then a much wider top
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Symptoms will depend on the number of tumors you have as well as their location and size. For instance, submucosal fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.
If your tumor is very small or you’re going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during and after menopause. This is because women undergoing menopause are experiencing a drop in their levels of estrogen and progesterone, hormones that stimulate fibroid growth.
Symptoms of fibroids may include:
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots
- Lower backpain
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Increased urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Prolonged Menstruation
- Pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
- Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
Diagnosis
A doctor may suspect you have uterine fibroids just from feeling your uterus during a routine pelvic exam. If the shape of your uterus feels irregular or unusually large, they may order further tests, such as:
- Ultrasound: Ultrasounds use sound waves to take a picture of your uterus. A device is placed either in your vagina or on your abdomen to get the images. Then the doctor can see if you have fibroids and where and how large they are.
- Lab tests: The doctor may want you to have blood tests to help figure out why you have fibroids. Your complete blood count (CBC) can help to decide whether you have anemia (low levels of red blood cells) or other bleeding disorders.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): If the doctor needs more information after you have an ultrasound, you may also have an MRI. MRIs show more detailed images of fibroids and can help doctors decide the best treatment.
Natural Treatments for Uterine Fibroids
Taking a holistic approach to health care addresses the underlying source of your conditions for effective healing and relief. For uterine fibroids treatment, holistic medicine options and natural solutions can help to reduce your pain and prevent your fibroids from worsening. Optimizing Hormone levels, detoxifying diet, and medical nutrition all have been found to be effective treatment modalities with uterine fibroids.