Women may fear they have cancer when learning they have one or more muscular tumors in their uterus. However, in reality this is just one of many myths associated with fibroids.
At Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, our experienced board-certified physicians provide women of all ages with compassionate, personalized care for their gynecological and obstetrical needs.
With offices in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut, our practice can provide help, whether you're experiencing a health concern like fibroids or are pregnant with a baby.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop either on their own or as part of a cluster in the uterus' primary cavity, on its wall, or outer surface. The specific experience varies from woman to woman, but once you get past the myths, the facts remain the same for everyone.
Fact: Fibroids affect anywhere from 20 to 80 percent of women by age 50. They are most common during the childbearing years, especially from the 30s to early 50s. Fibroids typically shrink after menopause.
Fact: Some women have fibroids but no symptoms, so they do not even know they have one or more. Others may experience heavy menstrual bleeding and pain, as well as periods that are longer or occur more frequently.
Additional signs can be pressure or pain in the pelvic area, stomach, or lower back, or during intercourse. Urination issues, constipation, and an enlarged abdomen may also occur.
The way that a woman's body reacts to fibroids often depends on their location, size, and number.
Fact: Fibroids are almost always benign, with a risk of less than one in 1,000 being cancerous. They do not raise a woman's risk of other types of cancer in the uterus either.
Fact: Women who are not experiencing symptoms may not need treatment. Their doctor may monitor them during regular exams.
Fact: There are a variety of treatment options for fibroids. Some considerations include their size and location, if a woman wants to become pregnant in the future, how close she is to menopause, and if she is having symptoms.
Medications include over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and, if bleeding is heavy, iron supplements. Patients may also consider low-dose birth control pills and other progesterone-containing options like an injection or IUD. Another medication, gonadotropin, which releases hormone agonists (GnRHa), may also be recommended for shorter-term use.
Multiple surgical options for treatment are less invasive than a hysterectomy, which can include removing or destroying just the fibroids or performing an endometrial ablation to address the lining of the uterus.
Treatment for fibroids depends on your symptoms and health specifics. We partner with our patients and work together to determine the best course of action.
Click to book an appointment online or call the Westport office at 203-227-5125, the Fairfield office at 203-335-9633, or the Norwalk office at 203-840-1507 today.
