Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in a woman’s uterus and vary in size and number. Fibroids are common in women.

Women of color are at greater risk of developing fibroids and more likely to have several fibroids at one time and experience more severe symptoms. 

You may also be at risk of developing fibroids if they run in your family, you’re over the age of 40, you’re obese, you have high blood pressure, or you’ve never been pregnant. 

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Not every woman with fibroids has symptoms. Many women may not realize they have the non-cancerous tumors until an annual well-woman exam uncovers them.

However, fibroids may cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms, such as:

• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Urinary incontinence

Fluctuating hormones may cause changes in the size of your fibroids and you may notice symptoms worsening during each menstrual cycle.

Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates encourages women who experience fibroid symptoms that disrupt their daily lives to schedule a consultation. 

How are fibroids diagnosed?

The team at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates diagnoses fibroids after completing a pelvic exam. 

To confirm your diagnosis and determine the size, location, and number of fibroids, your provider may request imaging tests such as ultrasounds or an MRI. 

How are fibroids treated?

Treatment for fibroids depends on the severity of your symptoms. 

If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are mild, your provider at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates may recommend hot compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. Cutting out processed foods may also ease symptoms.

The team may also prescribe medications that regulate your menstrual cycle and alleviate fibroid symptoms, such as hormonal birth control or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. 

Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates performs various procedures to treat fibroids, including:

Uterine artery embolization

During a uterine artery embolization, your provider injects small particles into the artery that supplies blood to the fibroid. The procedure stops the flow of blood to your fibroid, so it shrinks and dies over time.

MyoSure®  

MyoSure is a minimally invasive surgical technique that removes fibroids without removing your uterus. 

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is the surgical removal of your fibroid.

Hysterectomy

For women with severe complications from fibroids who have no future pregnancy plans, the team at Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates may recommend a hysterectomy (surgery that removes the uterus).  

Fibroids are a common and perplexing gynecological condition. To get help with your fibroid symptoms, call Atlanta Obstetrics & Gynecology Associates, or book an appointment online today.