Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are abnormal growths that develop in the muscular structures of the uterus, and the characteristics of the growths vary significantly between women. According to a report by the National Institute of Health, most women in the United States will develop fibroids by the time they reach 50 years old. Although the growths are benign (non-cancerous) and may not always require medical interventions, some women may develop complications if the condition is not treated. As part of your general gynecological care, we recommend routine pelvic exams as the best way to know if you have these types of uterine growths. You should also be familiar with the symptoms of the condition.
How Do I Know If I Have Fibroids?
Most cases of leiomyomas occur in women between the ages of 30 and 40 years old. Compared to Caucasian women, African American women experience fibroids more often, and the abnormal growths tend to develop more quickly and earlier in life.
Contact Columbus Women’s Care to schedule a gynecological exam if you experience:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Discomfort during sexual
- Difficult bowel movements
- Changes in urination
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
- Changes in menstrual cycle
Anemia, infertility, and changes in the size of your abdomen or uterus may indicate that you have the leiomyomas.
Treatments for Leiomyomas
Being diagnosed with leiomyomas may feel overwhelming, but rest assured that Columbus Women’s Care offers the highest quality care available. We recommend the most conservative approach at first, such as medications to alleviate your symptoms and possibly reduce the size of the uterine growths. Some cases do require myomectomy, a surgery that removes the growths. If you develop new fibroids or if your symptoms worsen, we may recommend a hysterectomy. We understand how difficult it may be for a woman to undergo this type of surgery, so it is typically reserved for cases in which other conservative therapies are less effective.
Interested in Learning More About Women’s Health? Contact Columbus Women’s Care.
For more information about the women’s health services that we offer, contact Columbus Women’s Care through our online patient portal, or you can call us directly at (614) 755-4200. Our three convenient offices are in Columbus, Canal Winchester and Lewis Center.
