Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths made up of muscular and fibrous connective tissue found in the uterus. They’re very common, affecting 20-80% of women of childbearing age. 

Fibroids vary in size and number. Some women have fibroids as small as a strawberry seed, while others have fibroids larger than a cantaloupe. They may have one fibroid or multiple fibroids in varying sizes.

Researchers are still investigating what causes fibroids but theorize that hormones and genetics play a role in their development. Fibroids are more common in women before menopause and tend to run in families.

I feel normal. How do I know I have fibroids?

Most fibroids don’t cause any symptoms, which means you can have the noncancerous tumors and not know it. Your gynecologist may find fibroids during your annual well-woman exam and then confirm a diagnosis following an ultrasound.

Not everyone with fibroids is symptom-free. Fibroids can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or an enlarged abdomen. Depending on the size and location, fibroids may also make it hard for a woman to get pregnant.

What are the treatments for fibroids?

Treatment for fibroids depends on your symptoms.

If your fibroids don’t bother you, your gynecologist may only monitor the tumor with periodic office visits and ultrasound tests. If you have symptoms, you may take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication for discomfort and hormonal birth control to decrease menstrual bleeding.

You can also have surgery to remove the fibroid (myomectomy) or your uterus (hysterectomy). But with advances in surgical technology, you have less invasive fibroid treatment options, including radiofrequency ablation and Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). 

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to destroy fibroid tissue, shrinking the tumor without damaging the uterine tissue.  

Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire performs ablations onsite. 

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)?

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small particles to block the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. It’s an effective treatment for women with a few or multiple fibroids.

Both radiofrequency ablation and UFE are minimally invasive treatment options that can alleviate your symptoms without surgery or a prolonged recovery.

Call Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about their fibroid treatment options.