Fibroids Specialists

Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility

Obstetrics and Gynecologist located in Inner Richmond & Lakeside neighborhoods, San Francisco, CA

Fibroids often lead to pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and even infertility in some cases. If you have a history of fibroids or are experiencing symptoms, you can schedule your fibroid evaluation through the website or call the San Francisco office location nearest to you directly.

Fibroids Q & A

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in your uterus, usually during your childbearing years. Medically known as leiomyomas, fibroids are abnormal growths, but they don’t increase your risk of uterine cancer.

What’s interesting about uterine fibroids is that doctors don’t understand what causes them. However, clinical research suggests that the following factors are to blame:

Presence of certain growth factors, such as an insulin-like growth factor
Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations
Abnormal genetic changes
Family history of fibroids
Vitamin D deficiency
Obesity

The risk of developing fibroids is also higher among patients who are of African American descent.

Do fibroids cause symptoms?

Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms. Some patients are unaware they have fibroids until they have a screening for another issue, such as infertility. Other times though, fibroids cause a wide variety of symptoms, including:

Painful periods
Frequent urination
Pain during intercourse
Heavy uterine bleeding
Full feeling in your pelvic area

Although you can certainly become pregnant when you have fibroids, in some cases, fibroids lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. For instance, your risk of needing a Cesarean section is greater if you have fibroids. In any case, if any of these symptoms are affecting you, come in to Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility for a fibroid evaluation.

How does an OB/GYN treat fibroids?

If your fibroids aren’t bothering you, your OB/GYN at Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility may recommend watching and observing them over time. If you do have fibroid-related symptoms, your OB/GYN may recommend:

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist medications
Over-the-counter pain medications
Iron supplements (to treat anemia)
Hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Low-dose birth control pills
Progesterone-line injections

For moderate-to-severe fibroid issues, surgery may be the best option. Your OB/GYN at Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility may recommend a myomectomy to remove the fibroids without damaging healthy uterine tissues.

But in advanced stages, you may need an endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. These procedures are only an option as a last resort, since you won’t be able to become pregnant afterward.

Before struggling with fibroid symptoms another day, see how the OB/GYNs at Lakeside Obstetrics, Gynecology & Fertility can help. Schedule your appointment online or by phone with either clinic today.