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