Category: Fibroids

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Fibroids

Fibroids: Myth vs. Fact

Receiving a diagnosis of fibroids can be a little unnerving, especially with the misinformation that is out there. So let’s take a look at some of the misinformation about uterine fibroids, and get to the truth by looking at the facts.

Myth #1: Uterine Fibroids are cancerous growths.

FACT: Often after getting diagnosed with uterine fibroids, the first question patients ask is “Are the fibroids cancerous?” Fortunately for all, the answer is no. Fibroids are benign growths and are not linked to uterine cancer.

MYTH #2: If the symptoms of having fibroids aren’t that bad, it’s best to just keep an eye on things, and wait it out.

FACT: Fibroids can be very unpredictable, and in some cases, holding off on treatment can lead to serious consequences. Fibroids can grow quickly, and the heavy blood loss they cause each month is not only uncomfortable, but it can create a high risk of becoming anemic.

MYTH #3: Once fibroids are removed, they’re gone forever.

FACT: It is possible that new fibroids will develop, which is why it is important to follow up with your physician on a regular basis. If the fibroids are recurring, you may need to try a different kind of treatment, which your doctor will discuss with you.

MYTH #4: If you have fibroids, you can’t get pregnant or stay pregnant.

FACT: Not all fibroids affect your fertility, and there isn’t a strong link between infertility and fibroids. In fact, many women with fibroids have healthy pregnancies. That being said, if fibroids are causing fertility issues, treating them can definitely be helpful.

MYTH #5: Hysterectomy is the only treatment option for uterine fibroids.

FACT: Absolutely not. Thanks to medical advances, there are several minimally invasive alternatives to a hysterectomy. In the past, a hysterectomy was often the only option for women with uterine fibroids, but today that is absolutely not the case.

If you have any questions about uterine fibroids or their treatment of them, please call us today at MidAtlantic Fibroid Care, at 301-622-5360.

Categories
Fibroids

Diagnosed with fibroids?

It is estimated that around 26 million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids.

It is estimated that around 26 million women in the United States between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. And of these 26 million, roughly half will experience associated symptoms and health concerns. Fortunately for all, fibroids are treatable.

So what exactly is a fibroid?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. These growths are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. Sometimes fibroids are solitary, but it is also common to have multiple ones.

Uterine fibroids range in size. Some are so tiny that they are undetectable by the human eye alone. While others can be large enough to distort and enlarge the uterus.

How can I tell if I have a fibroid?

When a woman has a fibroid, it is most often discovered during a routine pelvic exam or imaging procedures performed for other reasons. If the fibroid or fibroids do not cause any symptoms, pain, or discomfort, and are not affecting fertility- then they usually do not require treatment. However, when symptoms are present, these can be managed with medications, surgery, and by using minimally invasive techniques.

Some of the symptoms associated with fibroids are: • Unusually heavy period • Long than normal periods • Bleeding in between periods • Pressure and pain in the pelvis • Frequent urination • Lower back pain • Pain during intercourse • Difficulty conceiving

Though some women may need to have the fibroids surgically removed, more often than not, they can be eliminated using a technique known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization. This non-invasive process treats the fibroids by inserting a small catheter into the wrist, then by using x-ray technology, the catheter is guided into the blood vessels supplying the fibroids. Small gelatin beads are then released into the blood vessels, creating a blockage.

A blockage? Isn’t that dangerous?

No, in this case, it is not. Unlike a blockage to the heart or other vital organs, this particular blockage is only cutting off the blood supply to the fibroid. The results are remarkable, for, without the fibroids being able to receive vital nutrients through the blood, they can not survive.

Does this sound too good to be true?

It’s not. In fact, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, the success rate of uterine fibroid embolization is up to 95%.

The bottom line is, if you are diagnosed with having fibroids, it’s ok, and you are going to be just fine. You are not alone, and treatment is readily available. No one deserves to live with the physical discomfort associated with fibroids, so please do not hesitate to take action, and set up your appointment today.

For more information about fibroid diagnosis and treatment, or to schedule an appointment, please do not hesitate to call us at MidAtlantic Fibroid Care, at 301-622-5360.