Hi there! It’s Dr. Dawne, Chicago’s own board-certified OBGYN. My mission is to help women of all ages optimize their health, so they can reach their personal next best.
- Fibroids are usually benign: Fibroids are composed of the muscle and fibrous cells of the uterus that grow quickly to form a mass. Over 99% of fibroids are non-cancerous. They can form in various locations in the uterus: such as the walls of the uterus (intramural), just under the top surface of the uterus (subserosal), or just under the uterine lining (submucosal).
- Not all fibroids are symptomatic: Over 20% of women are affected by fibroids, and most have no symptoms at all. Those that do have symptoms, typically report backache, heavy, painful periods, painful sex, frequent urination, constipation and, with large fibroids, discomfort and swelling in the lower abdomen. Typically, larger fibroids are more symptomatic, but size does not always correlate with symptoms.
- Fibroids don’t AUTOMATICALLY require surgical treatment: There are a variety of medical options available to relieve some of the symptoms of fibroids. These can be quite effective in small to medium sized fibroids. Common medications such as ibuprofen and Naprosyn, can decrease the amount of bleeding during the menstrual cycle, and can decrease the severity of cramping during that time as well. Oral contraceptive pills can also decrease the amount of bleeding and cramping during the menstrual cycle, and can help regulate the cycle as well. The progesterone releasing IUD (intrauterine device) can help relieve symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding. Finally, GnRHA (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist) injections decreased the body’s production of estrogen, which can shrink the fibroids. GnRHA have short-term use only, such as just before surgery.
The key is to discuss your symptoms with your physician, so an appropriate care plan can be created for you.
If you’ve found this information to valuable, please visit my website, DrDawneObGyn.com, for more fun info, and where you can download my free audiobook “Conversations on Contraception”. You can also follow me @ DrDawneObGyn on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!
