What are fibroids, And why are they important?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, affect more than 70% of women in the United States by age 50. If you’re experiencing severe cramping and heavy periods, schedule a fibroid evaluation at Garden OB/GYN in Forest Hills (Austin Street) today. With ten state-of-the-art locations available throughout Midtown West, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side of Manhattan, as well as Forest Hills, Garden City, Lake Success, Massapequa, Commack, and Cedarhurst, New York, you have a clinic nearby. Book your uterine fibroid exam online or call your nearest clinic.
Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas, are growths that develop in the wall of your uterus. They’re usually benign (noncancerous) and vary dramatically in both size and quantity. You can develop uterine fibroids due to: Family history of fibroids Hormonal fluctuations Pregnancy Fibroids aren’t well understood, but medical experts believe that these small growths develop when a single smooth muscular tissue cell repeatedly divides, until the firm, rubbery mass forms.
Not always. Some women don’t even know they have uterine fibroids until they have a pelvic exam or ultrasound. In many cases, uterine fibroids are discovered during an exam when a woman complains of abnormally heavy periods. Sometimes fibroids can also lead to: Constant feeling of fullness Pain during intercourse Pelvic pain or pressure Lower back pain Frequent urination Occasionally, uterine fibroids can even affect your fertility. If you’re struggling to get pregnant or stay pregnant, your practitioner at Garden OB/GYN may evaluate you to see if you have fibroids.
Gynecologic cancers can develop in your cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva, and breasts.
Absolutely. If your fibroids aren’t causing any problems, your OB/GYN may suggest monitoring them regularly to see if they grow before providing treatment. Usually, fibroids develop very slowly and shrink after menopause, so treatment isn’t always necessary. But if pain and heavy periods — or even fertility — are lowering your quality of life, your dedicated physician at Garden OB/GYN may recommend treatment. Your uterine fibroid treatment can include:
In addition to gynecologic cancer prevention or other adverse consequences of fibroids, we also realize the importance of complete cancer screening at Garden OB/GYN in Forest Hills (Austin Street).