Fibroids Specialist
Associated Obstetrics and Gynecology
Gynecologists & Obstetricians located in Clarkston, MI & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Uterine fibroids are very common, affecting as many as 80% of women at some point in their lives. For those in and around Bloomfield Hills and Clarkston, Michigan, who encounter troublesome symptoms, the team at Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology can deliver relief. To learn more about diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids, schedule a visit today. You can set up your appointment online or by phone.
Fibroids Q & A
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscle tissues within your uterus. You can have one fibroid or many, and they can range in size from so tiny they can’t be seen with the human eye to so large they can significantly expand your uterus. Fibroids are also called leiomyoma or myoma.
Fibroids won’t become cancerous, and having fibroids does not increase your risk of uterine cancer. Many women aren’t even aware they have fibroids until they’re detected during a pelvic exam. For some, however, fibroids present troublesome symptoms.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
The symptoms of uterine fibroids mimic those of many other gynecologic conditions, which is why it’s so important to come in for a diagnostic exam if you encounter any of these changes. The more common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Aching back or legs
- Frequent need to urinate, or trouble fully emptying bladder
- Constipation
These symptoms tend to persist over time, so be sure to seek treatment as soon as possible.
What is the protocol for diagnosing and treating fibroids?
The Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology team can order blood tests to check for anemia and rule out other potential causes for abnormal bleeding. Ultrasound is commonly used to look for signs of fibroids and determine their size and location. Other diagnostic tools include MRI and hysteroscopy, a procedure that uses a light and camera to view the interior of your uterus to check for abnormalities.
Some fibroids don’t need immediate treatment, and a period of watchful waiting is recommended. Another approach involves using hormonal supplementation or medications that block your natural hormone production. These medications ease heavy bleeding.
One of the most common treatment approaches focuses on cutting off the blood supply that feeds fibroids. There are several ways to accomplish that goal, including injecting tiny particles into the blood vessels or using electric current or cold temperatures to close blood vessels.
In some cases, surgical removal is the best treatment path. Fibroids can often be removed in a laparoscopic procedure, but traditional open surgery is sometimes the only way to remove larger fibroids.
To explore these and other treatment options, schedule your Associated Obstetrics & Gynecology visit today, online or by phone.