Uterine fibroids are among the main health complications affecting women globally. Therefore, if you endure fibroids in McDonough, know that you are not alone. The good news is that fibroids are mainly benign, and treatment options are available. Through conservative and minimally invasive procedures, you can get rid of the noncancerous growths and lead a quality life. You must seek regular well-woman exams since fibroids may or may not cause symptoms. Although fibroids are noncancerous, they can be very painful, disrupting your life. Here is more information about fibroids.

Fibroids Differ in Size and Shape

Fibroids have no specific shape or size since they can be tiny or grow large to the extent of affecting the shape and size of your uterus. They also develop in different locations around your uterus. Medical experts classify the fibroids according to location, classifying intramural fibroids as those that develop within your uterine wall. Those that protrude into your uterine cavity are called submucosa, while those projecting outward from the uterus are known as subserosal fibroids.

You Might Not Experience Symptoms

Though many people know fibroids cause painful symptoms; this might not always be the case. You can develop fibroids without symptoms and only get surprised when your doctor discovers them during your regular exam. That is why it is crucial to stick to your annual exam routine. Depending on their location, your doctor can feel the fibroids during your pelvic exam. But when they cause symptoms, fibroids can disrupt your life through heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, longer periods, constipation, frequent urination, and bowel movement complications. You can experience heavy bleeding with fibroids such that your anemia risks spike.

Diagnostic Tests are Necessary

When you have fibroid symptoms or suspect you have the condition, it is crucial to undertake diagnostic studies further to evaluate your condition. Advanced imaging tests like ultrasound are recommended to outline the size and location of the fibroids. Your provider might recommend a hysteroscopy to examine your uterine wall, hysterosonography to obtain images of submucosal fibroids, magnetic resonance, or hysterosalpingography. This test also guides your provider on the best approach to address your symptoms and manage the fibroids.

The Cause of Fibroids Remains a Mystery

Several factors like family history, the onset of menstruation, some diets, obesity, and alcohol use increase the chances of developing fibroids. However, experts still do not understand precisely what causes the growth. Several theories have been put in place to explain the occurrence of fibroids, but they are not enough. The fibroids develop from your uterine muscular tissue but have a different genetic profile, unlike other normal uterine tissues.

There are Several Ways to Manage Fibroids

A hysterectomy is mainly required when dealing with fibroids. But that does not mean it is the only treatment available for the condition. With the advancements in technology, less drastic techniques can now be employed to treat benign growths. Certain medications can be prescribed to manipulate your hormones to control symptoms like heavy bleeding. Although the medications might not eliminate the fibroids, they will shrink them. A less invasive laparoscopy can also be employed where the fibroids affect your fertility. The treatment aims at surgically removing the fibroids but has more benefits than traditional open surgery.

At Ideal Gynecology, your fibroids specialist can help you understand more about noncancerous growths. Book your consultation appointment if you are at a higher risk of developing the condition or have symptoms attributed to fibroids.