What are fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular, typically noncancerous, tumors that grow in your uterus. These tumors can grow inside your uterus, on the outer surface of your uterus, or within the uterine wall. Some even grow from a stem or stalk attached to your uterus.
It’s possible to have only one fibroid or many at the same time. Fibroids range in size from an apple seed to a softball but may become even larger in rare cases.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Most fibroids don’t cause any symptoms at all. Women who have symptoms of fibroids may experience the following:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Painful sex
- Back or leg pain
Fibroids that grow large can cause abdominal swelling or bloating. In rare cases, fibroids can cause problems getting pregnant, or infertility.
How do fibroids affect pregnancy?
Most women with fibroids have healthy, successful pregnancies. However, fibroids do increase your risk of developing problems during pregnancy and childbirth. The most common fibroid-related problems with pregnancy include:
- Preterm delivery
- Need for a Caesarean section
- Breech baby
Dr. Shoman has extensive experience in managing high-risk pregnancies and works with you to ensure the best experience possible.
How do you diagnose and treat fibroids?
Dr. Shoman may discover you have fibroids during a routine well-woman visit. He may be able to feel a fibroid during your pelvic exam. If so, he can confirm a diagnosis with an ultrasound.
If you have mild fibroid symptoms, Dr. Shoman may recommend medications for treatment. For moderate to severe fibroid symptoms, he may recommend surgery to remove the fibroids.
Dr. Shoman is skilled in the most advanced minimally invasive gynecologic procedures, such as:
Myomectomy
This procedure removes the fibroids while leaving the healthy tissue of your uterus intact. This option allows you to have children after the fibroids are removed.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy involves removing your entire uterus. This is the most effective way to cure fibroids and may be necessary when the tumors are very large.
Dr. Shoman offers laparoscopic and robotic-assisted options for both of these procedures. Laparoscopic surgery involves inserting a thin, lighted instrument with a camera through a tiny incision, eliminating the need for open surgery.
