Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are common growths of muscle tissue in your uterus. Doctors call uterine fibroids by the medical term leiomyoma, or just "myoma." Nearly all fibroids aren’t cancerous, and many don't cause any symptoms whatsoever. 

Fibroids can be tiny or as large as a grapefruit. Larger fibroids may cause discomfort, interfere with organ function, or cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms.

Signs that you might have a fibroid include:

• Bleeding
• Painful periods
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain

You may need to urinate more often if you have a fibroid. Fibroids also may cause pregnancy complications and rarely may be linked to infertility.

What causes fibroids?

The precise cause of fibroids isn't entirely clear, but scientists believe that your hormone levels may play a role. Two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, both influence the growth of fibroids. For example, fibroids may grow rapidly during pregnancy, when your hormone levels are high.

Conversely, fibroids shrink when you're on anti-hormone medication. 

Fibroids also tend to run in families. You might have a higher risk if your mother had fibroids. 

What are the available treatments for fibroids?

At North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics, Dr. Hildahl tailors your treatment to your condition. He performs a physical exam and recommends an ultrasound to evaluate the growth and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Ultrasound is conveniently available onsite.

If the fibroid is causing pain or heavy bleeding, he often begins by recommending medical management. For example, hormonal birth control can address heavy bleeding, while a drug called a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist can shrink fibroids and stop your period.

For advanced cases, he may suggest surgical or minimally invasive treatments, such as:

• Uterine artery embolization
• Myomectomy
• Hysteroscopy
• Hysterectomy

Some treatments for fibroids affect your ability to become pregnant. Discuss with Dr. Hildahl whether you’d like to have children in the future and if pregnancy is a goal. He listens to you and then designs an integrative treatment plan for your fibroids to promote your overall well-being and your dreams of having a family, if applicable.

If you're experiencing the symptoms of fibroids, call today or book an evaluation consultation online with Dr. Hildahl at North Naples Gynecology and Obstetrics.