A recent study indicated that at least 70% of women develop fibroids by age 50 and experience painful symptoms. Dr. Cindy Basinski and Dr. Rupal Juran of Basinski & Juran, MDs, in Newburgh, Indiana, are board-certified in gynecology and urogynecology. They expertly treat all types of fibroids so you can get relief from cramping, pelvic pressure, and back pain. If you’re in Evansville, Indiana, or the surrounding communities, call or schedule an appointment online today.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are common growths that occur in and around the uterus. They can grow to be large and very painful. Many women experience uncomfortable symptoms, but for others, there aren’t any symptoms at all.
These muscular tumors grow in the wall of your uterus. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or “myoma” and they’re almost always benign. They range in size from being as tiny as a seed to as large as a grapefruit. You can have a single fibroid or several within your uterine walls.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
There are several different types of fibroids, and depending on how many you have and where they’re growing, you may have symptoms that include:
- Heavy bleeding during or between periods
- Painful menstrual cramping
- Prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain
- Lower back pain
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pressure or swelling in your lower abdomen
What causes fibroids?
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t known, but contributing factors include:
- Family history of fibroids
- Estrogen and progesterone produced by the ovaries
- Increased hormone production during pregnancy
How are fibroids treated?
Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran offer several different treatment options to shrink or remove fibroids. Prescription medications can sometimes shrink the fibroids, or cause your hormones to decrease production and stop your periods. Intrauterine devices may also help relieve symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain.
Minimally invasive procedures can effectively destroy fibroids, and include ultrasound surgery that uses sound waves to target the fibroids. Lasers, freezing, and endometrial ablation may also be effective treatment options. In some cases, if the fibroids don’t respond to other methods, Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran perform surgery to remove large fibroids.
With a myomectomy, it’s possible to remove the fibroids without removing your uterus. If you have a large number of fibroids, the doctors may recommend a hysterectomy to take care of existing growths and prevent new ones from developing.
Dr. Basinski and Dr. Juran consider all aspects of your health and well-being so they can determine the best treatment options for your specific condition and the extent of your fibroids. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn about your options.