Uterine fibroids are growths of connective and muscular tissue that lie within or around the uterus. They can vary greatly in size and are most common in women between 30-40 years old. An estimated 80% of women will have them at some point during their lifetimes.
Fibroids are typically discovered during a routine ultrasound or annual exam with your OB/GYN. Sometimes, the physical symptoms of fibroids are disruptive enough to prompt their discovery sooner rather than later, but many women remain asymptomatic.
If you are one of the women who experience problematic symptoms from uterine fibroids, which may include pain, pressure, swelling, and painful intercourse, you may be confused about what’s true and what’s not about the condition. With over thirty years of experience in successfully diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids, Dr. John Paciuc believes proper patient care is provided by keeping patients well-informed. Read on to learn more about fibroids and what you can do about them.
Dispel the myths and learn the facts
When it comes to our health, we tend to fear the worst. Fortunately, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous and are usually nothing to worry about other than any symptoms they might cause. Although learning you have tumors may be frightening, these growths are benign and will not require cancer treatment.
In addition, fibroids aren’t always the cause of fertility issues. Difficulty getting or staying pregnant can be caused by fibroids, but that’s not the norm. Talk with your doctor about what other factors might be influencing your difficulty to conceive.
Treatment is not always necessary
Fibroids are exceedingly common, but in most cases, physical symptoms of fibroids do not manifest themselves and most women with fibroids require little to no treatment whatsoever.
More often than not, treatment for fibroids does not require a hysterectomy. If fibroids are causing symptoms that disrupt your daily activities, or if the symptoms are pausing your biological clock, treatment will be necessary. Treatment options can include medication, Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), or an IUD. Discuss these options with your OB/GYN to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Symptoms are not universal
While fibroids are believed to have genetic links, not all symptoms are the same for everyone, and you should discuss your unique set with your doctor. If you are struggling with fertility, or are experiencing other symptoms attributed to uterine fibroids, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Here at Dr. Paciuc’s office in Manhattan, we will provide you with patient-centric care and individualized treatment plans that suit your individual needs. Schedule your appointment or give us a call at 212-737-3356 to go over your treatment options for uterine fibroids.
