Fibroids Specialist

New England Women's Healthcare

OBGYNs located in Woburn, MA & Wilmington, MA

As many as 80% of women experience uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, with many not even knowing it. If you have fibroids with uncomfortable symptoms, the expert team of OB/GYNs at New England Women’s Healthcare in Woburn, Wakefield, and Wilmington, Massachusetts, is available to help. To learn more about evaluation and diagnosis of uterine fibroids, schedule an appointment with the doctors online or by calling the office.

Fibroids Q & A

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop within your uterus. Fibroids range in size – they can be as small as a seed or as large as a grapefruit. You can have just one fibroid or many. The clinical name for fibroids is myoma or leiomyoma.

In the vast majority of cases, fibroids don’t become cancerous or pose an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Women with fibroids usually don’t even know they have them unless they’re detected during a routine pelvic exam. But, some women do experience complications and symptoms as a result of fibroids.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Many of the symptoms of uterine fibroids look like symptoms of other gynecological or pelvic conditions. You should get an evaluation if you suspect anything is wrong.

Uterine fibroids may cause symptoms that include:

Pelvic pain or pressure
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Constipation
Back or leg pain
Trouble with urination

Seek a consultation at New England Women’s Healthcare if you experience any of these symptoms to rule out fibroids or another gynecological cause.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed and treated?

If you have abnormal bleeding, you may undergo blood tests to rule out other potential causes. Ultrasound tests can identify fibroids and evaluate their size and location.

Fibroids don’t always need immediate treatment, especially if they’re causing no symptoms. The doctors at New England Women’s Healthcare may recommend regular ultrasounds to evaluate whether the fibroids are increasing in size and for you to monitor symptoms.

If you have symptomatic fibroids, especially that cause heavy bleeding, you may benefit from hormonal supplementation or medications to block your normal hormone production.

The doctors may also recommend a treatment that cuts off the blood supply that drives the fibroids. This can be accomplished by using an electric current or cold temperatures to close the blood vessels.

In some cases, surgical removal is the best treatment option. During a laparoscopic procedure, the fibroid or entire uterus is removed. You may also require open surgery to successfully treat your fibroids.

If you suspect you have uterine fibroids, call the office or schedule an appointment online.

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