Quick Links
Fibroids or uterine fibroids are one of the most common types of noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. While they are often not an issue and don’t need treatment, when they do cause symptoms, they can be quite severe. At MAIA in Downers Grove, we offer a wide range of treatment options to ensure you receive the relief you deserve.
What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in or on the walls of the uterus. They are almost always benign and don’t always come with symptoms. They can also develop as a single tumor, or there can be multiple fibroids in the uterus. The size can differ greatly from person to person.
There are also different types of uterine fibroids. They include:
- Intramural fibroids: These fibroids are embedded into the muscular wall of your uterus and are the most common type.
- Submucosal fibroids: These grow under the inner lining of the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids: This type grows under the lining of the outer surface of the uterus and can become very large.
- Pedunculated fibroids: This is the least common type of fibroid and attaches to the uterus via a stalk or stem
What Causes Fibroids?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but some factors can play a role in their development. Some of the risk factors for fibroids include:
- Changes in hormone levels
- Family history of fibroids
- Eating habits: Eating lots of red meat can increase the risk of fibroids
- Age: Fibroids are more common in women ages 30 and up until menopause.
- Weight: Women who are overweight are more likely to develop fibroids
- Ethnicity: Black women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.
#1 GROUP OF GYNECOLOGISTS IN THE CHICAGO AREA!
Renowned Expertise
Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell are renowned for their exceptional expertise and dedication to patient care. Their comprehensive knowledge and innovative approaches have consistently led to outstanding treatment outcomes. Patients and colleagues alike deeply appreciate their commitment to advancing medical practice and improving patient well-being.
Meet The Team
What to Expect with Fibroids
While many people don’t experience symptoms with fibroids, some do, and the symptoms can include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Painful periods
- A feeling of fullness in the pelvic area
- Enlargement of the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sex
- Lower back pain
- Constipation
- A feeling of pressure on your rectum.
Fibroids Treatment Options
At MAIA, we offer a number of different diagnostic and treatment options for fibroids. Which one is right for you depends on the symptoms you’re experiencing, your overall health, and what your provider determines is best for your case.
Diagnosis
There are a few different ways to diagnose fibroids. Which one is used depends on your preferences and your symptoms:
- Ultrasonography: This noninvasive imaging test creates a picture of your uterus with sound waves and allows us to see where the fibroids are located.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test creates detailed images of your uterus using magnets and radio waves.
- CT scan: A CT scan uses X-ray images to make a detailed image of your internal organs from several angles.
- Hysteroscopy: Your provider will use a scope to look at fibroids inside your uterus. The scope is passed through your vagina and cervix and then moved into your uterus.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): This is a detailed X-ray where your provider injects contrast material and then takes X-rays of your uterus to see the fibroids
- Sonohysterography: With this procedure, your provider places a small catheter in your vagina and then injects saline into your uterus. This extra fluid helps create a clearer image of your uterus in order to see the fibroids more clearly.
- Laparoscopy: During this test, your provider will make a small cut (incision) in your lower abdomen. A thin and flexible tube with a camera on the end will be inserted to examine your uterus more closely.
Treatment
There are quite a few different treatment options for fibroids. Which one is right for you depends on your symptoms (if you have any), the size of the fibroids, and where they are located. Some of the treatment options simply address the symptoms, while others remove the fibroids entirely.
Some of your treatment options we offer at MAIA include the following:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications: If you’re experiencing mild to moderate pain, we recommend over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
- Iron supplements: If you have anemia from excess bleeding, we may also suggest adding an iron supplement to your daily routine.
- Birth control: Birth control, like IUDs, pills, and injections, can even out your hormones and help with heavy bleeding and cramps.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists: These medications work by shrinking fibroids. They can be used alone or to shrink the fibroid before surgery.
- Hysteroscopy: Your provider inserts a scope through your vagina and cervix and into your uterus. From there, they will cut away and remove the fibroid.
- Laparoscopy: In this procedure, your provider will use a scope to remove the fibroids. The incisions are placed along the abdomen to reach the fibroids. Unlike hysteroscopy, this procedure involves placing a few small incisions in your abdomen. This is how the scope will enter and exit your body.
- Laparotomy: During this procedure, your provider makes one larger incision in your abdomen and removes the fibroids.
- Hysterectomy: During this procedure, your provider will remove your uterus entirely. This is the only way to fully cure fibroids.
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to address uterine fibroids. It’s recommended for people who haven’t reached menopause and is often used on smaller fibroids.
Recovery
Your recovery from treating and/or removing thyroids depends on the treatment method used. Surgery will have a longer recovery period than medication or other nonsurgical options. Dr. Wolowick and Dr. Mitchell will give you more information during your consultation.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you ready to finally get some relief from your fibroid symptoms? Or perhaps you haven’t been diagnosed but suspect that’s the issue? Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wolowick or Dr. Mitchell today! As board-certified OB/GYNs, they will ensure your health is at its best! Call our Downers Grove, IL office at 630-320-6703 or complete our online contact form.
We happily serve the Aurora, Chicago, Downer’s Grove, and Naperville, IL areas.
