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Fibroids Specialist

Physicians For Women El Paso Our Services Fibroids

Physicians For Women El Paso

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in El Paso, TX

Uterine fibroids are extremely common, but are usually harmless and cause no symptoms. If you have symptoms that suggest a fibroid, however, or one that’s large and potentially concerning shows up on an ultrasound, the staff at Physicians for Women El Paso is available to help with evaluation and treatment. With an office located in El Paso, Texas, women in the area can call to schedule an appointment or book online to have issues with fibroids successfully resolved.

Fibroids Q & A

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors that grow on your uterus. They vary in size and location, and some are so small that they can’t even be seen without magnification. However, some uterine fibroids can grow so large that they distort the size of the uterus.

Fibroids usually show up in women in their 30s and 40s and shrink with menopause.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Much of the time, uterine fibroids cause no symptoms. But in some women, fibroids can be quite disruptive and painful. Symptoms may include:

  • Low back pain or pelvic pain
  • Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Painful intercourse
  • Frequent urination

In some cases, a fibroid is large enough to be felt by your physician during an examination.

What causes uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they do seem to have a genetic component. Hormone activity fuels the growth of fibroids, which is why they’re most common during a woman’s reproductive years. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones responsible for the thickening of the lining of your uterus each month; they can also contribute to the development and growth of fibroids.

How are fibroids treated?

If a fibroid is detected but isn’t causing symptoms, you may just be monitored to ensure the fibroid doesn’t grow too large and to make sure that additional ones aren’t developing. If you have a large fibroid or fibroids are causing uncomfortable symptoms, treatments are available. These include anti-inflammatory painkillers to reduce discomfort or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists which essentially put you into medical menopause.

At Physicians for Women El Paso, you may also undergo minimally invasive surgery to remove a fibroid. This surgery, known as a myomectomy, is usually done laparoscopically with small incisions and fast recovery. The fibroid is removed, but your uterus and other reproductive organs are left intact.

In cases of extremely large or recurrent fibroids, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy.

If you’re concerned that you may have a uterine fibroid, call the office of Physicians for Women El Paso or book an appointment online.

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