Fibroids Doctor in Houston
Fibroids Specialist in Houston
Understanding Fibroids
Fibroids, also known as myomas or fibromyomas, are the most common non-cancerous tumors arising from the uterus. These growths affect up to 70% of the general population and are particularly prevalent among African American women, with up to 80% affected. The average uterus typically contains six to eight fibroids, which cause symptoms in 20-50% of women.
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop from the muscular walls of the uterus. Composed of muscle tissue, they can range in size from less than an inch to as large as a melon. These tumors start growing at puberty and gradually increase in size, nourished by hormones produced by the ovaries and the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. They are generally benign, with less than a 1% chance of malignancy. It is estimated that three out of four women in Houston and across the country have fibroids, and one out of three women require treatment.
Types of Fibroids
Fibroids can be classified by their location in the uterus:
- Subserosal: Located on the outer wall of the uterus.
- Intramural: Embedded within the uterine wall.
- Submucosal: Found just beneath the lining of the uterine cavity.
- Intracavitary: Located inside the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of Fibroids
Fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Pain and heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility
- Abdominal distention
- Urinary frequency
- Complicated pregnancies, including increased risk of preterm labor, miscarriage, and compromised fetal growth
Diagnosis of Fibroids
Fibroids can be diagnosed and located using non-invasive or minimally invasive techniques such as ultrasonography, hysterosonography, or office hysteroscopy. These methods utilize sound waves to create clear images of the uterus, with 3-D ultrasound providing detailed information about the location and volume of each fibroid. Office hysteroscopy allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity.
Treatment Options
Several treatment options are available for managing fibroids:
- Medication: Medications can alleviate symptoms and slow the growth of fibroids, but symptoms typically return when treatment stops.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Procedures such as laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery, robotic-assisted myomectomy, and vaginal surgery can effectively remove fibroids.
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): This technique cuts off blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and become inactive.
Fibroids and Pregnancy
Our team can evaluate and monitor fibroids to assess their impact on pregnancy, offering expert care and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are uterine fibroids? Fibroid tumors are common, benign growths of the uterus, affecting 70-80% of women. They are more frequent in African American women and have a genetic link.
Are uterine fibroids cancerous? Fibroids are almost always benign, with less than a 1% chance of becoming cancerous.
What causes uterine fibroids? The exact cause is unclear, but heredity and the presence of estrogen play roles in their formation and growth.
How long have I had them? Fibroids develop from cells present at birth and grow after puberty with hormonal stimulation.
What is the difference between fibroid and myoma? There is no difference; they are two names for the same condition.
Do I need surgery to treat them? Not necessarily. Treatment depends on symptoms and personal circumstances, and many women may opt for a “watch and wait” approach.
If I have surgery, how long before I can go back to work? Recovery time varies. A hysteroscopic myomectomy allows return to work the next day, while a hysterectomy may require six to eight weeks.
Fibroids Doctor in Houston