The right medical treatment for your uterine fibroids can resolve your symptoms and protect your reproductive system and general wellness. At Westchester Women’s Medical Healthcare, hard-working OB/GYN Sheila D. Pongnon, MD, and Arlie Massillon, PA, provide a range of solutions for fibroids from medications to lifestyle changes to innovative and minimally invasive surgical procedures. Don’t just push your reproductive health to the side and deal with complex symptoms when there are effective treatment options available. Call either office in Mount Vernon or Spring Valley, New York, today or schedule an appointment online.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that usually show up during childbearing years.
Fibroids vary in size from so tiny that they’re undetectable to the human eye, to bulky masses that can enlarge and distort the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids. In rare cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus to the point that it reaches the rib cage.
For some women, fibroids might have any symptoms at all, but some of the most common symptoms can include:
It’s always best to visit Westchester Women’s Medical Healthcare if you have concerning symptoms that are negatively impacting your daily life.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t clear, but it might be associated with:
Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing fibroids include:
Some fibroids can lead to complications, such as fertility problems or anemia from heavy blood loss.
Some fibroids won’t require treatment and go away on their own. Following a diagnosis with a discussion of your medical history, your provider might suggest any necessary testing, such as a pelvic exam, lab tests, hysteroscopy, and ultrasounds.
Your provider might recommend various treatments for fibroids including healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy body weight, consuming a nutrient-dense diet, using stress management techniques, and getting regular exercise.
Most medications for fibroids target the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle. Some medications can shrink fibroids, lower inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. Medications can be taken in different ways, such as orally, topically, or inserted as an intrauterine device (IUD).
In some cases, your provider might recommend certain procedures, such as an MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery, uterine artery embolization, endometrial ablation, or a laparoscopic myolysis or myomectomy.
These surgical procedures involve viewing the fibroids with special imaging and removing or shrinking the fibroids with the use of special laser technology, tools, instruments, or medical solutions. Some procedures also remove the uterus (hysterectomy).
For individualized care from providers that always put your well-being first, call one of the offices or schedule online today.
