Mercy Robotic Surgery

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are very common non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterine lining, inside the uterine wall or outside the uterus. At least 25% of all women in the U.S. have uterine fibroids. The following diagram shows five different types and locations of uterine fibroids.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Aside from a family history of uterine fibroids there are known proven risk factors that make you more likely to develop the condition.

Uterine fibroids can be asymptomatic (presenting with no symptoms) but others experience:

• menorrhagia or excessive menstrual bleeding
• erratic periods
• uterine bleeding
• pelvic pain
• frequent urination
• infertility

Diagnostic Tests

To diagnose uterine fibroids your gynecologist will perform a pelvic exam and may want to do a:

• transvaginal ultrasound
• hysteroscopy - your gynecologist inserts a thin telescope-like instrument through your cervix to look directly into the uterus.
• MRI scan - to show the exact location of fibroids

 

Treatment Options

If you are diagnosed with uterine fibroids that create significant discomfort or difficult symptoms your gynecologist may recommend:

• prescription drug therapy – to regulate your menstrual cycle and ease the discomfort resulting from your fibroids your gynecologist may recommend one or more prescription drugs including GnRH agonists such as Lupron or Synarel, androgens like Danazol, oral contraceptives or even over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• myomectomy – a surgical treatment to remove uterine fibroids without removing the uterus
• hysterectomy