When to Worry About Growing Fibroids

Many issues affect the female reproductive system. PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids are just a few. Fibroids are growths on or near the uterus. They sometimes cause symptoms—but not always.

Fibroids that keep growing can cause issues. These include heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. At Collaborative Women’s Care in Miami, Florida, Dr. Eduardo Valdes provides treatments for uterine fibroids.

Dr. Valdes is an experienced OB/GYN. He provides well-woman exams, ultrasounds, and birth control for women’s health issues.

Understanding uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign, noncancerous growths. They consist of tissue or muscle and form on or in the uterus. They are extremely common. Up to 80% of women have them by age 50.

Some women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms, while others may experience pelvic pain or heavy vaginal bleeding.

They can grow as one single nodule or in a group of larger nodules. They range in size from a small seed to a cantaloupe or watermelon. Fibroids can form in various areas of the uterus, from the inner wall to the outer surface.

Not every woman with uterine fibroids needs treatment. Only those with bothersome symptoms should have an evaluation or treatment.

Signs you need to worry about fibroids

Fibroids usually aren’t a problem unless they grow or cause symptoms. You don’t need to worry unless you have any of these signs:

Infertility

Larger uterine fibroids can sometimes cause infertility. If they grow inside the uterine wall, they can stop implantation. You may need treatment to get pregnant.

Larger than 5 cm

Fibroids above 5 centimeters are more likely to cause discomfort in your abdomen or back. If you notice these symptoms, have an evaluation.

Rapid growth

Rapidly changing fibroids are a cause for concern, as they may indicate a more serious condition, such as a cancerous growth.

Location in the uterus

Fibroid location affects symptoms. Submucosal fibroids within the uterine wall usually cause heavy and painful periods. Fibroids on the outer surface of the uterus can cause abdominal discomfort and pressure.

Severe symptoms

If you have fibroids and experience very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or strong abdominal pressure, discuss treatment for relief.

The next steps in treatment

If you suspect a fibroid, come in for evaluation of your uterus and surrounding organs. We perform a pelvic exam and a transvaginal ultrasound to look at the uterus and ovaries.

The findings of the transvaginal ultrasound determine the next step. We may need additional imaging, such as an MRI, CT scan, or laparoscopy, to better visualize the fibroid.

The treatment we suggest depends on various factors, including the location of the fibroid, symptoms, and the number of fibroids we find. It also depends on your plans for starting a family or having more kids.

Conservative options include hormonal birth control, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. If those aren’t effective, we offer surgery to remove fibroids if you want children. A hysterectomy is an option if you don’t want more children.

To learn more about fibroids and our treatments, call our Miami, Florida, office to schedule an appointment or use our online booking tool for a convenient, immediate consultation.