Fibroids

What Is Fibroids ?

If you have extremely heavy periods that are accompanied by abdominal pain, you may be suffering from fibroids. These noncancerous tumors are extremely common and at The Avery Center we will guide you through comprehensive treatment options. From hormonal and non-hormonal medications to office-based endometrial ablation (Novasure) and innovative robotic surgery, our board-certified physicians can help improve your health and your life. If you live near Westport, Fairfield, or Norwalk, Connecticut, and have heavy or painful menstrual bleeding or think you may have fibroids we welcome you to meet with one of our providers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Fibroids?

Fibroids are growths that develop on the wall of your uterus. These benign uterine tumors can occur individually or in groups, and they can be small or large. Sometimes they cause no symptoms, and sometimes they can be extremely painful.

Certain risk factors make you more likely to develop fibroids. They’re most common in women in their late 30s through early 50s. After menopause, issues with uterine tumors typically subside.

Other risk factors include obesity and a family history of fibroid issues. Women who are obese have a 2-3 times higher risk for fibroids. Eating a lot of beef and ham may also put you at a higher risk.

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

If you have fibroids, you may experience the following symptoms:

Abdominal discomfort
Heavy bleeding
Bladder pressure
Frequent urination
Rectal pressure
Pain during intercourse

If you’re pregnant and suffering from fibroids, it can cause complications, especially during labor. Those with fibroids are six times more likely to need a cesarean section.

Who is most likely to get urinary incontinence?

If your fibroids aren’t causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend not treating them. If they’re causing you mild discomfort, medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers are recommendable. If your menstrual bleeding is heavy, your doctor may also suggest an iron supplement to prevent anemia. In some cases, hormonal contraception can help. Your OB/GYN may recommend a low-dose birth control pill, progesterone-like injections, or an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases hormones to slow bleeding.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (Gn-RHa) are another option. These medications suppress hormone production by the ovaries and may be recommended before fibroid surgery. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery. At the The Avery Center, your doctor opts for the most minimally invasive procedure possible. Both laparoscopic and da VinciⓇ surgery are available. These surgeries erase fibroids but can’t prevent new ones from forming.