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Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus. Many of the symptoms often go unnoticed or ignored, making awareness essential to proper management. Here you will learn about:
- The symptoms, risks, and causes of fibroids
- Causes of painful menstrual cramps and when you should contact your doctor
- Treatment options for fibroids
- Fibroids and pregnancy
- Risks and complications associated with fibroids
For more information on uterine fibroids, please contact the Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at 412-641-4435
.
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string(3798) "Magee’s Fibroid Treatment Center helps women determine the right solution for them.
Robin Eberle never had a problem with her periods. But when this mother of five hit her mid-40s, her periods became heavier and lasted longer. “There were times I couldn’t even leave the house,” she recalls.
Her gynecologist, diagnosed Robin with uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs) and referred her to the Fibroid Treatment Center at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.
As many as three out of every four women have UFTs, but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, though, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives. “We bring together gynecologists and interventional radiologists with extensive expertise in treating fibroids,” says Richard Guido, MD, the center’s founder and director.
The center offers women much-valued convenience. “During a one-day visit, you can have necessary diagnostic tests done, the results of these tests evaluated, and then meet with our physicians for a counseling session to determine your best plan of action,” says Dr. Guido.
In the past, the leading treatment for UFTs has been a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). “It’s still the only way to totally prevent fibroids from recurring,” says Philip Orons, DO, chief of interventional radiology at Magee. “But women who are planning to have children or who are some years away from menopause may want to consider other options.”
For Robin, her treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. “The procedure literally changed my life,” says Robin.
For more information on uterine fibroids, please contact the Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at 412-641-4435."
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string(390) "As many as three out of every four women have uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs), but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives. Robin’s treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. Read more to hear Robin’s full story."
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As many as three out of every four women have uterine fibroid tumors (UFTs), but the majority never even know it. For women like Robin, these non-cancerous growths in the wall of the uterus can literally take over their lives. Robin’s treatment of choice was a uterine fibroid embolization, a minimally invasive procedure requiring little downtime. Read more to hear Robin’s full story.Read More
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string(3585) "Are those awful cramps that hit you every month normal — or a sign of something more serious?
Painful menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are a common problem and one of the leading reasons for women missing work or school. Although they can only last a few days during your menstrual period, cramps can certainly put a damper on enjoying your usual activities. But if your cramps are getting worse — or can't be controlled with a hot pad and over-the-counter painkillers — it may be time to see a doctor to rule out the potential causes.
Causes of Painful Menstrual Cramps
- Fibroids are growths, or tumors, that form inside the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. Usually benign, these growths can cause pain and heavy bleeding. Fibroids can be treated with hormone therapy, such as birth control, uterine fibroid embolization, and sometimes surgery.
- Endometriosis is a condition that occurs when the endometrial tissue lining the uterus grows outside of the uterus. During menstruation, this tissue breaks down and bleeds in response to hormonal changes. Scar tissue, or adhesions, can form inside the pelvis where the bleeding occurs, causing organs to stick together and resulting in severe abdominal pain. Birth control pills or other hormones can slow the growth of tissue. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs that can develop from an untreated sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. It occurs when bacteria moves into the uterus and upper genital tract. Untreated PID can lead to permanent damage and infertility, as well as ectopic pregnancies. Diagnosed early, it can be treated with antibiotics.
- Ovarian cysts are fluid- or tissue-filled sacs that form in or on the ovaries. Most are harmless and can go away on their own. Many small cysts may have no symptoms, but some may cause a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen during certain activities. Larger cysts may twist, causing pain. Some cysts can bleed or rupture, requiring immediate medical attention.
- An IUD, or intrauterine device, inserted into the uterus can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years. A copper IUD continually releases copper, which immobilizes sperm and prevents egg implantation. But it can trigger heavier and more painful periods, especially in the first few cycles after insertion.
If your periods cause significant pain or interfere with your quality of life, consult with your doctor. To learn about uterine fibroids, please contact the
Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at
412-641-4435.
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string(54) "Painful Menstrual Cramps: Fibroids or Something Worse?"
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string(154) "Painful menstrual cramps are common. But if they're getting worse, you may need to see a doctor to rule out fibroids and other potentially serious causes."
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string(352) "Painful cramps are a hassle every month – but could they be a sign of a more serious condition? If your cramps can’t be controlled by a hot pad and over-the-counter painkillers, they could be pointing to conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. Read more to learn more about these conditions and when you should visit your doctor."
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Painful cramps are a hassle every month – but could they be a sign of a more serious condition? If your cramps can’t be controlled by a hot pad and over-the-counter painkillers, they could be pointing to conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or ovarian cysts. Read more to learn more about these conditions and when you should visit your doctor.Read More
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string(5611) "As many as 60 percent of women in their 30s or older have uterine fibroids. Most don't even know it.
Fibroids are tumors of smooth muscle tissue that form in the uterus. They are almost always benign, meaning they are not cancerous. But in some cases, you may need fibroids treatment.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
If you have signs of fibroids, such as heavy periods, pain in your low back or belly, or pain during sex, you doctor will likely perform a pelvic ultrasound to look for anything unusual. The ultrasound will also help determine the size and location of fibroids if present.
In some cases, you doctor may need to perform a hysteroscopy to see fibroids located in the uterine cavity. In this procedure, a scope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
For large fibroids, your doctor may recommend an MRI to see the fibroids in comparison with surrounding organs.
How Are Fibroids Treated?
You won't need treatment for small fibroids that aren't causing any symptoms. Women nearing menopause also don't usually need treatment for fibroids. When you enter menopause and your estrogen levels drop, the fibroids shrink on their own.
About 25 percent of women with fibroids have symptoms that need treatment. Fibroids treatment depends on the size and location of the growths, as well as the severity of your symptoms.
If you are having symptoms from fibroids, talk with your doctor about your options to receive the most relief, while supporting your future plans.
Fibroid medications
Estrogen makes fibroids grow, so your doctor may recommend birth control pills or other hormone therapy to reduce the symptoms or shrink the fibroids. These also help lessen the bleeding during periods. However, hormone therapy is not a permanent solution, and you may need future treatment if the fibroids return.
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers for cramps and an iron supplement if you become anemic from heavy periods.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy remains a common treatment for fibroids, Your choice for a hysterectomy depends on your symptoms and plans to have children in the future.
This is a major surgery that removes the uterus and may remove other reproductive organs like the ovaries.
Hysterectomy is recommended for women with severe symptoms from large, fast-growing fibroids. A hysterectomy is the only way to fully cure fibroids, but you cannot conceive after the surgery.
You may have the surgery abdominally, vaginally, or laparoscopically, depending on your situation. A vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy is less extensive, and you will have a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery. For either procedure, you can expect a recovery period of a few weeks.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a less invasive procedure that removes the fibroids, but leaves the uterus in place.
When you have minimally invasive surgery, you can likely go home the day of surgery. It takes about 2 weeks to fully recover. Recovery time and the exact procedure you may have varies based on the size and location of your fibroids.
You can become pregnant after this procedure, but new fibroids may grow back in a few years.
Fibroid embolization
Fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts off the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
This procedure helps reduce heavy bleeding and shrinks the fibroids, helping to relieve other symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Cramping
- Frequent urination
However, it does not remove the fibroids. It may not be recommended for women planning to become pregnant, though it may be appropriate in some cases.
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiofrequency ablation is a new technique for shrinking fibroids by directly heating the fibroids. This is done through a minimally invasive surgical approach. This procedure may be an option depending on the size and location of the fibroid.
» For more information on uterine fibroids, please contact the
Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at
412-641-4435.
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As many as 60 percent of women in their 30s or older have uterine fibroids. Most don’t even know it. If the fibroids are small or you are nearing menopause, you don’t usually need treatment. About 25% of women do need treatment, which depends on size and location, as well as the severity of your symptoms. Read more to discover the treatment options for uterine fibroids.Read More
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string(2730) "Fibroids are growths, or tumors, that form inside the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. Usually benign, these growths can cause pain and heavy bleeding. Fibroids can be treated with hormone therapy, such as birth control, uterine fibroid embolization, and sometimes surgery. If you didn't realize a heavy periods could be a sign of something more, you're not alone. Here are five fast facts about fibroids that you should know:
- Fibroids grow in your uterus
- Fibroids are typically not cancerous or considered cancers
- Fibroids are common in women in their 30s and 40s
- Fibroids can be treated many ways - or left alone
- Fibroids have an unknown cause
For more information on uterine fibroids, please contact the Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at 412-641-4435.
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string(296) "Most women with uterine fibroids don’t even realize it because many symptoms go unnoticed or ignored. Misinformation about heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or pain during sex leads to confusion surrounding the condition. Read more to discover five facts about fibroids you need to know."
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Most women with uterine fibroids don’t even realize it because many symptoms go unnoticed or ignored. Misinformation about heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or pain during sex leads to confusion surrounding the condition. Read more to discover five facts about fibroids you need to know.View Infographic
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string(4722) "A lot of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids. Many don't even know it until they get pregnant. Most women don't have any symptoms, but in some cases, fibroids can complicate pregnancy.
Fibroids are growths of smooth muscle tissue in the uterus. They can grow as one or in clusters and can form in the uterine wall, the uterine cavity, or the outside of the uterus.
Potential Risks of Becoming Pregnant
Infertility because of uterine fibroids is rare. However, the presence of these growths can make it tougher to become pregnant.
Depending on their location and size, the growths can block the fallopian tubes or interfere with embryo implantation in the womb. Fibroids can also change the shape of your uterus, which adds to the difficulty of getting pregnant.
If you experience multiple miscarriages, you may want to talk to your doctor about a myomectomy or other fibroid treatments to remove or shrink the growths. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the fibroids, without removing your uterus.
Fibroids During Pregnancy
If you already have small fibroids that aren't causing symptoms when you get pregnant, you don't need to worry. Pregnancy increases the estrogen in your body, which may cause them to grow. They are not likely to cause trouble and will shrink back down after delivery.
Most women will have a healthy, uncomplicated pregnancy. However, fibroids can raise your risk of some pregnancy troubles. You are at a higher risk of needing a C-section.
Fibroid-related pregnancy complication
Other pregnancy complications include:
- Breech baby, meaning it is not positioned right for birth
- Stalled labor
- Placental abruption, a condition when the placenta breaks away from the uterine wall before the baby is delivered. This requires immediate delivery.
- Preterm labor
Having fibroids does not mean you have a
high-risk pregnancy. Be sure to work closely with your obstetrician to be looking out for signs of serious problems.
For more information on uterine fibroids, please contact the
Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at
412-641-4435."
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A lot of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids. Many don’t even know it until they get pregnant. Most women don’t have any symptoms, but in some cases, fibroids can complicate pregnancy. Find out the risks of becoming pregnant with fibroids or the risks they pose during your pregnancy.Read More
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string(4722) "Uterine fibroids are common among women of childbearing age. About 40 to 60 percent of women may have them, and most don't even know it.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are tumors of smooth muscle tissue that grow inside or outside the uterus. They can grow alone or in a cluster.
These growths are almost always benign and do not increase your risk of cancer. For most women, they are small and don't cause symptoms.
What Increases My Risk?
Doctors don't know exactly what causes the growths, but it seems that they may have a genetic cause. Estrogen and progesterone also make them grow larger.
Other factors that contribute to the growth of fibroids include:
- African-American descent
- Family history
- Obesity
- A diet high in red meat
- First period before age 10
Vegetables seem to protect against developing fibroids.
What Are the Symptoms and Complications of Fibroids?
Only about a quarter of
women with fibroids experience symptoms or problems because of them. They may grow very slow or can be fast growing.
Signs that you may be developing fibroids include:
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain in your low back or belly
- Pressure or fullness in your belly
- Pain during sex
- Several miscarriages or trouble getting pregnant
Infertility because of fibroids is rare, but their location in the uterus can make it more challenging to become pregnant.
Heavy bleeding with your periods can cause you to feel tired or become anemic. Over-the-counter iron supplements can help. You can also take ibuprofen or other pain relievers to help with cramps.
Large fibroids can cause your stomach to swell, giving you a bloated look. They can also put pressure on your bladder, making you need to use the bathroom more often.
Serious complications from fibroids are uncommon. If you begin having trouble, talk to your doctor about
treatment options for fibroids. Birth control pills or other
hormone therapy may be able to improve the symptoms of fibroids. You have many other treatment options available if needed.
If you are nearing menopause, you may not need treatment. Once women enter menopause, their estrogen levels drop, and the fibroids shrink or go away.
For more information on uterine fibroids, please contact the
Magee Fibroid Treatment Center at
412-641-4435.
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string(287) "40 to 60 percent of women have uterine fibroids and don’t even realize it. These growths are almost always benign and do not increase your risk of cancer. For most women, they are small and don’t cause symptoms. Read more to find the signs and risks associated with uterine fibroids."
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40 to 60 percent of women have uterine fibroids and don’t even realize it. These growths are almost always benign and do not increase your risk of cancer. For most women, they are small and don’t cause symptoms. Read more to find the signs and risks associated with uterine fibroids.Read More
