Fibroids are a common gynecological problem. Though often found incidentally during an annual exam, fibroids may cause discomfort or affect fertility. At KEM Health Obstetrics & Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia, the expert OB/GYNs specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of fibroids. They offer medical and surgical solutions to treat your fibroids. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book online today.

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What are fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are growths that form from the muscle tissue in the uterus. The benign tumors vary in size, shape, and location, and you may have one or several.

Fibroids may be inside, outside, or within the walls of your uterus. Your fibroids may also attach to your uterus by a stem-like structure. The tumors may remain very small for a long time and then rapidly grow or slowly grow over time.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Fibroid symptoms vary in type and severity. Some women don’t experience any symptoms at all.

The stem-like fibroids may twist and cause pain, nausea, or a fever. You may also experience severe pain if you have a rapidly growing fibroid or a fibroid that’s in the process of breaking down. This process is known as fibroid degeneration.

Large fibroids may cause an increase in abdominal girth, heavy menstrual bleeding, or infertility. Fibroids can also cause abdominal swelling that may make it hard to complete a thorough pelvic exam.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Your OB/GYN at KEM Health Obstetrics & Gynecology may find a fibroid during your annual exam. They may request diagnostic testing to diagnose fibroids, such as an ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, or blood work.

The diagnostic imaging confirms a diagnosis and provides information about the location, size, and number of fibroids.

How are fibroids treated?

KEM Health Obstetrics & Gynecology creates personalized treatment plans for fibroids based on the severity of your symptoms. For women without symptoms, your OB/GYN may take a wait-and-see approach.

To manage pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, your provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or hormonal birth control.

The experts at KEM Health Obstetrics & Gynecology  also perform surgeries to remove uterine fibroids. These include:

Myomectomy

During a myomectomy, your surgeon removes only the fibroid. Though a myomectomy may alleviate symptoms, it can’t prevent new fibroids from forming.

Hysterectomy

The surgeons at KEM Health Obstetrics & Gynecology may recommend a hysterectomy for women with no future pregnancy plans. During this surgical procedure, your OB/GYN removes your uterus to prevent fibroid recurrence.

They perform hysterectomies using traditional open surgical techniques, as well as laparoscopic procedures.

Fibroids are common and usually treatable. To schedule an evaluation with the patient-centered experts at KEM Health Obstetrics & Gynecology, call the office or book an appointment online today.