Fibroid Treatment in Omaha, NE

Uterine fibroids are a much more common issue than you might think. According to the National Institutes of Health, one study found that between 80 and 90 percent of African American women and 70 percent of Caucasian women will develop fibroids before the age of 50.

Since uterine fibroids can cause severe symptoms and can even lead to trouble getting pregnant, it is important to know the warning signs of fibroid development.

The board-certified gynecologists at Mid-City OBGYN specialize in providing patient-centered care to patients suffering from fibroids in Omaha, NE. They will perform a comprehensive pelvic exam to diagnose your symptoms and determine the best treatment option for you. For more information, please contact our offices at (402) 397-6600 and schedule an appointment today!

Who Is at Risk?

African American women are more likely to develop fibroids and are also more likely to develop several fibroids at a time. However, there are several other factors that could increase a woman’s risk of developing this condition. You may be at increased risk if you are:

• Over 40 years of age
• Obese
• Have a family history of fibroids
• Have never been pregnant
• Have high blood pressure

Factors that lower a woman’s risk of developing fibroids include:

• Pregnancy
• Long-term use of birth control

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

Every case is different and some women may never experience symptoms, but there are three unique symptoms that are particularly common in women who have uterine fibroids.

Excessive Menstrual Bleeding

The most common symptom for women with fibroids is excessive bleeding while menstruating. Often times, the bleeding is prolonged, causing periods to last several days more than normal.

Pelvic Pain & Pressure

Women with fibroids may feel pain in their lower abdomen. As the fibroids grow larger, depending on their size and location, they may cause pain by putting pressure on nearby organs. It is also common for fibroids to lead to substantial swelling that is often mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy. For this reason, many fibroid cases will go undiagnosed for months on end because they have not been properly evaluated by a licensed gynecologist or obstetrician.

Loss of Bladder Control

Fibroids can press against the bladder to cause a frequent need to urinate or even loss of bladder control. Not only can this result in significant pain, but it can disrupt your everyday activities and responsibilities. In addition, fibroid growth can place pressure on the bowels, causing constipation and bloating.

How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN. Fibroids can usually be found during a simple abdominal or pelvic exam. If your doctor feels that you may have fibroids, an ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treating Uterine Fibroids

For women who do develop fibroids, doctors might recommend the following treatment options:

• Medications – Low-dose birth controls can help stop fibroids from growing. They can also control heavy bleeding. If pain is the only symptom, over-the-counter pain medicine will help.
• Surgery – If your fibroids cause moderate to severe symptoms, surgery might be the most effective form of treatment.

Surgical Procedures for Uterine Fibroids Include:

• Myomectomy – Surgery to remove uterine fibroids without taking out healthy tissue
• Hysterectomy – Surgical removal of the uterus
• Endometrial Ablation – Doctors remove the lining of the uterus to control heavy bleeding caused by fibroids.