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Fibroids: Doctors
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Your doctor may need images of your uterus to detect the fibroids. Ultrasound — a painless exam that uses sound waves to obtain a picture of your uterus — maps and measures fibroids. A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound device (transducer) over your abdomen (transabdominal) or places it inside your vagina (transvaginal) to obtain images of your uterus. Transvaginal ultrasound provides more detail because the probe is closer to the uterus. Transabdominal ultrasound visualizes a larger anatomic area.
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Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas, myomas) are among the most common tumors in women. These growths aren't associated with cancer, and they occur more frequently in black women than in white women. As many as half of all women have fibroids, but most are unaware of them. Your doctor may discover them incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. One-third to one-half of women with fibroids develop symptoms, most frequently during their late 30s or 40s.
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Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a process that involves shrinking the fibroids. The doctor uses fibre-optics to guide a tube to troublesome fibroids, and injects small plastic particles into the blood vessels that serve the fibroids. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroids. Although this technique is less invasive than surgery, little is known about its long-term effects, especially on future fertility.
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Diagnosis of fibroids begins with a thorough history and physical examination that includes a pelvic examination. Often the doctor can feel an irregular uterus. If further studies are indicated, your doctor may choose 1 of the following tests to help decide if the diagnosis of fibroids is correct and to exclude more serious disease:
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Small fibroids that do not cause symptoms may not require any treatment. The physician may recommend "watchful waiting," which means the fibroids will be left untreated for the time being but examined on a regular schedule. Some doctors recommend that women with fibroid tumors discontinue taking birth control pills with high doses of estrogen, since estrogen encourages the growth rate of the tumors. Some other treatment methods include:
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Women with heavy menstrual periods and fibroids are often prescribed hormonal medications to try to reduce bleeding and regulate their menstrual cycle. The medications will not cause fibroids to shrink nor will it cause them to grow at a faster rate. If the medication has not improved your bleeding after three months, consult your doctor. Women over the age of 35 who smoke should not use oral contraceptive pills.
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