Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids services offered in Decatur, GA

If you experience heavy uterine bleeding or pelvic pain that doesn’t subside, uterine fibroids might be the cause. To find out, see Albert Scott Jr., MD, Mercy Amua-Quarshie, MD, and the Dekalb Women’s Specialists team for an evaluation. They can diagnose uterine fibroids and provide treatments that offer you symptom relief. Schedule an appointment at the Decatur or Stonecrest, Georgia, office by phone or online today.

Uterine Fibroids Q&A

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in your uterus. They aren’t associated with a higher risk of uterine cancer but can cause unpleasant symptoms. Your provider can detect fibroids during a gynecological exam or on-site ultrasound and offer treatment to tame your symptoms.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids can cause the following signs or symptoms:

Periods that last more than a week
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pain or pressure
Frequent urination
Problems emptying your bladder
Constipation
Leg pain or a backache
Pain with intercourse
Pelvic cramping during periods
A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen

These symptoms can indicate other gynecological problems, too, adding to the importance of getting an evaluation. Complications associated with uterine fibroids may include anemia, pregnancy loss, and infertility.

What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are often associated with genetic or hormone changes. Other risk factors include being African American, having a family history of fibroids, early onset of menstruation, vitamin D deficiency, and obesity. Drinking beer and eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in red meat can also contribute to fibroid development.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Your provider can diagnose fibroids by reviewing your medical history and discussing your symptoms. They complete a comprehensive physical exam, including a pelvic exam. Your provider might use ultrasound, MRIs, X-rays, or other imaging procedures — or insert a tiny lighted telescope (hysteroscope) into your uterus during a hysteroscopy.

How are uterine fibroids treated?

Your personalized fibroid treatment plan is based on the severity of your condition, symptoms, preferences, and whether you’d like to have children in the future. Your provider might recommend:

Watchful waiting

Fibroids don’t always require treatment, especially if they’re small and produce no symptoms or mild symptoms you can live with. If this is the case for you, watchful waiting may be an appropriate plan of action.

Medications

Taking certain medications can shrink your fibroids or reduce unpleasant symptoms associated with them.

Noninvasive procedures

During ultrasound surgery (FUS), your provider uses high-energy ultrasound to heat and destroy fibroid tissue.

Minimally invasive procedures

Minimally invasive gynecological procedures, such as endometrial ablation, cutting off fibroid blood flow, and surgically removing fibroids, can offer you symptom relief.

Don’t let fibroids go undetected and untreated if they produce debilitating symptoms. Schedule an appointment with the team over the phone or online today.