Heavy or irregular periods, pelvic pain, and bladder or bowel issues may indicate you have fibroids. In the Homecrest and Midwood neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the Upper East Side, and Co-Op City of The Bronx in New York City, obstetrics and gynecology specialist Gregory Shifrin, MD, and his team diagnose and treat fibroids to minimize symptoms and your risk of complications. Call Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC to schedule an evaluation, or use the online booking tab today.
Fibroids are tiny growths that develop in your uterus for various reasons. About 20-50% of women of childbearing age have fibroids, and up to 77% develop them at some point. Fibroids are made of fibrous connective tissues and smooth muscle cells. They may not bother you; in more than 99% of cases, they aren’t cancerous.
However, if you struggle with bothersome symptoms, treatment of the fibroids offers you relief.
The hallmark symptoms of fibroids include:
You may also experience pain during intercourse, infertility, or pregnancy complications due to untreated fibroids. It’s common to have more than one symptom because of fibroids. If you experience severe symptoms, contact your OB/GYN specialist right away.
The causes and risk factors for developing fibroids include:
However, the exact cause of fibroids isn’t always clear, and anyone can develop them. Eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal body weight may reduce your risk of developing fibroids.
Your provider often diagnoses fibroids during routine pelvic exams in women. They press on your abdomen to feel for firm, irregular masses. They may also recommend blood testing, a pelvic ultrasound, an MRI, or a hysteroscopy to obtain a detailed view of the inside of your pelvic area.
Depending on the size of the fibroids, the severity of your symptoms, and your preference for having children in the future, the OB/GYN team may suggest one or more of the following treatments:
They tailor each treatment to your needs and goals, always giving you a voice in your care plan.
To determine if you have fibroids or achieve symptom relief, schedule an appointment at Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC by phone or online today.