Fibroids

Access to empathetic and approachable obstetrics and gynecology care means distinguishing between good and excellent health care. Dr. Gregory Shifrin OBGYN PC provides superior obstetrics and gynecology services throughout the Homecrest and Midwood Brooklyn neighborhoods, the Upper East Side, and the Co-Op City of The Bronx in New York City.

Dr. Shifrin first obtained a medical degree from Samara State Medical University (formerly known as Kuibyshev Medical Institute) in Samara, Russia. His passion and drive for quality OB/GYN care led him to the United States, where he obtained additional training at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Jamaica Hospital in Queens, New York, and Jersey City Medical Center in New Jersey, where he went on to serve as the attending gynecologist.

What are fibroids?

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.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

The hallmark symptoms of fibroids include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged periods
• Bleeding between periods
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic pain
• Abdominal discomfort
• Bladder or bowel changes

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.

What are the risk factors for fibroids?

The causes and risk factors for developing fibroids include:

• Family history of fibroids
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• A diet rich in red meat
• African heritage
• Being of childbearing age

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. 

How are fibroids diagnosed?

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.

How are fibroids treated?

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:

• Watchful waiting
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Dietary supplements to treat anemia 
• Medications
• Hormone treatments
• Fibroid removal
• Hysterectomy 
• Surgery

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.