Understanding Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Fibroids are most common during the reproductive years, and while their exact cause is unknown, hormonal and genetic factors are believed to play a significant role. At Pacific Women’s Center, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including pelvic examinations and advanced imaging tests such as ultrasound and MRI, to accurately assess the presence, size, and location of fibroids.

Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms and may not even be aware they have them. However, for those who do experience symptoms, they can range from heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods to pelvic pain and pressure. Fibroids can also affect reproductive health, potentially leading to complications such as infertility or recurrent miscarriages. We are here to support you with compassionate care and expert guidance, whether you are managing mild symptoms or facing more significant health challenges.

Our approach is holistic and patient-centered. We offer a variety of treatment options, from medications that help manage symptoms to minimally invasive surgical procedures aimed at removing or reducing fibroids. Our skilled team is also experienced in performing hysterectomies when necessary, always prioritizing the patient’s health and quality of life.

Your health and well-being are our top priorities. If you are experiencing symptoms of fibroids or have concerns about your reproductive health, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can explore the best solutions to support your health and enhance your quality of life.

Our experienced team is dedicated to addressing the diverse symptoms associated with fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, and pelvic pain or pressure. We recognize that these symptoms can lead to complications like anemia and affect daily activities, and we strive to offer personalized treatment plans to alleviate these concerns.

At Pacific Women’s Center, we also focus on the broader implications of fibroids, such as frequent urination, bladder issues, and discomfort during intercourse. Our goal is to ensure that our patients receive holistic care that considers all aspects of their well-being.

For women experiencing reproductive challenges related to fibroids, including infertility or pregnancy complications, our specialists are equipped to provide expert guidance and management options. We emphasize the importance of early consultation and diagnosis, empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.

Fibroids can vary in size, number, and location, and their impact on fertility and pregnancy can differ significantly among women. At Pacific Women’s Center, we emphasize personalized care plans to address these variations. Our experienced healthcare providers will work closely with you to assess how fibroids may be affecting your fertility and pregnancy and to develop a management strategy that aligns with your reproductive goals.

For women seeking to conceive, we offer thorough evaluations to determine whether fibroids may be contributing to fertility challenges. Submucosal fibroids, in particular, can interfere with embryo implantation or block fallopian tubes, impacting fertility. Our specialists are here to explore all options, from medication to surgical interventions like myomectomy, to enhance your chances of successful conception while preserving uterine health.

During pregnancy, our team is committed to monitoring and managing fibroids to ensure a healthy pregnancy outcome. While many women with fibroids have normal pregnancies and deliveries, we are prepared to address any complications that may arise, such as discomfort, pain, or risks like miscarriage or preterm birth. We also focus on minimizing the potential for labor complications or postpartum issues such as hemorrhage.

We encourage open discussions about your concerns related to fibroids, fertility, and pregnancy.

If you have fibroids and are concerned about their impact on your fertility or pregnancy, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our specialized team. Together, we can create a personalized care plan that prioritizes your health and well-being, ensuring you receive the compassionate and expert care you deserve.

Understanding that each woman’s experience with fibroids is different, we offer a variety of approaches based on factors like symptom severity, fibroid size and location, age, and fertility goals. For some, watchful waiting may be appropriate, especially if symptoms are minimal. Our specialists can guide you in monitoring fibroids over time, ensuring your health and comfort remain our top priorities.

For those with mild symptoms, we provide effective medical therapies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can alleviate pain, while hormonal treatments, such as birth control pills, help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce heavy bleeding. We also offer advanced options like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, which can shrink fibroids temporarily, although they are generally used short-term due to side effects.

For women interested in non-surgical interventions for uterine fibroids, our center offers uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive procedure that reduces blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Additionally, we provide cutting-edge MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), which uses high-frequency sound waves to target and destroy fibroid tissue.

When surgical intervention is necessary, Pacific Women’s Center excels in performing myomectomy, a procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, ideal for patients wishing to retain their fertility. Our skilled surgeons are proficient in various techniques, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, and traditional open surgery, ensuring the best approach for each case. In more severe cases where other treatments have not been effective, we may recommend a hysterectomy, which offers a permanent solution by removing the uterus but also ends the potential for future pregnancies.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of fibroids, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and explore your treatment options. Our team at Pacific Women’s Center is here to guide you through every step of managing fibroids. Don’t wait to address your concerns; timely treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.  For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 911 Country Club Rd. Suite 222, Eugene, OR 97401. We serve patients from Eugene OR, Springfield OR, Coburg OR, Creswell OR, Cottage Grove OR, Lowell OR, and Junction City OR, and surrounding areas.