Approximately 80% of women will have uterine fibroids by the age of 50. Fibroids do not always create symptoms, but they could make it hard to function when they do. If you are experiencing heavy periods or other suspected fibroid symptoms, contact Andrew Doe, MD, a skilled board-certified interventional radiologist. At Alate Health, Dr. Doe and his staff provide fibroid removal therapies that reduce fibroids and lessen fibroid bleeding, putting a stop to your discomfort as soon as possible. Explore the available treatment options for uterine fibroids in Houston, TX, by calling the office or requesting online.
What Is The Meaning Of Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are fibrous tissue or muscle growths within your uterus. Fibroids are divided into four categories, including:
o Intramural- fibroids in the muscle wall of the uterus
o Pedunculated- fibroids that grow from the stalk
o Submucosal- fibroids in the innermost uterine lining
o Subserosal- fibroids in the outermost layer of the uterus
Even though fibroids are not carcinogenic, they can still create significant difficulties, such as severe bleeding and prolonged periods. A fibroid might be the size of an apple seed, a grapefruit, or anything in between.
Fibroids can also form in clusters. They affect the majority of women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. After menopause, they are pretty prevalent.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fibroids?
If you have fibroids, you may not notice any symptoms. Occasionally, fibroids are discovered during a standard women’s wellness exam. However, in numerous circumstances, fibroids induce various problems, including:
o Painful periods
o Periods lasting more than a week
o Frequent sensation of pelvic pressure
o Urinary incontinence or frequent urination
o Constipation
o Bloating
o Pain during intercourse
o Leg ache
o Backache
o Fatigue
o Clotting
o Anemia
Fibroids can also lead to heavy menses, necessitating the use of both tampons and pads or replacing tampons/pads every two hours.
If you have uterine fibroids, you might require a Caesarean section 6x more often when having a kid. In some situations, fibroids might potentially lead to infertility.
What Are The Risk Factors Of Fibroids?
Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, they are caused by a mix of events. Some of the factors that make some women more susceptible to fibroids than others include:
o Age
o Genetics
o Hormones
o Weight
o Lifestyle
o Ethnicity
o Reproduction
It is still a mystery some women with fibroids have extreme symptoms while others do not. The best way to determine fibroids’ size, position, and quantity is to use an MRI. This data aids in determining the best treatment alternatives for you. Fibroids are curable, and they do not necessarily need to be removed to relieve symptoms.
How Does Interventional Radiology Address Fibroids?
Treatment for fibroids is dependent on your symptoms and requirements. The fibroid experts at Alate Health specialize in minimally invasive therapies that eliminate your symptoms without the need for significant fibroid surgery.
Fibroid embolization in the uterus is a safe and effective approach to reduce fibroids. In this FDA-approved treatment, your Alate Health specialist makes a minor groin cut for catheter passage.
Your doctor inserts the thin catheter through the artery supplying blood to your fibroid. After that, he gives it a controlled dose of embolic drugs to shut off its blood supply. As a result of insufficient blood supply to keep your fibroid alive and growing, it begins to shrink. Ultimately, it dies.
There is no reason to result in major fertility-ending surgery such as hysterectomy, which necessitates weeks of downtime. At Alate Health, about 90% of women achieve good fibroid relief via uterine fibroid embolization treatment. It takes a week or less to recuperate.
Are fibroids causing debilitating symptoms or affecting your routine activities? Call Alate Health or request a virtual or in-person consultation today to determine the appropriate treatment for you.
