Fibroids are the most common type of non-cancerous tumors found in women of reproductive age, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Located in the uterus, they can vary in size and in number. By the age of 50, a majority of women will have one or more fibroids. The cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but hormones and genes are believed to play a role.
In this Q&A, Tamara N. Kolev, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Mount Sinai Health System, answers frequently asked questions about fibroids and explains minimally invasive procedures for treatment. Dr. Kolev specializes in gynecological treatments using minimally invasive procedures and is involved in research on gynecological topics.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are benign growths in the female uterus that are comprised of muscular tissue. They are present in about 70 percent to 80 percent of women. However, not all fibroids cause symptoms, so often women will not even know that they have fibroids.
What are the common symptoms of fibroids?
Some of the common symptoms for fibroids include abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, and back pain. Some women may experience problems with urination or bowel movements.
When do fibroids need to be treated?
Not all fibroids have to be treated, especially in women who do not have symptoms. However, when a woman experiences frequent heavy vaginal bleeding, treatment often is recommended. One minimally invasive approach is transcervical fibroid ablation.
What is transcervical fibroid ablation?
Transcervical fibroid ablation is an incisionless approach to treating fibroids. We use an ultrasound probe that is inserted through the vagina and through the cervix to identify the targeted fibroid. Then we use radiofrequency to ablate, or remove, the fibroid. This is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center, and the patient is able to go home the same day.
When do women see results?
Typically, patients will see results within three months of the procedure, with a majority of patients reporting a significant reduction in menstrual bleeding, along with a marked improvement in quality of life and symptoms. Over time, the previously heated fibroid tissue is broken down by the body, leading to a shrinkage of the fibroids.
Are there any side effects?
After the procedure, some patients may experience some irregular bleeding or cramping, which is completely normal. Patients will begin to see significant benefits of the procedure in approximately three months.
Who is a good candidate for the procedure?
Candidates for the procedure are women who suffer from heavy vaginal bleeding from fibroids. We can treat more than one fibroid during the procedure, as well as remove fibroids that vary in size and that are located in different areas of the uterus. The great thing about the procedures is that we can target more than one fibroid at the same time.
Are there other minimally invasive treatment options?
Uterine fibroid embolization is a nonsurgical procedure that typically takes place in the radiology suite. A radiologist blocks the blood supply to the uterus, which helps to shrink the fibroids.
Are there other ways to treat fibroids?
There are multiple ways to manage fibroids. In addition to minimally invasive procedures, there is medical management, including hormonal treatment. Finally, there are surgical options, such as myomectomy, which is removal of the fibroids, or a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus.
Call to Action: Learn more about the Mount Sinai Fibroid Center of New York: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/obgyn/services/fibroid-care