While not all reproductive-aged women develop uterine fibroids, benign growths in the walls of the uterus, many do. In fact, at any given time in the United States, about 26 million women ages 15-50 have uterine fibroids, and 15 million of these women have symptomatic growths.
As experts in the field of uterine fibroids, our team at Advanced Endometriosis Center, led by Dr. Ulas Bozdogan, routinely helps women navigate symptomatic growths. From pregnancy complications to heavy bleeding, uterine fibroids can be challenging, often making surgical removal a good idea.
Called a myomectomy, here’s a look at when this procedure to remove uterine fibroids makes sense for your health and wellness.
One of the most common complaints with uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding, which affects about 30% of women with fibroids.
The presence of fibroids leads to heavier periods for a few reasons. To start, the growths stretch and increase the surface area of your uterus, so there’s more endometrial lining tissue to shed.
Secondly, uterine fibroids can create new blood vessels, adding to your menstrual bleeding. And, lastly, larger uterine fibroids can make it difficult for your uterus to contract and close, allowing more blood to flow out.
Given these side effects, many women struggle with heavy periods and, in extreme cases, these heavy periods can lead to anemia and fatigue.
Most fibroids are quite small, but they can grow very large, up to grapefruit size and even larger. These larger growths often lead to issues with pelvic pain, as well as nagging low back pain.
Some women find it’s more of a pressure than a pain, while others experience true pain. This discomfort often flares around your periods, but it can become more constant as the fibroids grow.
Many women with uterine fibroids experience pain during sex, as intercourse can directly push on the growth.
Uterine fibroids can lead to pregnancy and childbirth complications. For example, you have a six times greater risk of Cesarean section if you have fibroids.
If a fibroid is large enough or located in a certain position, it can press against your bladder, leading to stress urinary incontinence.
The title of our blog references a robotic myomectomy — the advanced surgical system we use to remove fibroids. Using the da Vinci® surgical system, Dr. Bozdogan can take a minimally invasive approach to removing problematic fibroids, with robotic instruments that translate his hand movements into highly precise surgical action.
As to whether you should consider this treatment for your fibroids, it really depends on your goals and the severity of your symptoms. Most fibroids stop becoming symptomatic after menopause, but you might not want to wait that long, in which case a myomectomy is a good idea.
As well, if you have a history of fibroid-related pregnancy issues, we recommend a myomectomy before embarking on another pregnancy.
If you’d like more guidance in your decision-making, we can sit down with you to paint a much clearer picture that applies to your unique situation.
To get that ball rolling and consult with Dr. Bozdogan about your fibroids, contact us at one of our conveniently located offices in New York City or Paramus, New Jersey, to schedule an appointment.
