Uterine fibroids are a very common condition that affect the majority of women at some point during their lives. They are benign, non-cancerous growths that most often appear in the uterus but can also develop in other places. This condition is highly treatable and only rarely causes serious effects. While your gynecology provider can offer more insight into your specific symptoms, here are the need-to-know basics. 

Causes & Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While there is no identifiable underlying cause of fibroids, there are several factors that increase the chance of developing them. Women with a family history are more likely to develop them, as are women going through hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy or menstruation. Certain lifestyle risk factors have also been identified, such as alcohol consumption, diets rich in red meat but lacking in fruits and vegetables, and obesity. 

Some women experience no symptoms, while others may feel a range of effects. Problems with menstruation, such as intense cramping or heavy bleeding during and between periods, are common with fibroids. Intercourse may feel painful, and some women also experience pain in the pelvis or back. The abdomen may also appear swollen or larger than normal. Regardless of the severity of the symptoms, schedule a gynecology exam to determine the underlying cause of these issues. 

Different Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are categorized by where they're located in the body. Growths developing on the wall of the uterus are referred to as intramural and are the most common form. Subserosal fibroids grow outside of the uterus, while submucosal growths are found in the middle layer of muscles in the uterus. 

Prevention & Treatment

Fibroids generally can't be completely prevented, but eating a healthy diet and limiting your intake of alcohol may help lower your risk. As for treatment, minor cases are usually observed and monitored via regular gynecology exams. In some cases, your doctor may provide medication to control hormone imbalances.

There are a few different treatment options available for larger fibroids. Non-invasive procedures use an MRI to send sound waves throughout the body to eliminate tissue overgrowth. There are also minimally invasive procedures that entail injecting a solution into the arteries to reduce the flow of blood to the fibroids. Surgery is recommended for patients with multiple large growths who don't respond well to other treatments. 

If you need women's health care services, come to Covenant Hospital Levelland in Texas. This local faith-based organization has provided residents of the region with quality care since 1971. Their knowledgeable medical providers offer gynecology treatments for many conditions and use minimally invasive procedures for your comfort. Schedule an appointment by calling (806) 894-4963, or visit the website to learn more about their services.