Fibroids Specialist

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that grow slowly over time, typically only during a woman’s childbearing years. While they are often asymptomatic, fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, painful menstrual cramps, frequent urination, lower back pain, and a sensation of fullness in your abdomen and infertility.

What causes fibroids?

No one knows the exact cause of fibroids, but researchers believe genetics and hormones play a role. They tend to grow during pregnancy, when women’s levels of estrogen and progesterone are high, and shrink when anti-hormone drugs are used. Once menopause is reached, they shrink or stop growing. Any woman can develop fibroids, but certain factors are correlated to an increased risk. For example, African American or overweight women see an increased risk compared to other patients.

How are they diagnosed?

The first step in diagnosing fibroids is a pelvic exam. Dr. Kupferman or Dr. Dvorak will check the size of your uterus with one hand, while pressing lightly on your abdomen with the other hand. Fibroids may cause your uterus to feel irregularly shaped or larger than normal. If Drs. Kupferman or Dvorak suspects their presence, they will usually order an ultrasound.  

What does treatment involve?

If you aren’t experiencing symptoms from your fibroids, you may not require any treatment. Dr. Kupferman or Dr. Dvorak may also consider other factors when determining treatment needs, such as:

• fibroid size & location
• if you wish to become pregnant
• how close you are to menopause

Common treatment consists of medications aimed at stopping or slowing fibroid growth or surgery.