Fibroids are one of the most frequently occurring growths in the female reproductive system, with approximately 50% of women developing them at some point in their lives.
These noncancerous growths form from the womb’s muscle tissue and can vary widely in size, number, and growth rate. Some fibroids remain small and stable, while others grow larger over time.
If you visit Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Dr. Herald Ballon-Hennings diagnoses you with uterine fibroids, don’t despair. We provide you with information that dispels any worries you may have and offer effective treatments tailored to your needs.
Here are seven common myths about fibroids that you might come across, along with the facts.
Fact: Not all fibroids are symptomatic. Many women with fibroids experience no pain or discomfort and may only become aware of them during routine pelvic exams.
Pain largely depends on the fibroid’s size and location. Larger fibroids or those near sensitive areas may cause pain, pressure, or other symptoms, but smaller fibroids can often go unnoticed.
Fact: Fibroid symptoms — if any — vary greatly from person to person. Some women experience heavy and/or irregular menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, or pelvic pressure, while others might face symptoms like back pain, bloating, or urinary issues.
However, many women with fibroids have no noticeable symptoms, making it crucial to consult us at Desert Hills Care Center for an accurate diagnosis and cutting-edge treatment options.
Fact: Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (noncancerous). Fewer than 6 in every 1 million people in the United States develop cancerous fibroids (leiomyosarcomas) each year.
Additionally, having fibroids doesn’t increase your likelihood of developing uterine cancer.
Fact: Fibroids can sometimes affect fertility by altering the shape of the uterus or obstructing the fallopian tubes, but most women with fibroids can still conceive and carry their pregnancy to term.
Fact: Fibroids are more common among women in their 30s and 40s. However, they can develop at any age during a woman’s reproductive years, including her 20s and 50s.
The female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone play a significant role in fibroid development, so the risk diminishes after menopause, when hormone levels decline.
Fact: While hysterectomy (the surgical removal of the uterus) is a possible treatment option for uterine fibroids, it’s far from the only one. Medications, injections, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) often help.
Minimally invasive treatments, such as myomectomy (surgical fibroid removal) and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), can effectively manage fibroid symptoms without removing the uterus. UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that Dr. Ballon-Hennings uses to shrink fibroids by cutting off their blood supply, offering symptom relief without major surgery.
Fact: Although people sometimes use these terms interchangeably, they actually refer to different conditions. Fibroids develop in the uterine muscle, while polyps are small endometrial (uterine lining) growths. Cysts typically develop on the ovaries and are often fluid-filled.
Tumor is a general term that can refer to both benign and cancerous growths, but uterine fibroids are almost always noncancerous.
Understanding the facts about uterine fibroids can help women make informed decisions about their health. If you suspect you have fibroids or have been diagnosed with them, talk to us about your options. Treatment varies depending on symptom severity, and many women find effective relief through non-invasive or minimally invasive methods.
The first step toward better health is education, and now you have the facts rather than the myths about uterine fibroids to guide you. Call Desert Hills Care Center or complete our online form today to schedule a consultation.
