Fibroids
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Desert Hills Care Center
Board Certified Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Southwest Las Vegas, NV
If you experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or infertility, fibroids might be the culprit. As many as one in five women may develop fibroids during their childbearing years. At Desert Hills Care Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, board-certified OB/GYN Helard Ballon-Hennings, MD, FACOG, and his expert team can diagnose and treat fibroids to reduce unpleasant symptoms and complications. Schedule an appointment by phone or online at the first sign of fibroids.
Fibroids Q & A
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths within a woman’s uterus that may appear during her childbearing years. While fibroids almost never develop into cancer, they can cause unpleasant symptoms that negatively impact your quality of life. Dr. Ballon-Hennings and his staff at Desert Hills Care Center can diagnose and treat fibroids when necessary to restore your well-being.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
If you have fibroids, you might not experience any signs or symptoms, but if you do, you may notice:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Bleeding between periods
- Pain with intercourse
- Periods lasting more than a week
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Problems emptying your bladder
- Back or leg pain
- Infertility
Untreated uterine fibroids can sometimes result in heavy blood loss and anemia, which can make you feel tired. Untreated fibroids may also increase your risk of complications during pregnancy.
If you suspect you have fibroids or you’re at risk of developing them, see the Desert Hills Care Center team for an evaluation.
What are the risk factors for fibroids?
Certain factors increase your risk of developing fibroids. Examples include being in your 30s or 40s, hormone changes, genetics, family history of fibroids, being African-American, and obesity. Eating a lot of red or processed meat also increases your risk. Maintaining a healthy body weight and eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables can lower your risk of developing fibroids.
How does my doctor diagnose fibroids?
To diagnose fibroids, determine their severity, and develop a treatment plan, Dr. Ballon-Hennings and his team review your symptoms and medical history. He completes a pelvic exam and might recommend you undergo blood tests, ultrasound, MRIs, hysteroscopy, or other diagnostic procedures.
What are my treatment options for fibroids?
If you have uterine fibroids, Dr. Ballon-Hennings may suggest you undergo one of the following treatments:
Watchful waiting
If fibroids don’t bother you or cause discomfort, Dr. Ballon-Hennings might recommend watchful waiting to see if the fibroids increase in size over time.
Medications
Taking certain medications can reduce unpleasant symptoms caused by fibroids or shrink the fibroids.
Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Progestin-releasing IUDs use hormones to reduce heavy bleeding associated with fibroids. IUDs also prevent pregnancy.
Minimally invasive surgical management
Dr. Ballon-Hennings and his team offer minimally invasive surgical procedures to remove uterine fibroids with minimal recovery. They offer injections, radiofrequency ablation, robotic fibroid removal, fibroid removal using a vaginal approach (hysteroscopic myomectomy), and minimally invasive hysterectomies.
Don’t live with the unpleasant symptoms of fibroids when noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments are within reach at Desert Hills Care Center. Book an appointment by phone or online today.
