Fibroids

Women's Health Care Center of Houston

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Memorial Hermann Tower & Methodist West Campus, Houston, TX

Nearly 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50. At Women’s Health Care Center of Houston, with two offices in Houston, Texas, the experienced physicians offer comprehensive care for fibroids that interfere with your health. Whether you need hormone therapy to treat heavy bleeding or require fibroid removal surgery like a hysterectomy, the medical team prioritizes your long-term health. Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for fibroids by calling the office nearest you or booking an appointment online today.

Fibroids Q&A

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are abnormal uterine growths that are usually noncancerous but can grow large enough to cause pain and other symptoms.

The reason fibroids grow in the uterus isn’t well understood, but your genetic history may play a role. You may also be at increased risk for developing uterine fibroids due to changes in your hormone levels during puberty, your monthly period, and as you transition to menopause.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Many women have small fibroids that cause no symptoms, while others develop fibroids that grow as large as a grapefruit and have an impact on your reproductive and general health.

Common signs you may have fibroids include:

Heavy bleeding
Pain during sex
Lower back pain
Frequent need to urinate

Some fibroids can become so enlarged they cause a noticeable deformity of the uterus. In rare cases, fibroids can be a contributing factor to infertility.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Women who have no symptoms as the result of fibroids may only discover they have the growths during a routine pelvic exam or an ultrasound.

The team at Women’s Health Care Center of Houston uses these same diagnostics to determine if your unexplained symptoms relate to fibroids or another underlying condition.

How are fibroids treated?

Many women with small fibroids that cause no issues won’t need treatment. The physicians at Women’s Health Care Center of Houston will continue to monitor existing fibroids to ensure they aren’t getting larger or interfering with fertility.

To treat pain and other symptoms of fibroids, Women’s Health Care Center of Houston offers medication therapies, like low-dose birth control, to control heavy bleeding. You may benefit from oral pills, injections, or an intrauterine hormonal device (IUD).

If you have large, disruptive fibroids, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive procedure, like an endometrial ablation to destroy the uterine lining or a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and possibly your ovaries and fallopian tubes.

These procedures are only for women who are done having children and can’t treat painful fibroids with conservative therapies.

If you have issues with painful sex or heavy bleeding, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the Women’s Health Care Center of Houston nearest you online or by phone today.