Fibroid Specialist in Chula Vista, CA

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are solid growths within the uterus that are made of a different type of muscle tissue. They can grow in the middle of the uterine cavity, middle of the muscle or on the outer portion of the uterus. They tend to develop around a woman’s childbearing years, but can form at any time.

Fibroids can range in size from a few millimeters all the way up to the size of a watermelon. The highly experienced OBGYNs at South Bay OBGYN have extensive experience diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. Call (619) 267-8313 to request an appointment at our OBGYN office in Chula Vista or National City today!

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

Recent studies have shown that these factors can have an influence:

• Age. Most women who have fibroids are diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 55, but women can experience symptoms from fibroids before the age of 35.
• Race. Not only are African American women more likely to develop fibroids compared to other races, they also tend to develop fibroids at a younger age and have large, more symptomatic fibroids.
• Family history. Developing fibroids is genetic, so you’re at an increased risk if fibroids run in your family, especially if your mother or sister had fibroids.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors. Although there isn’t definitive evidence, having a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight have all shown to reduce the risk of developing fibroids.

Unfortunately, it is still unclear exactly what causes fibroid tumors to develop. Each woman may have a very different experience with fibroids – the tumors can grow at a different pace, the number of fibroid tumors can vary, and the location of the fibroids can be different from person to person.

Warning Signs of Uterine Fibroids

Every case is different and some women may never experience symptoms, but there are a few common symptoms in women who have uterine fibroids.

• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding. The most common symptom for women with fibroid tumors is excessive bleeding while menstruating. Often times, the bleeding is prolonged, causing periods to last longer than normal. This can lead to soiling of clothing and may interfere with everyday activities.
• Pelvic Pain & Pressure. Women with fibroids in Fort Worth, Texas may feel pain in their lower abdomen. As fibroids grow larger, depending on their size and location, they may cause pain by putting pressure on other organs. In addition, it could cause swelling that is often mistaken as weight gain or pregnancy.
• Loss of Bladder Control. Fibroids can press against the bladder causing frequent urination and even loss of bladder control. Not only can this cause a great deal of pain, it can disrupt your everyday activities. In addition, fibroid growth can place pressure on the bowel, causing constipation and bloating.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with a fibroid specialist at South Bay OBGYN. Fibroids can usually be found during a simple abdominal or pelvic exam. If your OBGYN feels that you may have fibroids, an ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Your OBGYN will recommend the best treatment options for you, which may include the surgical removal of your uterine fibroids.