By age 50, an estimated 20-80% of women develop fibroids. While many experience no symptoms and may never know they have them, for some women, fibroids can cause significant discomfort and impact their daily lives. At Arcadia Ob/Gyn in New York, board-certified gynecologist Robert Berg, MD, specializes in diagnosing and managing fibroids, providing personalized care to alleviate symptoms. Schedule an appointment today by calling the office or booking online.
Fibroids are noncancerous muscular growths that form in the uterus. Their size and number vary widely—they can be as small as a pencil eraser or as large as a softball, and while some women develop just one, others may have multiple fibroids.
Fibroids are common among women of childbearing age. Risk factors include:● Family history of fibroids.● African-American ethnicity.● Obesity.● Diet high in red meat or pork (which may increase risk).● Diet rich in vegetables (which may lower risk).
Not all fibroids cause symptoms, and many are only detected during a routine gynecological exam at Arcadia Ob/Gyn. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:● Heavy menstrual bleeding.● Pelvic or back pain.● Constipation.● Frequent urination.● Abdominal bloating or enlargement.● Fertility issues.
Dr. Berg provides comprehensive gynecological evaluations using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure an accurate and timely diagnosis.
He may detect a fibroid during a pelvic exam and confirm its size and location using an ultrasound. This imaging test provides a detailed view of the uterus and helps determine the best treatment approach.
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the impact on your daily life. If a fibroid is small and asymptomatic, Dr. Berg may recommend monitoring with periodic ultrasounds.
For fibroids that cause discomfort or disrupt daily activities, treatment options may include:● Over-the-counter pain relief for mild symptoms.● Hormonal birth control to regulate menstrual bleeding.● Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to shrink fibroids.
If medication is ineffective or symptoms are severe, surgical removal (myomectomy) may be necessary. Dr. Berg offers minimally invasive techniques, including the MyoSure® procedure, which removes fibroids using a specialized wand inserted through the vagina—resulting in a faster recovery with no external incisions.