Fibroids Specialist

Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC

Board Certified OBGYN & Primary Care located in Brick, NJ

If you have heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding, it may be a sign that you have fibroids. At Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC in Brick, New Jersey, experienced gynecologist Vanita Patel, MD, and the medical team offer on-site testing to diagnose uterine fibroids. You can also receive a customized treatment plan for large or painful fibroids to improve your quality of life. To learn more about treatment options for fibroids, schedule a consultation through the online booking feature or call Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC.

732-202-7458

Fibroids Q&A

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are abnormal tumors that grow in the wall of your uterus. These tumors are almost always noncancerous (benign), and they can grow singularly or in groups.

While there’s no clear understanding of what causes fibroids, there are risk factors that may influence the likelihood that you may develop them, like having a family history of fibroids.

Another common link relates to the female reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids tend to grow quickly when hormone levels increase, such as during a pregnancy. The tumors shrink when levels are low, especially during the transition to menopause.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Many women have fibroids without even knowing it because the growths cause no symptoms. If the fibroids grow very large, they can become painful.

Other common symptoms of fibroids include:

Pelvic pain
Lower back pain
Heavy bleeding
Abnormal bleeding
Frequent need to urinate

Some women with fibroids find that sex is painful, and they may experience issues becoming pregnant. Fibroids can also grow very large and cause distortion in the shape of the uterus.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

If you have fibroids that cause pain or abnormal bleeding that interferes with your life, your provider at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC can perform a pelvic exam to assist in their diagnosis.

Your specialist may also request an ultrasound or other diagnostic test to identify the location and size of the growths. The results of your tests help them determine the best course of treatment to ease your symptoms.

How are fibroids treated?

Initially, your provider at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC may recommend a low-dose birth control to control heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding. You may also benefit from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.

Painful or large fibroids may require a surgery known as a myomectomy. This procedure focuses on removing fibroids without damaging the surrounding uterine tissue, so you may still be able to become pregnant.

The team at Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC also offers endometrial ablation, an outpatient procedure that destroys the lining of your uterus. Following an ablation, you won’t be able to become pregnant.

If you’re done having children, another option for large, painful fibroids is a hysterectomy to remove your uterus, which permanently stops heavy bleeding and pelvic pain related to fibroids.

To find out more about which treatment is right for your uterine fibroids, schedule a consultation by calling Atlantic OB/GYN Associates, PC. Or you can request an appointment through the online booking system.