Fibroids

If you experience heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or discomfort, you may struggle with fibroids, and the team at Southwest Florida Women's Group can help. Fibroids are noncancerous but can still cause pain, and the team prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind. Your provider listens carefully to your concerns to diagnose these growths and recommend treatment options tailored to your needs. Schedule a fibroids consultation by calling the office in Naples, Florida, or booking online now.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids (sometimes called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths that can develop in or around your uterus. They’re more common than most realize and can come in various sizes, ranging from no bigger than a seed to being large enough to impact the shape and size of your uterus.

Fibroids are influenced by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, so they most commonly occur during the reproductive years. While they aren’t cancerous, they can be uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

The symptoms of fibroids often depend on their size, number, and location, and include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Painful menstrual cramps
• Pelvic pressure or fullness
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Abdominal bloating or swelling

They can also lead to anemia or interfere with pregnancy, so seek evaluation from the obstetrics and gynecology team at Southwest Florida Women's Group if you notice persistent pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or changes in your menstrual cycle.

How are fibroids treated?

Treatment for fibroids depends on several factors. Southwest Florida Women's Group performs a thorough evaluation and considers:

• The severity of your symptoms
• The size and location of the fibroids
• Your age
• Whether you plan to become pregnant in the future

If your symptoms are mild, you may just need monitoring. Your provider may recommend regular pelvic exams or imaging studies to track whether your fibroids grow over time.

They can also use medications to help manage symptoms. Your treatment options may include:

• Hormonal birth control to reduce heavy bleeding
• Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
• Hormone therapy to shrink fibroids temporarily
• Iron supplements for anemia caused by blood loss

When symptoms are more severe, the Southwest Florida Women's Group team can talk to you about minimally invasive procedures or surgeries, such as:

• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
• Myomectomy, which removes fibroids while preserving the uterus
• Endometrial ablation for certain bleeding symptoms
• Hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and permanently eliminates fibroids

Many women benefit from minimally invasive gynecologic procedures that involve smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.

Fibroids can significantly affect your quality of life, but effective treatment options are available at Southwest Florida Women's Group. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or other common fibroid symptoms, find relief by booking a consultation. You can book via the online scheduler or call the Southwest Florida Women’s Group office today.