Fibroids Specialist

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids are usually noncancerous growths in the uterus that typically develop during childbearing years.

What are the signs and symptoms of fibroids?

The size and severity of fibroids vary from patient to patient. Some women have small, undetectable fibroids while others have large, disruptive fibroids. In some cases, there's just a single fibroid while in others, there are multiple fibroids. All of these factors can contribute to the development or lack of symptoms.

Many patients notice no symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, while others experience heavy menstrual periods, pelvic pain or pressure, constipation, difficulty voiding, backache, or frequent urination. On rare occasions, patients may also experience pain.

What causes uterine fibroids to develop?

While the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, research points to genetic influence, hormonal changes, and growth factors. Those at highest risk of developing uterine fibroids are those whose sister or mother have had fibroids, who started menstruating at an early age, who are obese, who have taken birth control, who drink alcohol, and who suffer from a vitamin D deficiency.

How are fibroids diagnosed?

Dr. Swainston frequently identifies fibroids during a physical exam, often without previous signs or symptoms. Sometimes irregularities in the shape of the uterus can be detected by an experienced doctor. When confirmation is needed, or fibroids aren't detected during the physical exam, Dr. Swainston uses ultrasound. Ultrasound is safe and very useful in the diagnosis of uterine fibroids. MRI’s are one to help determine if there are risks of the fibroids of being cancerous.

How are fibroids treated?

Based on the signs, symptoms, and risks associated with a patient’s uterine fibroids, a gynecologist will determine the appropriate treatment, which ranges from watchful waiting to invasive surgery. Possible treatment options include but aren’t limited to:

• Medications, including Gn-RH agonists, progestin-releasing IUDs, tranexamic acid, oral contraceptives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Non-invasive procedures, like MRI-guided, focused ultrasound surgery
• Minimally-invasive procedures, like uterine artery embolization, myolysis, robotic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, or endometrial ablation
• Traditional surgery like abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy

Sometimes, fibroids may cause fertility problems or miscarriages. In those cases, Dr. Swainson may recommend fertility surgery.

What is the difference between traditional surgical methods and robotic-assisted surgery for fibroids?

Traditional surgical methods involve large incisions, while Dr. Swainston performs robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgeries through minuscule, laparoscopic incisions. Robotic assist provides unprecedented precision, allowing the doctor to complete the surgery successfully through these tiny incisions. Robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgeries offered by Dr. Swainston decrease risks and recovery time.

We offer Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, and Fibroids. Call us to book your appointment today.