Treatment for Uterine Fibroids in Ocala, Florida

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that often cause heavy, painful periods and are most common in women 30-40 years old. Poorti Riley MD, is a highly skilled gynecologic surgeon at Florida Women’s Health in Ocala, FL, who diagnoses and treats women of all ages with fibroids. From medication to robotic surgery, you can be sure you get the most effective treatment for your fibroids with the personalized care and attention you need. Call Florida Women’s Health today to schedule an appointment.

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in your uterus and cause pain and discomfort. They can grow to become rather large inside the wall of your uterus or on the outside. Fibroids are most common inside your uterine wall and can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit or softball.

Fibroids, also known as myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas are an especially tricky and perplexing condition to have. A majority of the time, these non-cancerous tumors within the uterus will not present any symptoms at all, making them quite difficult to diagnose.

What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

Symptoms of fibroids can cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding and intense pain. Women who experience daily struggles due to their fibroid symptoms are encouraged to seek treatment because these symptoms will likely only worsen as the fibroid(s) continue to grow even larger over time.

Small fibroids may not cause any symptoms at all, but as they get larger, you may experience any of the following:

Heavy bleeding during or between your periods
Painful periods and cramping
Pain in your lower back
Pain during sex
Feeling bloated and full in your lower abdomen
Frequent urination
Constipation
Complications during pregnancy
Swollen abdomen

If fibroid symptoms like heavy, painful periods interfere with your life, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to avoid complications, as this condition can lead to iron deficiency from excessive blood loss.

What are Treatment Options for Fibroids?

Lifestyle Changes

If you experience mild symptoms associated with your uterine fibroids, then you may be able to manage them with simple changes to your diet or daily routine. Some preliminary treatments to try at home include:

Applying a hot compress to your lower abdomen several times a day can significantly reduce pain caused by uterine fibroids.
Using over-the-counter pain relievers and blood thinners such as ibuprofen to reduce pressure and inflammation within the uterus can be quite helpful.
Modifying your diet to cut out processed foods or foods that contain high levels of the estrogen hormone.

Medications

There are a variety of prescription medications that can be utilized to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can help to alleviate fibroid symptoms. Such medications can range from common forms of hormonal birth control to drugs specifically designed to treat uterine fibroids.

It should be noted that medications for fibroids are fairly new, meaning that their potential side effects are not entirely known.

Surgery for Fibroids in Ocala, FL

In some cases, medications can help relieve mild symptoms from fibroids, but often the best way to alleviate moderate-to-severe symptoms is through surgery. Dr. Riley performs robotic surgery as a minimally invasive procedure to remove fibroids. A myomectomy removes the tumors without taking any healthy uterine tissue and is a good treatment option if you plan to have children in the future and want to keep your uterus.

Patients who experience especially severe complications as a result of their uterine fibroids may be recommended for a hysterectomy. This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus, which subsequently is the only way to guarantee a permanent reprieve from uterine fibroids and their symptoms.

This procedure is not recommended for women looking to preserve their fertility as there is no natural way to conceive and carry a child without a uterus. Many who choose to undergo a hysterectomy will consider it as a last resort after attempting other, less invasive treatment methods.

Sonata Fibroids Treatment

Dr. Riley also offers Sonata, an incisionless treatment option for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. Unlike a hysterectomy, treatment with the Sonata system does not eliminate the possibility of pregnancy.

Questions About Dealing with Uterine Fibroids?

Many of the symptoms of uterine fibroids such as pelvic pain and heavy periods can also be indicators of less serious conditions. That’s why it’s important for women to make an appointment with Dr. Riley if fibroids are suspected. To make an appointment in Ocala, FL, call us at (352) 369-5999 today.