Although it is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids, we do know that these benign tumors develop in the womb. A pelvic exam and an ultrasound can lead to a diagnosis and an average of six to seven fibroids are found in the affected uterus. While some women may have fibroids that do not cause them any complications, for others these fibroids are a cause of very heavy bleeding during menstruation. In some cases, uterus fibroids treatment is necessary.

Although it is unclear why fibroids lead to excessive bleeding in some women, anyone with heavy bleeding should consult a gynecologist to right away to prevent further complications like anemia. In many cases uterus fibroids treatment can lead to a common surgical procedure, a hysterectomy, to remove the fibroids. Removing the uterus, however, does not have to be the treatment. Much research has been done and several doctors also recommend and offer a less invasive treatment. MR guided focused ultrasound is noninvasive and does not affect organs or surrounding tissues. This process uses heat to remove fibroids.

Uterine fibroids occur in nearly half of all women and are a leading cause of hysterectomy in the America. The decision to seek uterus fibroids treatment, which can involve the removal of the uterus, is not necessarily anything to be alarmed about. Medicines that control the symptoms can be discussed first and if these symptoms continue to interrupt your daily life then you can visit with your doctor about further options. Most Uterine fibroids occur in women during their 30s and 40s. They often shrink in size following menopause.

Whether uterine fibroid removal requires uterine fibroid surgery, or a less invasive procedure, is something that women need to discuss with their doctors. Some types of women will find these discussions more necessary than other. A 2013 study by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine said, “African-American women had substantially more fibroids.” The ASRM study found that African-American women have an average of 9.9 fibroids, while Caucasian women average of 4.5 fibroids. Obesity, having no biological children, and onset of menstruation before age 10, also increase risks of having uterine fibroids.

Signs and symptoms of fibroids are often heavy bleeding, but can also include other indicators. A yearly pelvic exam and regular appointments with an OBGYN will help women recognize the need for further treatment. While the removal of uterine fibroids is often necessary, discussions with your trusted physician will help you determine if a hysterectomy is necessary or if you are able to treat with a less invasive procedure.