Fibroids are rarely cancerous, but can cause long, painful periods. For holistic, evidence-based care for uterine fibroids, count on G. Lara Bhatnagar, MD, and the all-woman team at Women 2 Women Medical Center in Irvine, California. A board-certified OB/GYN, Dr. Bhatnagar provides minimally invasive hysteroscopy as well as laparotomy to remove fibroids and relieve your symptoms. Get the care you deserve today by calling or booking a consultation online.
Uterine fibroids are growths of muscular or fibrous tissue. Fibroids grow in or on your uterus, typically causing uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain and heavy periods.
Fibroids come in various sizes and shapes. You might have just a single fibroid or an assortment of these growths. Up to 40% of women who are 35 and older have larger uterine fibroids.
You're more prone to get fibroids in your 30s and 40s. African-American women are up to five times more likely to get uterine fibroids than Hispanic, Asian, or Caucasian women.
The vast majority of fibroids are not cancerous. Benign fibroids rarely turn into cancer. Having fibroids also doesn’t increase your risk of getting other types of cancer in your uterus.
Many women don't develop symptoms from uterine fibroids. However, if you have symptoms, they might include:
If you suspect you have fibroids, schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatnagar at Women 2 Women Medical Center as soon as you can.
Dr. Bhatnagar may recommend prescription medications, such as birth control pills to control fibroids and alleviate heavy bleeding. Progesterone-like injections or an IUD called Mirena® also can help relieve heavy bleeding from fibroids. Another type of drug called a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist can shrink fibroids.
Dr. Bhatnagar may recommend surgery to remove fibroids, depending on the size, location, and type of fibroids. For example, a surgery called myomectomy can remove fibroids without harming surrounding healthy tissue in your uterus. This procedure might be appropriate for you if you want to have children after fibroid treatment.
Dr. Bhatnagar performs myomectomy as a minimally invasive procedure, with hysteroscopy or via laparotomy During hysteroscopy, she uses a narrow, lighted telescope-like device called a hysteroscope, which she inserts into your uterus via your vagina.
Trust the skill and expertise of Dr. Bhatnagar at Women 2 Women Medical Center to diagnose and treat your fibroids. Call today, or book a consultation online.