Uterine Fibroids
Are you experiencing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding? Do you suffer from pelvic pain or pressure? If so, you may be among the millions of women worldwide who are affected by uterine fibroids. Dr Randall Hammond, a highly experienced and compassionate gynaecologist, is here to help you understand and manage this common condition. With his expertise and commitment to women’s health, Dr Hammond provides comprehensive fibroid care to support your well-being and quality of life.
Understanding Fibroids
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop within or on the walls of the uterus. They are incredibly common and can vary in size, number, and location. While fibroids are typically benign, they can cause a range of symptoms and impact your daily life. Dr Hammond specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of fibroids, offering personalised care tailored to your specific needs.
Fibroids Diagnoses
If you suspect you have fibroids or have been previously diagnosed, it’s important to consult with Dr Hammond for accurate diagnosis and treatment. During your consultation, Dr Hammond will take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your medical history, and perform a thorough physical examination. Common diagnostic methods for fibroids include:
- Pelvic Examination: A physical examination of the pelvic region allows Dr Hammond to assess the size, shape, and position of your uterus.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging techniques may be used to visualise the fibroids and determine their characteristics.
Fibroids Symptoms
Once diagnosed, it’s essential to understand the symptoms associated with fibroids. While some women may experience no symptoms at all, others may face a range of challenges, including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation or bloating
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Uterine Fibroids Causes
The exact cause of fibroids is still unknown, but various factors may contribute to their development. These include hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, and growth factors. Additionally, estrogen and progesterone, the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle, can influence the growth of fibroids. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing fibroids, such as:
- Age (most commonly diagnosed between 30 and 50)
- Family history of fibroids
- Ethnicity (black women are at higher risk of developing fibroid tumours)
- Obesity
However, it’s important to remember that fibroids can affect women of all ages and backgrounds.
Fibroid Treatment
Dr Hammond offers a range of treatment options for fibroids, tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes. The recommended approach will depend on factors such as the severity of symptoms, fibroid size and location, and your future reproductive plans. Treatment options may include:
- Watchful Waiting: If you have small fibroids and mild or no symptoms, Dr Hammond may recommend monitoring your condition without immediate intervention. Regular check-ups will allow him to assess any changes and ensure your well-being.
- Medications: Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, can help regulate menstrual bleeding and alleviate symptoms. These medications may be used to manage symptoms temporarily or to prepare for surgical procedures.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Dr Hammond is highly skilled in performing minimally invasive procedures to treat fibroids, including:
- Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes fibroids through small incisions, preserving the uterus and fertility.
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: A minimally invasive procedure where fibroids inside the uterus are removed through the cervix without any external incisions.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): This non-surgical procedure involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Intervention
In cases where fibroids are large, numerous, or causing severe symptoms, Dr Hammond may recommend surgical options such as:
- Abdominal Myomectomy: A surgical procedure that removes fibroids through an abdominal incision, preserving the uterus for future fertility.
- Hysterectomy: In certain situations where conservative treatments are ineffective or not desired, a hysterectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves the removal of the uterus and, if necessary, the cervix.
Throughout your treatment journey, Dr Hammond and his dedicated team will provide compassionate care, guidance, and support. They will ensure that you are fully informed about the available options, potential risks, and benefits, helping you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
Compassionate Support for Your Fibroid Journey
At our Hilton clinic, we understand that dealing with fibroids can be physically and emotionally challenging. Dr Hammond and his team are committed to providing compassionate support, personalised care, and effective treatments to help you manage your symptoms and regain control of your life. We prioritise open communication, active listening, and a patient-centred approach to ensure that your unique needs and concerns are addressed.
In addition to treatment, we will also discuss preventive measures, lifestyle modifications, and on-going monitoring to ensure the best possible outcome for your health. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge, support your healing journey, and help you achieve optimal well-being.
If you suspect or have been diagnosed with fibroids, Dr Randall Hammond and his experienced team are here to provide expert care, accurate diagnoses, and effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs. With a compassionate and understanding approach, Dr Hammond aims to alleviate your symptoms, improve your quality of life, and guide you through your fibroid journey with confidence.
Contact our clinic today to schedule a consultation with Dr Hammond. Together, we will develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns, allowing you to regain control of your health and well-being. Don’t let fibroids hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Let us support you on your path to fibroid management and a brighter future.
Feel free to call us on 033 492 0254 or drop us an email. We are located at Suite 7, Hilton Health, 3 Monzali Drive, Hilton, 3245. Your health matters to us.
FAQ
The precise cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but they have been associated with the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen, a key female reproductive hormone, is produced by the ovaries.
Symptoms of fibroids may include heavy or painful menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, a sensation of fullness or bloating in the lower abdomen, and frequent urination, which can occur if a fibroid presses on the bladder.
Women have various treatment options for uterine fibroids, including hormonal therapy with low-dose birth control pills to alleviate symptoms. For smaller fibroids, a hysteroscopy—where a hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina to remove the fibroids—can be performed as a brief outpatient procedure.
Treatment may not be required if you have fibroids but do not experience symptoms, or if your symptoms are minor and do not significantly impact your daily life. Fibroids often decrease in size after menopause, and symptoms typically improve or resolve entirely.
Focused high-frequency sound waves are employed to target and destroy the proteins in fibroids. When combined with MRI, focused ultrasound (FUS) enables physicians to precisely target and monitor the treatment. Each session typically lasts about three hours.
Fibroids can lead to bleeding that may result in anaemia if not treated. While most fibroids are benign, there is a rare risk that they could develop into cancer. Additionally, untreated uterine fibroids may contribute to infertility in some women; however, removing the fibroids can often restore fertility.
Many patients with fibroids are able to conceive. To enhance your chances of a healthy pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with your doctor about your goals and priorities. If fibroids are affecting your quality of life, a gynaecologic surgeon can explore treatment options that aim to preserve your fertility.
Removing fibroids can lead to a reduction in abdominal size, but achieving a completely flat stomach depends on multiple factors. Many women observe a significant improvement in their abdominal appearance following fibroid removal, although a perfectly flat stomach is not always assured.
Fibroids may need to be removed if they cause anaemia due to heavy bleeding, persistent lower back pain, or a sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen. Other indicators include difficulties with conception, complications during pregnancy such as miscarriage or preterm labour, and issues affecting the urinary tract or bowels.
The discharge may appear red, pinkish, or brown and can persist for several days to a few weeks. While it is uncommon to experience fibroid tissue discharge following minimally invasive fibroid treatment, it is possible. If it does occur, it does not necessarily indicate a problem.
At home, you can monitor your fibroids by paying attention to symptoms such as heavy and prolonged menstruation, anaemia leading to fatigue, and pain during intercourse. Other signs include frequent urination, constipation or bloating, pelvic or lower back pain, increased menstrual cramping, and stomach swelling. Noting these symptoms can help you track changes and determine if further medical evaluation is needed.
Fibroids causing pain are typically large enough to warrant treatment. As fibroids increase in size, they often lead to a broader range of symptoms and complications. Uterine fibroids can vary significantly in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.
A ruptured fibroid can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening blood loss. If you experience sudden abdominal pain along with other symptoms of a possible ruptured fibroid, seek medical attention promptly. This could signal a burst fibroid or another serious condition.
An abdominal myomectomy, commonly referred to as an “open” myomectomy, is a significant surgical operation. This procedure involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, often called a “bikini cut,” to remove fibroids from the uterine wall. After the fibroids are excised, the uterine muscle is repaired with multiple layers of stitches.
The duration of the surgery depends on factors such as the type of procedure, the location and number of fibroids, and the complexity involved in their removal. Typically, the surgery lasts between two and three hours. For specific details and to understand what to expect on the day of the surgery, consult with your healthcare provider.
While most individuals who undergo fibroid removal surgery experience no severe complications, they may encounter pain or bleeding during the recovery period. However, a minority of patients may face more serious complications.