According to one research study, by age 50, 70%-80% of women have non-cancerous uterine tumors called fibroids. Many women go undiagnosed until fibroids lead to bleeding, pain, or complications of pregnancy. At his specialized gynecological practice in Fort Worth, Texas, John A. Whitfield, MD treats fibroids with medication and surgery to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. He can also provide access to clinical trials for new medications for uterine fibroids. To learn more about current uterine fibroid treatments available to you, call or request an appointment with Dr. Whitfield online today.
Fibroids, sometimes called uterine fibroids, are the most common type of benign growths found in women of childbearing age. They are tumors formed from the uterine wall.
Fibroids are caused by a specific gene defect found in 85% of all women with fibroids. Not every woman with this gene defect will necessarily develop symptomatic fibroids, but some risk factors include:
Fibroids are nearly always non-cancerous and having them does not increase your risk of developing other cancers in the future.
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms and don’t realize they have them until they experience secondary complications, including pain, bleeding or pregnancy complications.
Women with fibroid symptoms may experience:
Before creating a treatment plan for your fibroids, Dr. Whitfield considers your age, symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and your reproductive goals. Fibroids often shrink during menopause, so treatment at that point may be less aggressive. Fibroid treatments include:
Dr. Whitfield discusses the risks, benefits, and alternatives to every treatment option to help you make informed decisions about your care. Dr. Whitfield can also provide access into clinical trials for new medications for uterine fibroids. See if you qualify.
For an appointment, consultation or second opinion with John A. Whitfield, MD, call or click today.