Fibroids: What are they and how do I deal with them? By Dr. Matthew Siedhoff, MD MSCR

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow in or around the wall of the uterus, also known as myomas or leiomyomas.  They are extremely common, affecting about three-quarters of women at some point in their life, and one of the most common reasons women undergo gynecologic surgery.  They don’t always cause symptoms, but women with fibroids may experience heavy, prolonged, irregular, or painful menstrual bleeding, urinary or bowel problems, pain during intercourse, or complications with pregnancy (infertility or miscarriage). ( READ MORE )

Uterine-preserving and Fertility-preserving Alternatives to Hysterectomy When Treating Fibroids By Dr. William Parker

For women who wish to preserve their fertility or preserve their uterus regardless of fertility issues, hysterectomy should be a last resort.

When fertility preservation is the goal, it is important for the gynecologist to know the number, sizes and exact positions of the fibroids in order to guide the best treatment.   Fibroids that change the shape of the uterine cavity can decrease fertility and will be best detected using saline-infusion ultrasound, hysteroscopy (telescope looking into the uterine cavity) or MRI (most accurate).  ( READ MORE )