What Are the Causes of Adenomyosis and How is it Treated

Uterine Fibroid FAQs

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are round muscle growths that develop within or around a woman’s uterus, also known as the womb. They are almost always benign, meaning they are not cancerous and usually don’t require medical treatment. Fibroids can grow as single tumors or in clusters. The severity of fibroid symptoms will depend on their size, number, and location.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

While the exact causes of uterine fibroids are mostly unknown, there are a few factors that have been found to influence their growth. These include genetic changes, growth factors, hormones, and extracellular matrix (ECM). While these causes often can’t be avoided, they can be treated by scheduling a consultation at American Fibroid Centers at the earliest sign of symptoms.

Why Do Fibroids Cause the Uterus to Enlarge?

Over time, uterine fibroids may grow larger. The uterus expands to make more room for the fibroids increasing in size, which may make the abdomen appear fuller. A fuller appearance can also make a woman look pregnant even though she is not. With an enlarged uterus, women may experience: 

  • Bloating
  • Weight gain
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • A change in how their clothes fit
Can Uterine Fibroids Turn Into Cancer?

Uterine fibroids are almost always noncancerous (benign) and rarely turn into cancer. Having fibroids also does not increase one’s risk of developing cancerous tumors or cancer in the uterus. Undergoing a thorough pelvic exam and other diagnostic testing are ideal ways to monitor uterine fibroids and your overall health.

Who is Most Likely to Have Fibroids?

Fibroids are the most common type of tumor in the female reproductive tract. It’s estimated that 20-50% of all women have these benign growths. Fibroids most often affect women in their 30s and 40s. Also, Hispanic women and those of African-American descent are three times more likely to develop fibroids.

What are Common Symptoms of Fibroids?

Most uterine fibroids are asymptomatic. However, in some cases, they can be extremely painful and debilitating. Some of the most common fibroid symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, severe cramps, pelvic pain or pressure, pain during sex, frequent urination, and excessive blood loss which can lead to anemia.

How Can I Tell If I Have Abnormal Fibroid Bleeding?

It’s important to understand the difference between abnormal bleeding and normal period flow. Indications of abnormal fibroid bleeding include:

  • Bleeding outside of your normal menstrual cycle
  • Notably heavier periods
  • Using more feminine products than usual
  • Menstruation lasting longer than 10 days
What Kind of Pain is Experienced with Uterine Fibroids?

Pain caused by uterine fibroids can be experienced in a number of ways. This includes pain in the pelvic area, discomfort after sexual intercourse, difficulty urinating, and pain in the back or legs. In some severe cases, women liken the feeling to having their appendix burst. Other women have described it as an especially painful, unending period with intense cramping. Often, it leads to an inability to sleep at night, and the pain will only continue if left untreated.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor If I Have Fibroids?

These are great questions to ask your doctor:

  • How many fibroids do I have?
  • What kind of fibroids are they?
  • How big are my fibroids?
  • Will my fibroids grow?
  • What can I expect in the long term with fibroids?
  • How can I monitor my fibroids and pelvic health?
  • Do I need treatment?
  • What are my treatment options?
What Medications Treat Fibroids?

Certain medications can help shrink uterine fibroids, ease heavy menstrual bleeding, and alleviate pain. Some of the most common medications used to treat uterine fibroids include:

  • Oral contraceptives
  • Intrauterine devices (IUD)
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • GnRH agonists (Lupron, Eligard, Zoladex, Trelstar)
  • Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)
When Should Uterine Fibroids Be Treated?

Uterine fibroids are often harmless and cause no symptoms. Treatment usually isn’t necessary unless fibroids cause excessive bleeding, discomfort, or bladder problems. If you have uterine fibroids, you should be evaluated periodically to monitor fibroid growth and uterus size. If your symptoms get worse, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. With effective treatment, most women can experience relief and improve their overall quality of life.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)?

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive-image guided procedure that treats uterine fibroids. It’s an alternative to a hysterectomy or myomectomy, requiring no hospital stay or general anesthesia, and has a quicker recovery time. Around 85-90% of women experience significant improvement in their fibroid symptoms and a significant decrease in the size of their uterine fibroids after UFE.

How Does Uterine Fibroid Embolization Work?

During UFE, a thin catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin or wrist. Tiny particles are injected into the small blood vessels that “feed” the fibroids. These particles block the blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink and die.

What are the Benefits of UFE?

There are numerous benefits to choosing uterine fibroid embolization over other treatment options.

  • Less invasive than surgery
  • No general anesthesia
  • Fewer complications
  • Preserves the uterus
  • No scarring
  • No hospital stay
  • Quicker recovery times
Will Insurance Cover Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Not all fibroids require treatment, but if medical intervention is deemed necessary, most insurance plans offer coverage. Our office will contact your provider to review your benefits and confirm if any coverage is available. We’ll do all we can to maximize your insurance plan.

Request an Appointment

Request an appointment at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

Our Fibroid Specialists

Our board-certified, affiliated fibroid specialists in NY and NJ, are highly trained in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids. Their goal is to address fibroid pain and related symptoms through Uterine Fibroid Embolization, a minimally invasive-image guided procedure. When you choose to work with us, our team will ensure that you are comfortable and confident in the care you receive from start to finish.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers has offices located in New Jersey and New York to provide women with convenient access to exceptional uterine fibroid treatment. Most of our facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission and adhere to the utmost health code standards. Find your nearest location to schedule a visit with one of our affiliated physicians today!

Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
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Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
Queens, NY 11102
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Fishkill, NY
60 Merritt Boulevard
Fishkill, NY 12524
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Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street
Harlem, NY 10029
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West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue
West Orange, NJ 07052
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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Request an Appointment

Request an appointment at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.