iowa womens health center logo

4207 GLASS RD NE, Suite #2

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

8:00AM – 5:00PM Monday – Thursday
Friday 8:00AM – NOON

Advanced gynecology

30 Years experience

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are common in women and are benign growths of the uterus which often occur during childbearing years. Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, aren’t linked to an increased risk of developing uterine cancer and are not usually a sign of serious illness. Your doctor might discover fibroids during an ultrasound or pelvic exam.

 

Fibroids come in a variety of sizes, from tiny seedlings that are not visible to the naked eye to large, bulky masses that can distort or enlarge the uterus. One fibroid can be present or several. Multiple fibroids may cause extreme uterine expansion, which can lead to weight gain and a restraining effect on the rib cage.

Fibroids: Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can vary with the location, size, and number of fibroids. The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids in women with symptoms include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Menstrual periods lasting over 7 days
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder
  • Constipation
  • Backache or leg pains

Rarely, a fibroid can cause acute pain when it outgrows its blood supply, and begins to die. Fibroids are generally classified by their location. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids extend outside of the uterus.

When to see a doctor:

  • Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away
  • Overly heavy, prolonged or painful periods
  • Spotting or bleeding between periods
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder
  • Unexplained low red blood cell count (anemia)

Seek prompt medical care if you have severe vaginal bleeding or sharp pelvic pain that comes on suddenly. Request an Appointment at Iowa Women’s Health Center.

Causes

Doctors don’t know the cause of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical experience point to these factors:

  • Genetic changes – Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells.
  • Hormones – Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.  Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than typical uterine muscle cells. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.
  • Other growth factors – Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.
  • Extracellular matrix (ECM) – ECM is the material that makes cells stick together, like mortar between bricks. ECM is increased in fibroids and makes them fibrous.The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary; they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. 

Risk factors

There are few known risk factors for uterine fibroids, other than being a woman of reproductive age. Factors that can have an impact on fibroid development include:

  • Race – Although all women of reproductive age could develop fibroids, black women are more likely to have fibroids than are women of other racial groups. In addition, black women have fibroids at younger ages, and they’re also likely to have more or larger fibroids, along with more severe symptoms.
  • Heredity – If your mother or sister had fibroids, you’re at increased risk of developing them.
  • Other factors – Starting your period at an early age; obesity; a vitamin D deficiency; having a diet higher in red meat and lower in green vegetables, fruit and dairy, and drinking alcohol, including beer, appear to increase your risk of developing fibroids.

Complications

Although uterine fibroids usually aren’t dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may lead to complications such as a drop in red blood cells (anemia), which causes fatigue, from heavy blood loss. Rarely, a transfusion is needed due to blood loss.

Pregnancy and fibroids

Fibroids usually don’t interfere with becoming pregnant. However, it’s possible that fibroids, especially submucosal fibroids, could cause infertility or pregnancy loss.

 

Fibroids may also raise the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery.

Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to its usual size.

 

Prevention

Although researchers continue to study the causes of fibroid tumors, little scientific evidence is available on how to prevent them. Preventing uterine fibroids may not be possible, but only a small percentage of these tumors require treatment.

But, by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating fruits and vegetables, you may be able to decrease your fibroid risk. Also, some research suggests that using hormonal contraceptives may be associated with a lower risk of fibroids.

When should you see a doctor?

  • Pelvic pain that won’t go away
  • Too heavy, long or painful periods
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods
  • If it is difficult to empty your bladder
  • Anemia (unexplained low red blood cells count)

If you experience severe bleeding from the vaginal or pelvic areas, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Call Iowa Women’s Health Center to schedule an appointment.

Fibroids Treatments

New minimally invasive myomectomy, da Vinci® Myomectomy, combines the best of open and laparoscopic surgery. With the assistance of the da Vinci® Surgical System – the latest evolution in robotics technology – surgeons may remove uterine fibroids through small incisions with unmatched precision and control.

OB/GYN Dr. Jason Rexroth is our in-house surgeon and was one of the first doctors in Iowa to use the da Vinci robotic system and first in Cedar Rapids. He’s skilled and adept in minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries and procedures.

Another option is Acessa.  This allows us to pass radio frequency energy directly to fibroids under ultrasound guidance, effectively melting the fibroids.  Dr. Rexroth was the first physician in Iowa to offer this treatment.

Some fibroids can be removed hysteroscopically with no abdominal incisions.  Contact us to see where the fibroid is located and go over treatment options.

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Making an appointment is easy! Just give us a call at 319-200-5900 and we will set you up with one of trained staff members to talk with you. If this is your first time visisting us please fill out a New Client Form.

How Do I Make an Appointment?
How to make an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and one of our staff members would be happy to get you scheduled. You may also request an appointment via our online portal at (insert portal link-25012.portal.Athenahealth.com
How Do I Cancel my Appointment?
How to cancel an appointment: Please call 319-200-5900 and we would be happy to reschedule or cancel your appointment. We do require 24 hour notice if possible. 
How Do I Order Refill of my Prescription?
How do I request a refill: Please call your pharmacy and let them know you need a refill of your medication. They will then send us the information directly, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the refill process. Refill requests can take up to 48 business hours from the date of request to be reviewed. 
How Do I Update my Information on File?
How do I update my information? You are welcome to login to our patient portal at (insert link) or give us a call at 319-200-5900 and our staff members are happy to get that information updated for you in our system.
Iowa Women's Health Center

Creating Happier & Healthier Lives for Iowa Women

Iowa Women’s Health Center is interested in talking to you about your decision when choosing which medical options are best for you.  IWHC is an advanced women’s health clinic located in Cedar Rapids, IA. We service all women through central Iowa and in neighboring states for progressive and advanced gynecological care.

We provide the latest and least invasive women’s health medicine throughout Linn County.

Please bear in mind that the best medicine is preventative medicine. IWHC is currently accepting clients so we may help you in that pursuit of a healthier and happier life.

Presets Color

Primary
Secondary