Fibroids

Up to 80% of women have fibroids during their childbearing years, but you don’t have to suffer through heavy periods, pelvic pain, or other disruptive symptoms. At Align Women’s Health in Jamaica, New York, Simone Lomax, DNP, WHNP, understands how fibroids can impact your quality of life. She offers a full range of treatment options, from medication management to minimally invasive procedures, and works with you to find the approach that makes the most sense for your situation. Schedule your fibroid consultation today by phone or online to start feeling better.

What are uterine fibroids? 

Uterine fibroids are benign growths made of muscle and connective tissue that form in your uterine wall. These noncancerous tumors can be as small as a pea or grow large enough to change the shape of your uterus. Dr. Lomax notes that while most women develop fibroids at some point, many never realize they have them because they cause no problems.

The location where fibroids grow determines whether you notice symptoms. Dr. Lomax examines how your particular fibroids affect your menstrual cycle, comfort, and overall well-being.

What symptoms do fibroids cause? 

Your fibroid symptoms depend on where they grow and how large they become. Dr. Lomax looks for signs, including:

Heavy menstrual bleeding 

You might soak through a pad or tampon every hour, have periods lasting more than a week, or pass blood clots larger than a quarter.

Pelvic discomfort 

Fibroids can create fullness in your pelvis, cause back pain, or trigger cramping beyond your normal period pain.

Bathroom troubles 

When fibroids press on nearby organs, you may need to urinate more often or have trouble emptying your bladder. Some women also experience constipation.

Fertility challenges 

Depending on their placement, fibroids might make it harder to get pregnant or increase pregnancy complications.

How do you diagnose and treat fibroids? 

Dr. Lomax uses physical examination and imaging tests like pelvic ultrasound to identify fibroids and assess their impact. She develops treatment strategies based on your specific symptoms and life goals.

Watchful waiting 

For small fibroids causing minimal symptoms, Dr. Lomax may recommend regular monitoring with periodic examinations and imaging.

Medication management 

Hormonal treatments can help control heavy bleeding and reduce fibroid size, while pain medications address discomfort during flare-ups.

Minimally invasive procedures 

Options like uterine artery embolization block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink without major surgery.

Surgical treatment 

Myomectomy removes individual fibroids while preserving your uterus, while hysterectomy removes your entire uterus for definitive treatment.

Getting evaluated early gives you more treatment choices and prevents complications like severe anemia from excessive bleeding. Dr. Lomax helps you decide when intervention makes sense for your situation.

Get answers about your fibroid symptoms. Call Align Women’s Health to schedule with Dr. Lomax, or book online today.