Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis and Treatment in St Augustine, Florida
Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis and Treatment
Uterine fibroids are extremely common, with up to 80% of women having at least one uterine fibroid by age 50. Most fibroids are harmless, but when fibroids cause discomfort, it’s time to seek medical help. The expert practitioner, Sherri Maetozo, MD, at Maetozo Total Woman’s Care of Saint Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida, diagnose and treat fibroids that disrupt your everyday life. Call or book an appointment online today if you think you’re experiencing symptoms from uterine fibroids.
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Fibroids Q & A
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are extremely common growths on the uterine wall. Most women have them and don’t experience any symptoms. However, depending on the size of the fibroids, you may experience discomfort or moderate medical issues. Larger fibroids may interfere with organ function and might need to be removed.
Symptoms can include:
- Bleeding
- Anemia
- Pain associated with periods
- Frequently having to use the bathroom
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Pregnancy and labor complications
- Enlargement of the pelvic area
Although fibroids are a type of tumor, it’s extremely rare for them to turn into harmful cancers.
What causes fibroids?
It’s not clear exactly what causes fibroids, although your hormone levels might contribute to the formation of fibroids. Two types of hormones, estrogen and progesterone, influence fibroid growth. When estrogen and progesterone conduct their normal functions, they help regrow your uterine lining during your normal menstrual cycle. If your levels are irregular, extra lining and tissue might grow outside of the uterus, causing complications.
You may be more likely to get fibroids if you:
- Have family members who have had fibroids
- Started your first period at an unusually young age
- Have taken hormonal birth control
- Consume alcohol regularly
- Don’t exercise often
- Don’t eat healthily
- Are deficient in vitamin D
Although these factors don’t directly lead to fibroids, some doctors suggest maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol excessively might lower your chances of developing fibroids.
What are available treatments for fibroids?
If you think you’re experiencing symptoms because of fibroids, it’s important to visit your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor conducts a physical exam, ultrasound, or lab tests to conclude whether you have fibroids and if they’re affecting your physical health.
Your doctor might recommend certain medications to manage your symptoms and hormone levels, including hormonal birth control or further surgical and non-surgical procedures to remove the fibroids. These include:
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS)
- Uterine artery embolization
- Myolysis
- Abdominal myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy
- Endometrial ablation
- Minimally Invasive Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
There are many solutions for fibroids that have varying results and recovery times. When you talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your fibroids, be sure to mention any preferences you have around surgical versus non-surgical procedures.
Are fibroids interfering with your quality of life? Call Maetozo Total Woman’s Care of Saint Augustine or book your first appointment online today.
Patient Feedback
Celeste G.
I have been a patient with Dr. Maetozo for many years and I always feel very comfortable and trust her as my Doctor.
Margalo E.
I’ve been going to Dr. Maetozo for the nearly 20 years that I’ve lived in St. Augustine, and I have been consistently satisfied with the friendly, efficient, compassionate care I have received, both from the clinicians and the staff members. I wouldn’t bother going anywhere else.
Judy C.
Dr. Maetozo has a great personality and is very kind. I have great confidence in her ability as a health provider and would recommend her to anyone looking for a great OBGYN!
