You find out you have fibroids. Maybe your doctor mentioned it at your last visit, or maybe it came up during a routine ultrasound. Either way, the word can feel alarming and your first question is probably: Do I actually need to do something about this? The short answer is: not always. Here's what you really need to know.
First, What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Fibroids (also called uterine myomas or leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They're actually incredibly common: research suggests that up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50. The size can vary wildly, from a tiny seedling to, in some cases, a mass large enough to distort the shape of the uterus.
Here's the thing that often surprises patients: most fibroids never cause any problems at all. Many women have them and never know it.
When Fibroids Don't Need Treatment
If your fibroids are small, not growing, and not causing any symptoms, a "watch and wait" approach is completely reasonable. Your provider will likely monitor them over time with imaging, but there's no medical necessity to treat fibroids that aren't disrupting your life.
This is an especially common approach for women who are nearing menopause, since fibroids tend to shrink naturally as estrogen levels decline.
When Treatment May Be the Right Call
Not every fibroid stays quiet. Some grow quickly or land in a spot that puts pressure on surrounding organs. Treatment is worth discussing if you're experiencing:
- Heavy or prolonged periods: soaking through a pad or tampon in an hour or less counts as heavy. Our team can help you understand what's normal and what isn't through our Abnormal Bleeding services
- Pelvic pain or pressure: ongoing discomfort in your lower abdomen or back may be fibroid-related. Learn more about our Pelvic Pain services
- Bladder or bowel changes: fibroids pressing on the bladder can cause frequent urination or difficulty emptying completely
- Fertility challenges: fibroids in certain locations can interfere with implantation or pregnancy
- Significant anemia from blood loss
What Are Your Treatment Options?
Treatment isn't one-size-fits-all, and your options depend on your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and whether you're planning future pregnancies.
Medication: Hormonal therapies can help manage heavy bleeding and temporarily shrink fibroids. They're not a permanent fix, but they can buy time or help you prepare for a procedure.
Minimally invasive procedures: Several office-based and surgical options can remove or destroy fibroids while preserving your uterus. The team at Cary OB/GYN specializes in minimally invasive surgery that gets you back on your feet faster.
Hysterectomy: For women with severe symptoms who are done with childbearing, a hysterectomy is a permanent solution. It's major surgery, but for the right patient, it can be truly life-changing.
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“Kind staff and doctor, good listener. She takes time with you.” — Cary OB/GYN Patient Testimonial |
What Your Doctor Wants You to Know
Your OB/GYN is not trying to push you toward treatment you don't need. A fibroid diagnosis is not an automatic surgery referral. What your doctor wants most is for you to feel informed: to understand your options, know what symptoms to watch for, and feel confident asking questions.
Don't downplay symptoms because you think heavy periods or pelvic pressure are "just the way it is." They might be. But they also might point to something treatable that could genuinely improve your quality of life.
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“She was amazing! I'm so pleased to have her as my new provider.” — Cary OB/GYN Patient Testimonial |
Ready to Talk Through Your Options?
Whether you were just diagnosed or you've been living with fibroids for years, the team at Cary OB/GYN is here to help you figure out what, if anything, needs to happen next. Visit our Services page to learn more, or schedule an appointment at our Cary or Morrisville office today.