What are Uterine Fibroids?

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, your vascular and cardiovascular health are our top priorities.

Our cardiology and vascular specialists offer experience and expertise in all types of heart and vein conditions, including common but often painful uterine fibroids.

If you’ve ever wondered, “what are uterine fibroids?” or need expert advice on uterine fibroid treatment, we can help.

Let’s discuss uterine fibroids in more detail, including what they are, common symptoms, and effective treatment options.

Uterine Fibroids Explained

Fibroids are common noncancerous growths in or on the uterus.

As many as 3 out of 4 women will develop fibroids during their lifetime. In fact, most are unaware they have them.

Sometimes, doctors will incidentally discover fibroids during a routine pelvic or pregnancy exam and then refer their patients to a specialist to have the fibroids treated.

Fibroids develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the womb. They may grow slowly or quickly or stay the same size. However, if they get too large, they may start causing painful and life-altering symptoms.

Fibroid Symptoms

Fibroid symptom type and severity differ from one woman to another and may include:

Excessive menstrual bleeding
Prolonged periods
Urinary incontinence, frequency, or urgency
Pelvic pain and pressure
Anemia
Pain in the back of the legs
Pain during sexual intercourse
Constipation
Bloating
An enlarged abdomen
Weight gain
Pregnancy and fertility complications

In many instances, women do not experience symptoms of fibroids at all.

Who’s at Risk of Developing Uterine Fibroids?

While 70-80% of women will get uterine fibroids, most mistakenly think they are not at risk.

About 30% of women have never heard of uterine fibroids.

Of those diagnosed with fibroids, nearly 44% have never heard of Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) as an effective uterine fibroid treatment.

While any woman can develop fibroids, the following increase your risk:

African American descent
A diet high in red meat and low in vegetables
Age, especially females between 30 to 50
Having a mother with a history of fibroids

Uterine Fibroid Treatment

The most effective minimally-invasive treatment is uterine fibroid embolization. This entire procedure is done while the patient is sedated through a tiny nick the size of a grain of rice.

Recovery time is just one week, so you can return to your life quickly and with less pain. In addition, since there is no incision, it heals with almost no scarring.

Other common treatments include:

Hormone-based medications
Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Endometrial Ablation
Myomectomy

For rare and severe cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended.

For women who do not experience any symptoms, most fibroid specialists will follow a “wait and watch” approach to monitoring fibroid growth.

Innovative Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Oklahoma

The physicians at CHC are qualified to both diagnose and treat uterine fibroids.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, uterine fibroid embolization may be your best option.

Don’t wait until they become larger. We are here to help you feel better sooner. Call us at (405) 701-9880 or book an appointment online today.

Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.

Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.

The staff, the nurses, and Dr. Parsons were all amazing. Everything was simple and went well – very Bravo Zulu (military phrase meaning "well done"). In addition to the great staff at CardioVascular Health Clinic, the facilities were clean and well maintained. I have no complaints about anything. The whole experience was A1. I would recommend Dr. Parsons to anyone. He made a huge impact on my life.

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John W.