Dr. Suzanne Slonim

What Are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are more common in women ages 30 to 50 years old but can occur at any age. Black women are especially prone to uterine fibroids. Also, studies show that fibroids have a hereditary link. Women are more likely to develop fibroids if their mother, grandmother and/or sister had them.

Will I Get Uterine Fibroids?

Risk factors for developing uterine fibroids include: higher estrogen levels, too much red meat, sugar and alcohol in the diet, excess body weight, and the use of hair relaxer. If you have a genetic link, you also have a greater risk for uterine fibroids.

A woman can help reduce her risk of fibroids by eating a healthy diet high in citrus fruits, dairy and vegetables, reducing stress, and getting plenty of exercise.

Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

Some women may have fibroids but none of the symptoms. Others may be very symptomatic, or just a little. Symptoms that may indicate uterine fibroids include heavy periods, pelvic pain and cramping, back pain, bloating, painful intercourse, and more. In severe cases, the tumors in the uterus may cause such excessive menstrual bleeding that the woman becomes anemic. Fibroid pain can greatly affect a woman’s life and restrict her activities. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist who can help diagnose if fibroids are causing your pain and discomfort. Your doctor will perform a medical history, physical exam, and possibly an ultrasound. If it is determined that uterine fibroids are the culprit, we can discuss treatment options.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment

If left alone, fibroids will eventually reduce after menopause. However, this is not a good option for many patients as it does nothing to minimize symptoms. Also, the fibroids could continue to increase in size and cause additional symptoms.

Traditionally, hysterectomy has been the most overperformed procedure for the treatment of uterine fibroids. But surgery removing the uterus and fibroids has side effects and is an invasive procedure, with a long recovery period.

Myomectomy is another surgical option that laparoscopically removes the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact. This is especially important for women of child bearing age who may not want to lose the ability to get pregnant. There is still a long recovery period and chance of new fibroids growing.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally-invasive (non-surgical) procedure performed by the fibroid expert Dr. Suzanne Slonim at Fibroid Institute Dallas. It reduces symptoms such as excessive bleeding during menstruation and abdominal pain by reducing the blood flow to the fibroids, thus shrinking them naturally. There is a shorter recovery time than with traditional fibroid treatments. Many women are able to return to their daily activities much more quickly. UFE has 90% success rates and patients are raving about the results.

Where to Get Help

Fibroid Institute Dallas serves the DFW area in Texas including Dallas, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Cockrell Hill, Grand Prairie, Arlington, Hutchins, Irving, Highland Park, University Park, Park Cities, Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Plano, Frisco, Allen, and all of North Texas. For a free phone consult or to make an appointment, please contact us.