Fibroid Pain Relief in Brooklyn, NY and Bronx, NY

The development of uterine fibroids is a pretty common occurrence for women over 30. And while many women never even know they have them, most go through at least some level of moderate to severe fibroid pain. When that happens, it’s good to know that fibroid pain relief is nearby in Brooklyn and Bronx at the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists. Dr. George Bolotin, an experienced Interventional Radiologist, is an authority on uterine fibroid pain treatment. Don’t suffer needlessly; call him today for a consultation.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous muscular growths in or on the uterus. They’re highly prevalent in women of reproductive age. Women of color, especially African Americans, are at an even greater risk of developing uterine fibroids. In some women, the uterine growths cause no symptoms, but sometimes, they come with severe symptoms, such as life-altering fibroid pain. Fibroids develop in different locations, causing symptoms that depend on where they appear. The main fibroid types  include:

• Intramural fibroids. These are the most common type of fibroids. They grow within the muscular wall of your uterus. As they enlarge, they cause weight gain, an enlarged uterus and potentially many other complications.
• Submucosal tumors. This is the least common type of fibroid. It develops in the middle muscle layer of the uterus, known as the myometrium.
• Subserosal fibroids. Fibroids that form on the outside of your uterus are referred to as subserosal. If they grow very large, they cause an extended stomach on one side.
• Pedunculated fibroids. Also less common, these fibroids grow on a stem within the uterus.

Whatever the type of uterine growth you have, an early diagnosis is critical to get fibroid pain relief. Dr. George Bolotin, an exceptional Interventional Radiologist, founded the Brooklyn and Bronx-based practice of Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists. They offer accurate diagnoses and the treatments you need. Using the latest technology at the state-of-the-art facility, they provide individualized fibroids treatment with personalized care.

Can Fibroids Cause Pain?

One of the most debilitating effects of uterine tumors is fibroid pain. Fibroids take up space in the uterus. As they grow, these tumors affect other parts of the uterus. Such changes result in pain that manifests in a number of ways, such as:

•  Changes in your uterus’s shape cause pain as your uterus extends into other organs.
• Subserosal fibroids put pressure on other internal organs, such as your rectum, kidneys, bladder and lungs, leading to abdominal pain.
• When the stem supporting a pedunculated fibroid twists, it can cause hard cramps.
• Any pressure on your sciatic nerves as the fibroids enlarge causes a sharp pain in your back.
• In case you have fibroids during pregnancy, the pain is something you may have to endure until after you deliver. You can also experience more pain and complications during vaginal birth because of fibroids.
• Fibroid degeneration happens when fibroids begin to harden or fill with fluid. They can become calcified and very uncomfortable.
• Heavy menstrual periods and severe cramps are common side effects of fibroids.
• Pressure on the uterus during sex makes the act painful.

Fibroids can lead to pelvic pain, characterized by dull, chronic pelvic pressure and lower back pain. Abdominal swelling and bloating cause pain and frequent urination, due to pressure on your bladder. Fibroid pain affects your quality of life.

What Causes Fibroids?

Unfortunately, doctors don’t have a definite answer for fibroids causes, but they point to some factors that are associated with fibroid growth, such as:

• Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone stimulate fibroid growth.
• Genetics. Women with a family history of fibroids are at a high risk of these uterine growths.
• Obesity. Women who carry extra weight have a greater risk of developing tumors.

Any woman of reproductive age is at risk of fibroids and can experience fibroid pain as a symptom. Other risks factors that may play a role in the development of painful uterine fibroids include:

• Pregnancy
• Ethnicity, as African American women are at a higher risk
• Age, since most fibroids appear in women over 50
• Diet, as shown in women who regularly eat red meat and ham
• High blood pressure
• Infertility
• Vitamin D deficiency

How Is Fibroid Pain Treated?

Uterine fibroid pain treatment starts with a review of the condition of your fibroids. Dr. Bolotin offers a range of fibroid treatments, but he creates a treatment plan based on your individual assessment. You have to undergo thorough diagnostic tests before he can recommend treatment, such as:

• Observation before further treatment
• Hormone treatment, using GnRH antagonists to shrink fibroids, an intrauterine device (IUD) for hormone control or birth control pills
• Over-the-counter medication for fibroid pain relief
• Fibroid removal through a uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
• Endometrial ablation
• Myomectomy
• Hysterectomy

Advances in treatments, such as UFE, allow for a less invasive uterine fibroid pain treatment. Dr. Bolotin explains both the benefits and risks of UFE before recommending the procedure. He also has other cutting-edge technologies for the most successful results in fibroids treatment. Contact the Astra Fibroid Treatment Specialists today to enjoy a better quality of life, free of fibroid pain.