Fibroids Specialist

Comprehensive Women's Health

Obstetrics & Gynecology located in Birmingham, MI & Oxford, MI

Have you noticed a change in your period such as heavier bleeding? At Comprehensive Women’s Health in Oxford and Birmingham, Michigan, Dr. Lana Powell provides expert advice about fibroid symptoms and treatment options. Call either of their offices for available appointment times, or book your appointment online.

Fibroids Q & A

What are uterine fibroids?

Fibroids, affecting women of childbearing years, are the most frequently found tumors in the uterus. Fibroids are usually benign tumors and not cancerous, but they can cause symptoms. The fibromas range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a softball or grapefruit.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Fibroids don’t always show symptoms. Some women have no symptoms or fairly mild symptoms. Some of the symptoms you may notice are:

Heavy periods
Abnormally long periods
Bleeding between periods
Pelvic pain
Frequent urination
Lower back pain

Dr. Powell will discuss your symptoms with you and your treatment options.

What causes fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but Dr. Powell suggests hormone changes and genetics play a role in forming fibroids. A sudden increase in hormone levels may cause fibroids to develop in the uterine muscles. During menopause, fibroids usually shrink, confirming the hormone theory. Fibroids grow slowly or quickly, and some stay the same size.

How are fibroids treated?

Before treatment for fibroids begins, Dr. Powell will first diagnose you. Fibroid diagnosis starts with an ultrasound and lab tests. Other useful tools in diagnosis are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and sonograms. When the team at Comprehensive Women’s Health confirm you have fibroids, they will also offer advice on treating the fibroids.

If fibroids aren’t painful or causing other symptoms, you won’t always need treatment. However, if you have heavy bleeding and pain, Dr. Powell recommends shrinking the fibroids with medication. If medication doesn’t produce relief, MRI-guided, focused ultrasound surgery might be used. This surgery is noninvasive and performed as an outpatient procedure.

Some women benefit from myomectomy, the surgical removal of the fibroid. During a myomectomy, your fibroids are removed without damaging your uterus. Dr. Powell will cut the fibroids into smaller pieces or leave them whole during removal.

Speak with Comprehensive Women’s Health about treating your fibroids. Book an appointment online, or call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Powell.

What we offer