Fibroid Treatment in Chicago, IL

What Are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are an especially tricky and perplexing condition to have. A majority of the time, these non-cancerous tumors within the uterus will not present any symptoms at all, making them quite difficult to diagnose.

For others, symptoms of fibroids can cause a wide range of troublesome symptoms including heavy menstrual bleeding and intense pain. Women who experience daily struggles due to their fibroid symptoms are encouraged to seek treatment from their gynecologist at Lake Shore OBGYN because these symptoms will likely only worsen as the fibroid(s) continue to grow even larger over time. To schedule a consultation for uterine fibroid treatment at our gynecology offices in Chicago and Hinsdale, please call (312) 943-3300 today.

Implementing Lifestyle Changes

If you experience mild symptoms associated with your uterine fibroids, then you may be able to manage them with simple changes to your diet or daily routine. Some preliminary treatments to try at home include:

• Applying a hot compress to your lower abdomen several times a day can significantly reduce pain caused by uterine fibroids.
• Using over-the-counter pain relievers and blood thinners such as ibuprofen to reduce pressure and inflammation within the uterus can be quite helpful.
• Modifying your diet to cut out processed foods or foods that contain high levels of the estrogen hormone.

Medications to Treat Uterine Fibroids

There are a variety of prescription medications that can be utilized to help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, which can help to alleviate fibroid symptoms. Such medications can range from common forms of hormonal birth control to drugs specifically designed to treat uterine fibroids.

It should be noted that medications for fibroids are fairly new, meaning that their potential side effects are not entirely known.

Surgical Fibroid Treatment Options in Chicago, IL

Several providers at Lake Shore Obstetrics & Gynecology are specially trained to perform minimally invasive procedures. Our OBGYNs are able to offer patients treatment for uterine fibroids that includes a lower risk of potential complications and shorter recovery times.

Myomectomy

A myomectomy is the surgical removal of a fibroid. This treatment is ideal for those who have a fibroid that protrudes from the uterine wall. Any fibroid that is situated deep within the uterine tissue will be difficult to remove without causing significant damage or scarring to the uterus or the uterine lining.

Hysterectomy

Patients who experience especially severe complications as a result of their uterine fibroids may be recommended for a hysterectomy. This surgery involves the complete removal of the uterus, which subsequently is the only way to guarantee a permanent reprieve from uterine fibroids and their symptoms.

This procedure is not recommended for women looking to preserve their fertility as there is no natural way to conceive and carry a child without a uterus. Many who choose to undergo a hysterectomy will consider it as a last resort after attempting other, less invasive treatment methods.