At Columbus OB/GYN, we understand the impact that conditions like endometriosis and fibroids can have on your overall well-being and quality of life. Our dedicated team of healthcare providers is committed to providing expert care for pelvic health, including the diagnosis and management of endometriosis and fibroids.
Endometriosis is a common condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus, most commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissues lining the pelvis. This abnormal growth can lead to pain, inflammation, and the formation of scar tissue. Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include:
Our team at Columbus OB/GYN specializes in diagnosing and managing endometriosis. We offer comprehensive evaluations, including medical history reviews, pelvic examinations, and imaging studies if necessary. With an accurate diagnosis, we develop personalized treatment plans to address your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
For those women that suffer through heavy periods and irregular, dense bleeding, endometrial ablation may be their best option for relief. The process of endometrial ablation results in a great reduction or complete stop of menstrual periods.
Inside your uterus, the walls of the muscle are lined with a thick coating made out of blood cells, mucus, and tissue. This lining is called the endometrium, and it is created in order to cushion an egg in the chance that it is fertilized. Every month, if the egg is not fertilized, your uterus will shed your endometrial lining through the vagina, a process known as menstruation or your period. Some older women may experience extremely heavy, uncomfortable periods. If they have decided not to have any more children, these women may be advised by their doctors to get an endometrial ablation.
Basically, endometrial ablation is the surgical destruction of the endometrial lining. Once the lining is destroyed, your periods are reduced or eliminated in most women. Various procedures and techniques are available for endometrial ablation, described below.
Cryoblation uses a freezing technique to destroy the endometrial lining. This procedure can be performed in the office without anesthesia. It is a safe and effective method for many women.
The uterine lining is cauterized to destroy the endometrial lining. Several different devices can be used to perform this procedure. Typically the procedure is done in an outpatient setting, under general anesthesia.
Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can vary in size and number and may cause a range of symptoms, including:
Uterine fibroids are made up of the cells that make up the muscle of the uterus and can grow outside, against, or even inside the uterine lining. The size, shape, number, and location of uterine fibroids vary greatly depending on the woman and her specific case.
They can be as small as a pea to as large as an orange, and 6-7 inches around, causing the uterine wall to distort and change. They can even grow large enough to fill the pelvis or the abdomen. Sometimes, women can only have one fibroid or many; the number that will grow is oftentimes unpredictable. They can grow rapidly or very slowly or simply stay small. They are often hard to treat because their growth rate is very unpredictable.
Uterine fibroids can be asymptomatic (cause no symptoms), or they can cause many severe symptoms in a woman.
This procedure is the surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus in place so the woman may still have children in the future. Women who become pregnant after having a myomectomy usually need to have a cesarean birth. However, myomectomies sometimes leave permanent scarring that makes it impossible for a woman to have a baby.
Myomectomies can be performed in a number of ways:
Sometimes, even after a myomectomy, fibroids redevelop, which usually calls for another surgery.
This procedure is the removal of the uterus along with the fibroids. The ovaries and fallopian tubes may or may not be removed as well. A hysterectomy may be the best choice if the following is true:
Since a hysterectomy is a major surgery and should only be used as a last resort, your doctor will rule out other treatments before deciding on this choice.
At Columbus OB/GYN, we offer comprehensive evaluation and management of fibroids. We utilize advanced diagnostic techniques, such as ultrasound imaging, to accurately assess the size, location, and characteristics of the fibroids. Based on your specific situation, we develop personalized treatment plans that may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of your symptoms and desire for future fertility.
Our team at Columbus OB/GYN is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for all aspects of pelvic health. We understand that each patient is unique, and we tailor our treatment approaches to meet your specific needs and goals. Whether you require medical management, minimally invasive procedures, or surgical intervention, our experienced healthcare providers are here to guide you through every step of your journey.
We emphasize patient education and encourage open communication, ensuring you fully understand your condition, treatment options, and potential outcomes. Our team remains committed to supporting you in achieving optimal pelvic health and enhancing your overall well-being.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to endometriosis or fibroids, or if you have concerns about your pelvic health, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Columbus OB/GYN. Our compassionate healthcare providers are ready to listen, evaluate your condition, and develop a personalized treatment plan that best meets your needs. Take the first step towards better pelvic health by contacting us today.
