Up to 70% of women experience fibroids in their lifetime, according to studies. Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. Dr. James McGuckin of Pennsylvania Vascular Institute provides patients with treatment at any of his office locations: King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Pocono, and Limerick, PA.
More About Fibroid Disease
Fibroid tumors varying in size and can occur alone or in a group. Many women suffer from fibroid disease but don't seek medical attention or a proper diagnosis because they don't experience symptoms. In some cases, women don't experience severe symptoms.
What are the symptoms of fibroid disease?
Symptoms of fibroid disease vary from location, size, and number of the tumors present.
Here are some symptoms to keep out for:
- Anemia: The lack of healthy red blood cells carrying adequate oxygen to your body's tissues
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or long menstrual periods
- Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, or constipation
- Back or leg pain
- Frequent urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Reproductive difficulties
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Your gynecologist offers several diagnostic methods at his several locations: King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Pocono, and Limerick, PA. Dr. McGuckin uses a routine physical exam as well as imaging technology to confirm the diagnosis:
- Ultrasound: This is the most common scan used to diagnose fibroids. Ultrasounds use sound waves and frequencies higher than what you can hear to detect or probe fibroids in the abdomen, vagina, uterus, and ovaries
- MRI: They scan the precise location of fibroids to help your doctor avoid crucial organs while removing the tumor(s).
- Hysteroscopy: This is where your gynecologist uses a thin telescope and surgical instruments to remove fibroids inside the womb to help women conceive.
What are the treatment options?
Fibroids do not pose a health threat but can be debilitating, but treatment includes:
- Observation: Fibroids shrink at menopause
- Medication: Pain relief medication (over-the-counter and prescription)
- Hormone Therapy, like birth control, can reduce the size of fibroids
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which is a minimally-invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids
Do you need to speak to a doctor?
Dr. James McGuckin of Pennsylvania Vascular Institute provides patients with diagnostic tools and treatment for fibroid disease at his many office locations: King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley, Pocono, and Limerick, PA. To contact Dr. McGuckin, call 800-296-9294 or (215) 240-6373.