Fibroids Specialist
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Christopher Petr, M.D.
Obstetrician & Gynecologist located in Burleson, TX
Women of all ages commonly develop uterine fibroids, which are benign growths in the uterus. For most women, the fibroids cause no issues. But for others, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and life-disrupting. At the office of Christopher Petr, M.D, in Burleson, Texas, you will receive compassionate, effective care for troublesome symptoms associated with fibroids. Call the office or schedule a visit online for a diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of fibroids.
Fibroids Q & A
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyoma or myoma, develop in the muscular tissue of your uterus. They’re noncancerous and range in size from invisible to the human eye to the size of a grapefruit.
Fibroids don’t increase your risk of cancer of the uterus. You may not even be aware you have fibroids unless they’re detected during a pelvic exam or during a routine ultrasound. Some women, however, experience extremely bothersome symptoms as a result of fibroids.
What symptoms suggest uterine fibroids?
Symptoms of uterine fibroids look a lot like those of many other gynecological issues. If you encounter any of the following, schedule an appointment with Dr. Petr for an accurate diagnosis:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Aching back or legs
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Frequent need to urinate or trouble fully emptying bladder
- Constipation
With uterine fibroids, you’ll notice these symptoms persist and aren’t a one-off event.
How are uterine fibroids evaluated?
Dr. Petr rules out other causes for abnormal uterine bleeding and evaluates you for anemia, which can result from heavy menstrual cycles.
He also orders an ultrasound to check the size and location of fibroids. The findings of this evaluation will help inform your treatment plan. Less commonly, Dr. Petr may have you undergo an MRI or hysteroscopy, a procedure to view the interior of your uterus, to check the fibroids.
What is the treatment for uterine fibroids?
Fibroids don’t always require treatment. If Dr. Petr detects them during a pelvic exam or routine ultrasound, but they’re not causing any symptoms, he may recommend watching and waiting to see if they grow or become troublesome.
For symptomatic fibroids, he may recommend hormonal supplementation or medications to curb your hormone production and ease heavy bleeding associated with the growths.
A common treatment to eradicate fibroids involves cutting off the blood supply that nourishes the fibroid allowing it to grow. Dr. Petr may use a procedure that involves electrical current or cold temperatures to close off blood vessels.
Surgical removal is sometimes the best treatment for particularly symptomatic or large fibroids.
If you suspect you may have fibroids, contact Christopher Petr, M.D. Call his office or use this website to make an appointment.