Uterine fibroids specialists

Uterine fibroids, which are one of the most common health conditions among women, can lead to severe pain, heavy bleeding and, in some cases, a hysterectomy. If you believe you have fibroids, want to get rid of your symptoms and avoid invasive uterine fibroid surgery if possible, our experts can help. We specialize in advanced diagnostics and state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatment options.

To schedule an appointment and begin your care, call 800-3-ADVOCATE or find a urogynecologist and interventional radiologist online.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterine wall and can range in size from very tiny to larger than a cantaloupe. They are typically diagnosed through a routine gynecological exam along with an imaging test. For many patients, uterine fibroids can be controlled with common medications or don't require treatment. However, for women who suffer pain and difficulty due to fibroids, more advanced care may be necessary.

Fibroid symptoms

Not every woman who has fibroids has symptoms, so it's important to have regular health exams to identify them. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Menstrual period lasting longer than a week
• Pain and heavy bleeding during menstrual periods
• Anemia
• Bloating or fullness in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• Pelvic pain
• Pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• Reproductive issues, including infertility and miscarriages (early labor can result from fibroids but is rare)
• Lower back pain

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our experts today.

State-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatment for fibroids

We specialize in leading-edge treatment options for uterine fibroids that help women avoid invasive surgical procedures like a hysterectomy, which involves uterus removal. Our offerings include:

Myomectomy: Minimally invasive robotic uterine fibroid surgery to remove fibroids using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System, which allows our experts to perform procedures through very small incisions with unmatched precision. Advantages include less pain, less scarring and quicker return to normal activities. Learn more about robotic uterine fibroid surgery.

Uterine fibroid embolization: Minimally invasive procedure performed by our skilled interventional radiologists. It involves guiding a catheter through a very small incision into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Small particles are released into the arteries to block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. Advantages include less risk of complications and a smoother healing process. Learn more about interventional radiology.

Benefits of fibroid removal

Removing fibroids through minimally invasive methods avoids removal of the uterus and preserves fertility for women of child-bearing age. These procedures take less time than conventional surgeries and result in smaller scars, faster recovery time and fewer infections. They also reduce or eliminate the symptoms of fibroids such as pain and bleeding.