FIBROIDS

What are Fibroids (Leiomyoma)?

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors, commonly seen in women of childbearing age. Fibroids are composed of muscle cells and other tissues. They develop in and around the wall of the uterus or womb. Uterine fibroids are usually round or semi-round in shape. . Fibroids are extremely common, affecting 40-80% of women in the U.S

Based on their location within the uterus, uterine fibroids can be classified as:

Subserosal: Located beneath the serosa (the membrane covering the outer surface of the uterus). Some may be peduculated fibroids that develop on a stalk attached to the outer wall of the uterus.

Submucosal : Located all or partially inside the uterine cavity below the inside layer of the uterus. Some of these may be completely intracavity fibroids, located completely within the uterine cavity.

Intramural: Located within the muscular wall of the uterus

Causes of Fibroids

The exact cause for the development of fibroids remains unknown, but some of the proposed causes include:

 

  • Genetics
  • Alterations in expression of growth factor (a protein involved in rate and extent of cell proliferation)
  • Abnormalities in the vascular system
  • Tissue response to injury
  • Hormonal imbalance

Symptoms of Fibroids

The majority of women with uterine fibroids may have no symptoms, in which case fibroids do not require treatment. However, symptoms often associated with the presence of fibroids include:

 

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Prolonged menstrual periods
  • Pelvic pressure or pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Backache or leg pain
  • Difficulty in emptying your bladder
  • Infertility
  • Pregnancy complications (pregnancy loss, preterm labor, placental problems, need for cesarean section)

Diagnosis of Fibroids

The diagnosis of uterine fibroids involves a pelvic examination, followed by ultrasound evaluation. Other imaging techniques such an MRI scan may also be employed.

Treatment of Fibroids

Treatment of fibroids can vary significantly based on your symptoms or desire for fertility or pregnancy. Options may include:

 

  • Hormones (birth control pills, progesterone intrauterine device or injection)
  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Removal of fibroids with surgery performed inside the uterus
  • Uterine artery embolization: blockage of the arteries supplying the fibroid with tiny beads
  • Ablation procedures to cause tissue breakdown of the fibroid
  • Myomectomy: fibroid removal
  • Hysterectomy: removal of uterus

Your doctor can help you decide which is the safest, most effective treatment option to meet your unique physical and personal needs. If you and your doctor ultimately decide surgery is the best option, myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of uterus including the fibroids) will be discussed.

Risks during Pregnancy

Some studies indicate that the presence of uterine fibroids during pregnancy increases the risk of complications such as the first trimester bleeding, breech presentation, placental abruption, increased chance of caesarean section and problems during labor.

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In Office Proceedures

> LEEP Proceedure

> Colposcopy

> Cryosurgery

> Hydro-Thermal Ablation (HTA)

Find out more about how we can help you by visiting our services page.

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Patient resources

> First visit guide
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Patient Info

Doctor
Angela Intili M.D.

About

Dr. Intili delivered both of my children and hopefully will deliver any future children! We have always felt heard, cared for and important in Dr. Intili’s care. She is thorough and personal in her care, remembering our concerns and needs whether in the office or on the labor & delivery floor at the hospital! She goes above & beyond for her patients and I am always happy to be in her care!

Elizabeth

Frequently asked
questions

What Insurance does your practice take?
Some insurance companies we accept: BlueCross Blue Shield PPO, BlueCross Blue Shield Presence EPO, BlueCross Blue Shield Presence St. Joe’s HMO, BlueCross Blue Shield Silver Cross HMO, Aetna PPO (Choice POS), Cigna PPO (Open Access), United Health Care PPO (Choice Plus) and Humana PPO (Open Access)
What office procedures do you perform in the office?
The following are performed at our office: Leep Procedure, Colposcopy Procedure, Cryosurgery  and  Endometrial  ablation  via  novasure ,  and  hysteroscopy
Is your practice able to do OB Ultrasound at the office?
We  perform  obstetrical  ultrasounds  and  gynecological
Which hospital(s) are you affiliated with?
Silver  Cross  Hospital  and  Adventist  St  Joseph  Hospital
Which hospitals do Dr Angela Intili deliver at?

Silver  Cross  Hospital  and  Adventist  St  Joseph  Hospital

Is Dr Angela Intil a Sole Practitioner?

Yes  ,  I have  been  solo practitioner  since  1994

Do you perform Gynecological Ultrasounds?

Yes

How often do I need a pap smear?
New guidelines  are 3-5  years,  however  a  pelvic  exam  may  be  needed  every year
At what age do I need a pap smear?
21  years  old
What age is menopause?
A median  age  of  menopause  is  54 years  old.  Perimenopause  may  begin 5-7 years earlier  ,  presents  with  irregular menses,  hot  flashes,  irritability    due  to  the  lack  of  progesterone ,  at  times  progesterone  supplement  may  improve  some of  these  symptoms
Are there conservative measures for hot flashes?

At  times  over  the  counter  supplement  may help,  however  some  contains  soy  which  should  be  avoided  in  women with  hormonal  related  cancers

How safe is hormonal replacement therapy?
There are  clear  benefits  to  hormonal  replacement  therapy ,  decreasing  the  risk of  cardiac  heart  disease,  osteoporosis,  and cognition. These  benefits are  present  within  the first  5  years of menopause.