Uterine fibroids are solid, non-cancerous tumors that develop in the uterus. It's unknown what causes them, but studies suggest genetics and prolonged exposure to estrogen may increase your risk of their evolution. The majority of women who develop uterine fibroids are of reproductive age. A family history of fibroids, obesity, a diet rich in red meat, and high blood pressure are possible additional risk factors. Consult Dr. Vonne Jones at Total Women's Care in Houston, TX, to address any questions or concerns if these facets sound familiar.

What Are Uterine Fibroids? 

Not all uterine fibroids result in symptoms. If they do, it's because of their size, location, and quantity. Periods lasting longer than seven days, spotting or bleeding between periods, painful or heavy menstrual bleeding, leg pains, or backaches are all symptoms of fibroids. You might experience a frequent need to urinate or have trouble emptying your bladder.

In addition to the risk factors mentioned above, Black women are more likely than other women to develop fibroids. They're diagnosed earlier and need treatment more frequently. Why Black women are more likely to develop fibroids than other women isn't fully understood. If you experience sudden, severe abdominal pain not relieved by painkillers, severe vaginal bleeding, or anemia-related symptoms like lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, or weakness, you should seek emergency care.

Discover Your Treatment Options

Uterine fibroids don't have an increased risk of malignancy and aren't worrisome. However, depending on their location, they could cause compressive symptoms or bleeding. In this case, our doctor recommends treatment to alleviate the symptoms. Surgery is a treatment option, but there are also non-surgical, less invasive methods that we can discuss during your initial consultation. Please visit our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the services provided. For more information about uterine fibroids in Houston, TX, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vonne Jones, call Total Women's Care at (346) 320-3188.