If you’ve recently been told that you have uterine fibroids, or you’ve been experiencing pelvic pain or unusual bleeding, you’re not alone — and you're not without options. Uterine fibroids are a common condition among women, and while they are not cancerous or life-threatening, they can still affect your daily life. The good news is that help is available, and understanding what fibroids are is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your well-being.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths or tumors that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary greatly in size and location. It’s important to know that fibroids are not malignant, and they do not turn into cancer. However, they can still cause significant discomfort depending on their size, location, and how many are present.
Some women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, while others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, pressure in the pelvis, or even fertility issues. For example, even very small fibroids can cause pain and heavy bleeding if they are pressing on or growing into the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a leading gynecologist in NYC who specializes in fibroid care, uses advanced imaging techniques to accurately diagnose fibroids and determine the best course of treatment. One of the most effective tools is a transvaginal ultrasound, also known as a water sonogram.
This procedure is painless and non-invasive. It takes just a few minutes and allows Dr. Goldstein to see the uterus, uterine lining, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and surrounding pelvic area in clear, high-resolution images. With the help of Doppler color flow technology, he can also examine blood flow, which can be useful in evaluating fibroids and other uterine conditions. Importantly, Dr. Goldstein personally performs every ultrasound in his office, offering real-time explanations as he shows you the images on screen.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
Not all fibroids are the same. Their size and location within the uterus play a big role in how they affect your health and what treatment may be appropriate. There are four main types of uterine fibroids:
1.
Intramural
Fibroids
These are the most common type. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular
wall of the uterus. They can vary in size and sometimes grow large enough to
distort the shape of the uterus. It’s also not unusual for several intramural
fibroids to grow in one area. While they are non-cancerous, they can cause
pressure, pain, and heavy bleeding.
2.
Submucosal
Fibroids
These fibroids grow just underneath the inner lining of the uterus, protruding
into the endometrial cavity. Even small submucosal fibroids can cause
significant bleeding and interfere with fertility or the ability to carry a
pregnancy to term.
3.
Subserosal
Fibroids
These fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus. They may not affect
menstruation as much, but because they grow outward, they can press on other
nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel, causing discomfort, bloating, or
frequent urination.
4.
Pedunculated
Fibroids
These fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk, which can either be
inside the uterine cavity or on the outer surface. Because of their shape and
location, pedunculated fibroids can cause pain and potentially impact fertility
or pregnancy, depending on where they are located.
Why Management Depends on You
Every woman’s experience with fibroids is unique, and so is her treatment plan. Factors such as your age, whether you're planning to have children, your symptoms, and whether you're pre- or post-menopausal all affect how fibroids are managed.
Some women may only need regular monitoring, especially if they’re not experiencing any symptoms. Others may need medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery to relieve pain or stop heavy bleeding. The key is having a clear diagnosis and understanding all your options.
Why Choose Dr. Steven R. Goldstein?
Dr. Steven R. Goldstein is a nationally recognized expert in gynecological ultrasound and imaging and a leading NYC Gyn, with decades of experience diagnosing and managing fibroids. He is a tenured Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the New York University School of Medicine and a former Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at NYU Medical Center. He is also a past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.
What sets Dr. Goldstein apart is not just his credentials, but his personalized approach to patient care. He performs all ultrasounds himself, ensuring accuracy and taking the time to explain what he sees. This allows for immediate feedback and helps you better understand your condition.
If you’re dealing with unexplained pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, or have been told you have fibroids, a consultation with Dr. Goldstein in NYC could provide clarity and relief. Through painless, high-quality imaging techniques like transvaginal ultrasound and sonohysterography, he can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and work with you to develop the right treatment plan.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Uterine fibroids are common, and while they’re not dangerous, they can seriously disrupt your quality of life. The important thing is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can take control of your health and feel like yourself again.
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or are just starting to look into the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a top gynecologist in NYC is here to help. His expertise, compassion, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools make him one of the top specialists in the country for women dealing with fibroids.
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