Fibroid Treatment Center Los Angeles: Specialized Care For Overall Well-Being
Personalized Evaluation and Treatment Options
A fibroid treatment center in Los Angeles provides evaluation for women dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, or fertility concerns. Fibroids can differ in size, number, and location, so treatment depends on the findings from your evaluation.
Some fibroids cause no symptoms and only need regular monitoring. Others can interfere with daily life or affect the uterine cavity. If you are seeking uterine fibroid treatment in Newport Beach, a detailed assessment can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine appropriate care.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus. They can grow within the uterine wall, toward the inside of the uterus, or along its outer surface.
Fibroids may remain small or grow larger over time. Some women have one fibroid, while others develop several. Their location can affect the symptoms they cause and the treatment that may be considered.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids do not always cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may range from heavy menstrual bleeding to pelvic discomfort or pressure.
- Heavy Periods: Menstrual bleeding may become heavier, last longer, or require frequent changes of pads or tampons.
- Pelvic Pressure: Larger fibroids can create a feeling of fullness, heaviness, or pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Pelvic Pain: Some women experience cramping, aching, or discomfort that becomes worse around their menstrual period.
- Frequent Urination: Fibroids near the bladder can place pressure on it, causing increased urinary frequency or urgency.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
The evaluation starts with your symptoms, menstrual history, previous treatments, medical history, and reproductive plans. A pelvic examination may also provide information about the uterus.
Ultrasound is commonly used to locate fibroids and assess their size. MRI may be recommended when more detailed information is needed, particularly before complex surgery. Hysteroscopy can also help evaluate fibroids that extend into the uterine cavity.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment in Los Angeles
Uterine fibroid treatment in Los Angeles can involve observation, medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery. The choice depends on symptoms, fibroid characteristics, overall health, and plans for future pregnancy.
Monitoring and Observation
Fibroids that cause little or no discomfort may not require immediate treatment. Follow-up visits can track their size and any changes in symptoms.
Observation may be reasonable when symptoms are manageable, and there is no immediate concern related to fertility or uterine anatomy.
Medications
Medication may help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or other symptoms associated with fibroids. Some treatments can also temporarily reduce fibroid size.
Medication generally manages symptoms rather than permanently removing fibroids. Your doctor can discuss the expected results and possible side effects.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Some patients may be candidates for procedures that treat fibroids without traditional open surgery. The appropriate option depends on the number, size, and location of the fibroids. Future pregnancy plans should also be considered before selecting a procedure.
Fibroid Removal Surgery in Los Angeles
Fibroid removal surgery in Los Angeles may be recommended when fibroids cause significant bleeding, pain, pressure, or fertility concerns. Myomectomy removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place.
The surgical approach depends on the fibroid’s location, size, number, and depth within the uterine wall. Options may include hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, robotic, or open surgery.
Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
Hysteroscopic myomectomy is generally used for fibroids that extend into the uterine cavity. A thin instrument passes through the cervix, allowing the surgeon to see and remove the fibroid.
There is no abdominal incision with this approach. It may be appropriate for selected submucosal fibroids based on their size and position.
Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Laparoscopic myomectomy uses small abdominal incisions to access the uterus. A camera provides a view of the surgical area while instruments are used to remove the fibroid.
The approach may be suitable for selected fibroids located within the uterine wall or along its outer surface.
Robotic Myomectomy
Robotic myomectomy is another minimally invasive approach for selected cases. The surgeon operates through small abdominal incisions to remove fibroids and repair the uterine muscle.
For patients planning pregnancy, preserving the uterus can be an important part of surgical planning.
Open Myomectomy
Open myomectomy may be considered when fibroids are very large, numerous, or difficult to remove through minimally invasive techniques.
The procedure involves a larger abdominal incision and generally requires more recovery time than laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
Fibroid Treatment in Los Angeles
Fibroid treatment in Los Angeles should account for more than the presence of a fibroid. Symptoms, uterine anatomy, age, overall health, and reproductive plans all contribute to treatment decisions.
For some women, monitoring may be enough. Others may benefit from medication or fibroid removal. A myomectomy can be considered when removing fibroids while keeping the uterus is important.
Fibroid Treatment and Fertility
Fibroids do not affect fertility in every woman. Their location matters, especially when a fibroid changes the shape of the uterine cavity. Fibroids that project into the cavity may interfere with implantation or contribute to reproductive difficulties in some patients. An evaluation can determine whether fibroids may be affecting the uterus in a way that warrants treatment.
For women planning pregnancy, treatment decisions may focus on removing problematic fibroids while preserving the uterus. The timing of treatment can also be discussed in relation to fertility plans.
What to Expect During a Fibroid Consultation
A consultation gives your doctor an opportunity to review your symptoms, examine relevant medical records, and discuss possible causes.
Reviewing Your Symptoms
Your doctor may ask about menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, urinary changes, and how symptoms affect your daily activities. Your menstrual history can also provide useful information about changes that may have occurred as fibroids developed.
Reviewing Your Imaging
Ultrasound images can show the size and location of fibroids. Previous scans may also be reviewed to identify changes over time. Additional imaging may be recommended when ultrasound does not provide enough detail for treatment planning.
Discussing Treatment Options
Your doctor can explain the treatments that may fit your particular situation. This may include observation, medication, minimally invasive treatment, or surgery. Questions about recovery, possible risks, expected results, and future fertility can be addressed before making a decision.
Considering Fertility Goals
Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy. This information can influence the treatment approach and timing. When surgery is needed, uterus-preserving procedures may be considered for appropriate patients.
Planning Your Next Steps
After the evaluation, your doctor can explain what happens next. Some patients may need follow-up imaging, while others may be ready to begin treatment. The plan can change if symptoms change or new findings appear during follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
New fibroids can develop after treatment, particularly when the uterus remains in place. Your doctor may recommend follow-up care based on your symptoms and treatment history.
No. Fibroids that cause few or no symptoms may only require monitoring. Treatment is generally considered when fibroids cause significant symptoms or other concerns.
Treating fibroids may reduce heavy menstrual bleeding when the fibroids are contributing to the problem. The expected result depends on their size and location.
Larger fibroids can press against nearby organs. Depending on their location, they may contribute to frequent urination, constipation, abdominal pressure, or bowel discomfort.
Many women can become pregnant after a myomectomy, but individual circumstances vary. Your doctor can discuss pregnancy timing and any considerations related to the surgical procedure.
Dr. Sadikah Behbehani is in an OBGYN who specializes in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery. She completed her 5 year OBGYN Residency at the well renowned McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She then completed a 2 year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at McGill University which makes her double board certified by the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada in both OBGYN and REI. In addition, Dr. Behbehani completed a second fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the prestigious Mayo Clinic and can perform complex pelvic surgeries with both laparoscopy and robotics.
There are only a handful of physicians in the country with such training and being double fellowship trained in surgery and infertility allows Dr. Behbehani to treat complex gynecologic conditions affecting fertility such as endometriosis and fibroids.
Dr. Behbehani is very passionate about providing the best care to her patients, and she’s able to use her robotic skills and her fertility expertise to remove advanced endometriosis from the pelvis while still maintaining the integrity of the reproductive organs allowing them the best chances of pregnancy. With fibroid removal, Dr. Behbehani is able to skillfully remove large fibroids robotically, and expertly restore the anatomy of the uterus to reduce the chance of scar formation and improve pregnancy chances. Dr. Behbehani is also a mother herself, and feels passionate about helping patients start or grow their families. She is skilled in IVF and fertility treatment and has helped many patients become parents over the years.
As an Associate Professor at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, Dr. Behbehani is also heavily involved in medical research and publications. She’s presented at numerous national and international conferences, and her research is consistently quoted in women’s health. She’s a member of many international and national gynecologic societies including American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopists (AAGL), and the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (SGS). Click here for an overview of publications involving Dr. Sadikah Behbehani.
(949) 200-9038
1901 Newport Blvd, Suite 278 Costa Mesa, CA 92627