Uterine Fibroids in
Long Island New York

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but there are several factors that may contribute to their development. Some possible causes of uterine fibroids include:

• Hormonal imbalances: Uterine fibroids are more common during reproductive years when hormone levels are higher, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease.
• Genetics: Uterine fibroids may run in families, and certain genetic mutations have been linked to their development.
• Age and race: Uterine fibroids are more common in women over the age of 30 and in African American women. They also tend to grow more quickly in African American women.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing fibroids.
• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as a diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables, and lack of exercise, may increase the risk of developing fibroids.
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may increase the risk of developing fibroids.

While the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, it is believed that a combination of these factors can contribute to their development.

Both myomectomy and hysterectomy are surgical procedures that can carry risks of complications. Common complications include bleeding, infection, damage to other organs, adhesions, anesthesia complications, blood clots, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, hysterectomy may cause early menopause if the ovaries are removed.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of these procedures with a surgeon like Dr. Pankaj Singhal before undergoing surgery, and to closely monitor any symptoms or complications that may arise during the recovery period.

Most uterine fibroids are not cancerous and do not increase the risk of developing cancer. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus. However, in rare cases (less than 1% of cases), a uterine fibroid may develop into a cancerous tumor called a leiomyosarcoma.

It is important to note that not all fibroids have the potential to become cancerous. The risk of a fibroid becoming cancerous is more likely in postmenopausal women, and in women with rapidly growing fibroids or fibroids that are larger than 10 cm in diameter.

Uterine fibroids can affect pregnancy in a number of ways, depending on the size, location, and number of fibroids present. Some possible effects include:

• Infertility: Fibroids can interfere with the ability to conceive by blocking the fallopian tubes or disrupting the uterine lining.
• Miscarriage: Large fibroids located in the uterine cavity or near the cervix can increase the risk of miscarriage.
• Preterm labor: Fibroids can cause the uterus to contract prematurely, leading to preterm labor and delivery.
• Placental abruption: Fibroids can increase the risk of placental abruption, a serious condition in which the placenta detaches from the uterus before delivery.
• C-section delivery: Fibroids can obstruct the birth canal or interfere with the baby’s position, making a C-section delivery necessary.
• Heavy bleeding: Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding during pregnancy or after delivery, leading to anemia or requiring blood transfusions.

In some cases, fibroids may not have any significant impact on pregnancy. However, if you have fibroids and are planning to become pregnant, it is important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider. Depending on the size and location of the fibroids, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring or treatment options to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Uterine fibroids can potentially cause infertility by interfering with the ability of a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus or by blocking the fallopian tubes. The location and size of the fibroids can play a role in their effect on fertility.

Fibroids that grow inside the uterine cavity, called submucosal fibroids, are the most likely to cause infertility. These fibroids can distort the shape of the uterus, making it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant or for an embryo to develop properly. They can also interfere with the blood supply to the uterus, reducing the chances of successful implantation.

Fibroids that are located near the cervix or the opening of the fallopian tubes can also cause infertility by blocking the passage of sperm or eggs.

However, it is important to note that not all fibroids will cause infertility. Many women with fibroids are able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term without difficulty. If you are having trouble conceiving and suspect that fibroids may be a factor, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help determine if fibroids are present and what treatment options may be appropriate.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of fibroids is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by high-frequency electrical currents to destroy fibroid tissue. During the procedure, a thin, needle-like device is inserted into the fibroid using ultrasound guidance. The device then emits radiofrequency energy, which heats and destroys the fibroid tissue.

RFA can be performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia or conscious sedation, and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, recovery time is usually short, with most women returning to normal activities within a few days.

RFA is not appropriate for all types of fibroids. It is typically recommended for women who have symptomatic fibroids that are causing heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure, and who wish to avoid more invasive surgical procedures like hysterectomy or myomectomy. RFA is not recommended for women who wish to become pregnant in the future, as it can damage the uterine lining and potentially affect fertility.

While RFA is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential risks and complications associated with the procedure, including bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissue. As with any medical procedure, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits of RFA with your healthcare provider to determine if it is an appropriate treatment option for you.

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat symptomatic fibroids. During the procedure, small particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids, blocking blood flow and causing the fibroids to shrink and die.

Some potential benefits of UFE include:

1. Non-surgical: UFE is a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy for women who want to avoid major surgery.
2. Minimally invasive: UFE is performed using a small incision in the groin area, which means that there is less pain, scarring, and recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
3. Effective: UFE has been shown to be effective in reducing fibroid-related symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure.
4. Preservation of fertility: Unlike hysterectomy, UFE does not involve removal of the uterus, which means that it may be an option for women who wish to preserve their fertility.
5. Outpatient procedure: UFE can often be performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can go home the same day as the procedure.

However, it is important to note that UFE is not appropriate for all women with fibroids. Women who are pregnant, have certain types of fibroids, or have other medical conditions that make them poor candidates for the procedure may not be eligible for UFE.

Whether or not your insurance will cover the treatment of uterine fibroids will depend on your specific insurance plan and the treatment options that are recommended by your healthcare provider.

In general, many insurance plans will cover the cost of treatments for uterine fibroids that are considered medically necessary, such as myomectomy, hysterectomy, and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). However, coverage may vary depending on factors such as the type of insurance plan, the specific treatment being recommended, and the severity of your symptoms.

Before undergoing any treatment for uterine fibroids, it is important to check with your insurance provider to understand what is covered under your plan and what out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for. Your healthcare provider can also work with you and your insurance company to obtain pre-authorization for treatment and provide any necessary documentation to support coverage.

It is also worth noting that there may be restrictions or limitations on coverage for certain treatments, such as UFE, depending on your insurance plan. It is important to carefully review your plan documents and talk to your insurance provider to fully understand your coverage options.