Uterine Fibroids

icon of female reproductive system

Have you been diagnosed with uterine fibroids? If so, you’re not alone.  It’s estimated that as many as one in five women have fibroids and nearly half will have them by the time they celebrate their 50th birthday.  Fibroids usually don’t cause significant complications, but if you experience side effects like heavy bleeding or pain, you should make an appointment at Louisiana Women’s Healthcare. 

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous) growths in and on your uterus. You may hear them also referred to as leiomyomas, myomas, uterine myomas and fibromas. Women who have fibroids are not aware of them because the growths can remain small and not cause symptoms or problems. However, when they grow, multiply, or distort the size and shape of the uterus, they can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, cramping and difficulty emptying your bladder or having a bowel movement.

How do I know if I have fibroids?

Your fibroids may or may not cause symptoms.  Some women have no symptoms with their fibroids and are surprised when they’re discovered during a routine gynecological exam. Some fibroids cause noticeable symptoms such as:

What problems do uterine fibroids cause?

Uterine fibroids are typically not dangerous, but they may cause disruptive side effects. The discomfort and heavy bleeding associated with uterine fibroids may hinder you from enjoying your favorite activities. The heavy bleeding also puts you at risk for anemia.  A large fibroid that pushes your uterus out of shape can also make it difficult to maintain a pregnancy. You may have trouble becoming pregnant when a fibroid blocks a fallopian tube or otherwise interferes with your reproductive cycle.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

The diagnostic process for uterine fibroids involves gathering information about your medical history and a pelvic exam. Most uterine fibroids are discovered incidentally during routine pelvic exams.  To make an accurate diagnosis and measure your uterine fibroids, your physician may order an ultrasound or MRI. He or she may also take a complete blood count to test for anemia. 

What treatments are available for uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids usually don’t require any intervention, so your doctor may take a wait-and-see approach if the side effects don’t bother you. Otherwise, your doctor can help reduce symptoms with medication or remove the fibroids with non-invasive procedures or surgery


Louisiana Women’s Healthcare offers a team of physicians who are on the leading edge of minimally invasive fibroid removal procedures including the Acessa and Sonata.  Both technologies use radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to target, shrink, and eliminate uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus and any surrounding tissue. These safe and effective procedures are especially beneficial for women who want to eliminate fibroid symptoms, while keeping a healthy uterus. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to experience little to no scarring, while being able to go home the same day.

Expert fibroid treatment in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

At Louisiana Women’s Healthcare, our team of physicians are highly experienced diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids. We base treatment recommendations on your age, family planning goals, type of fibroids, and the impact of fibroid symptoms on your health and daily life.  To learn more about the fibroid treatment options available to you, schedule an appointment online, through MyOchsner, or by phone (225) 201-2010.

New Patients

If you are a first-time patient of Louisiana Women’s Healthcare, please follow the instructions below to schedule an appointment with your preferred LWH physician. 

  • To view appointment availability for all LWH physicians who are currently accepting NEW patients, click the  “Show more appointment times” button.  
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  • If you do not see your preferred physician or appointment time, please call 225.201.2010 for personalized assistance.