“Fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system.”
WAUSAU, Wis. – Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, and they’re more common than many people realize. Up to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime.
“Fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system,” said Dr. Dennis McFadden, a Board-certified OB/Gyn at Aspirus OB/Gyn Associates and Aspirus Wausau Hospital Birthing Center. “They usually appear between ages 40 and 50, but we sometimes see them in patients as young as 25.”
Many people with fibroids don’t have symptoms. For others, the impact can be significant. “Some women experience heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, spotting, or even bladder issues,” explained McFadden.
Symptoms often worsen over time. Diagnosis starts with imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, to assess the size and location of the fibroids and whether they are affecting nearby organs.
Once diagnosed, treatment is tailored to the individual based on symptoms, fertility goals, and overall health. Options may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.
Treatment depends on a woman’s symptoms, fertility goals, and overall health. “It’s not always a hysterectomy,” Dr. McFadden said. “Sometimes it’s medication, an IUD with hormones, or a simple procedure to remove the fibroid.”
Aspirus offers a range of treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Find an OB/Gyn provider near you at aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
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- July 21, 2025
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