Uterine Fibroids are Treatable
What women should know during Fibroid Awareness Month
7/21/2025
Dr. Dennis McFadden, Aspirus OB/GYN
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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