Breaking the silence on fibroids: Expert advice from OB/GYN Dr. Colleen Mullin

July marks Fibroid Awareness Month—a time to spotlight a condition that affects an estimated 26 million women across the United States. Despite their prevalence, uterine fibroids remain under-discussed and often misunderstood. At AdventHealth Avista, OB/GYN Dr. Colleen Mullin is working to change that.

“Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that arise from smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of the uterus,” explains Dr. Mullin. “They typically grow slowly and are influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which is why symptoms often don’t appear until midlife.”

Fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors, affecting approximately one in four women, with even higher prevalence among Black women. Symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids but often include heavy or irregular menstrual cycles, pelvic pain or pressure, abdominal bloating, and urinary urgency or frequency.

“Too many women suffer in silence, thinking these symptoms are just part of life,” says Dr. Mullin. “But there are many treatment options available, and no one needs to suffer.”

Treatment approaches range from medical therapies—such as oral contraceptives, progesterone IUDs, and medications like Tranexamic acid or GnRH antagonists—to a variety of surgical options. These include:

• Hysterectomy: A definitive solution involving removal of the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes.
• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, ideal for women who wish to maintain fertility.
• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove fibroids from inside the uterine cavity.
• Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation: A uterine-sparing technique that targets fibroids directly, shrinking them over time with a short recovery period.
• Uterine Artery Embolization: A procedure that cuts off blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.

Dr. Mullin emphasizes the importance of individualized care: “Every woman’s experience with fibroids is different. Our goal is to work together to find the right treatment plan that fits her life and goals.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms, Dr. Mullin encourages reaching out to an OB/GYN for evaluation. “We’re here to help. You don’t have to live with discomfort or uncertainty.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mullin, please visit: Colleen Mullin, MD | OBGYN | Louisville, CO | AdventHealth