WINTER PARK, Fla. — AdventHealth Winter Park launched a new comprehensive fibroid program, the first of its kind in Central Florida. The program, which provides sophisticated and collaborative care from a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained gynecologic surgeons, interventional radiologists and hematologists, is now available for Central Florida residents.
“Our approach is integrated and patient-centered, ensuring we provide whole person care to our patients,” said Dr. Omar Zwain, gynecologic surgeon at AdventHealth Winter Park. “Knowing that no single treatment is best for everyone, our comprehensive clinical team will evaluate the unique situation of the patient and discuss options available.”
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. Fibroids are almost always benign and not all women present symptoms. According to the Office on Women’s Health, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, many women struggle with fibroids:
- Approximately 8 in 10 women develop uterine fibroids by age 50
- Uterine fibroids may be present in up to 70% of premenopausal women
- Women between the ages of 30 and 40 have the highest incidence of uterine fibroids compared to other age groups
- Women wait an average of 3.6 years before seeking treatment for fibroid-related symptoms
Fibroids sometimes don’t have symptoms; some common symptoms of fibroids can include:
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Pain, pressure, or a feeling of “fullness” in the pelvis
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Difficulty getting pregnant
According to Zwain, not all fibroids need treatment, and ultimately the patient decides what is best for them. The comprehensive clinical team will work with the patient to help them understand the different options and how each would affect them. Then, a personalized plan will be created for the patient.
“We’re excited to offer this unique program to women in our community in Winter Park, and beyond,” said Justin Birmele, CEO of AdventHealth Winter Park. “We are growing critical services to join our robust network of connected care. We are making it easy for our consumers to receive world-class health care in setting that is close to home.”
Dr. Steven McCarus, chief of gynecologic surgery at AdventHealth Winter Park and medical director for AdventHealth gynecologic surgery, led the establishment of the fibroid center and will closely monitor quality measures and outcomes. "This program is long overdue,” said McCarus. “I am thrilled to collaborate with so many qualified healthcare providers to bring it to fruition."
The Comprehensive Fibroid Program is located at the Center for Health and Wellbeing in Winter Park and is part of the AdventHealth for Women network of care. For more information, please visit Comprehensive Fibroid Program | AdventHealth for Women.