Uterine Fibroids

A Permanent Fibroid Treatment

A hysterectomy is not your only choice. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) opens the door to a less invasive, non-surgical, fertility-sparing option. The outpatient procedure typically lasts less than an hour and shrinks the fibroids with just a tiny incision in the skin. Find out if UFE is right for you.

About Uterine Fibroids

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are muscular tumors that develop in the wall of the uterus, usually affecting women between the ages of 20 and 50. These growths are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. The medical term for uterine fibroids is uterine myomas, or “leiomyomas” which means tumors composed of smooth muscle cells in the uterus. Fibroids can exist as a single tumor or in clusters, ranging in size from as small as an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit.

Side view of an MRI scan showing the uterus and fibroids. The uterus is outlined in red, and the fibroids are outlined in yellow.

How Common Are Fibroids?

Approximately 20% to 80% of women develop fibroids by the age of 50.  Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s.  In women of reproductive age, up to one in five will experience uterine fibroids during this period.  Regarding the ethnic distribution of fibroids occurrence, uterine fibroids are more common in African Americans as compared to White, Hispanic, or Asian women.

Graphic showing different types of fibroids

What Are The Different Types Of Fibroids?

Fibroids can be categorized into different types based on their location and attachment:

  • Intramural fibroids: Embed into the muscular wall of the uterus, the most common type.
  • Submucosal fibroids: Grow under the inner lining of the uterus.
  • Subserosal fibroids: Develop under the outer surface uterine lining, potentially growing into the pelvis.
  • Pedunculated fibroids: Least common type, attached to the uterus with a stalk or stem, often described as mushroom-like.

What Causes Fibroids?

  • The exact cause of fibroids is unknown but is believed to be influenced by hormones. There is evidence suggesting that the hormones estrogen and progesterone can promote their growth.
  • Genetic factors may cause fibroids to run in families.
  • Fibroids can range from being microscopic, requiring a microscope for detection, to several pounds or kilograms, filling the entire uterus.
  • More than one fibroid often develops in the uterus .

How Large Do Fibroids Get?

  • Fibroids vary in number and size, ranging from too small to see with the eyes to growing as large as a grapefruit or even larger.
  • In extreme cases, fibroids can distort the inside and outside of the uterus, making a person appear pregnant.

Fibroid Diagnosis

Finding out if you have fibroids involves the utilization of different diagnostic methods, but it’s often not as complicated as it might sound. 

Below, we’ll break down the diagnosis process in an easy-to-understand way.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

  • Pelvic Exam:
    • During a routine pelvic exam, your doctor may feel if your uterus is enlarged or shaped differently.

  •  Ultrasound:
    • If fibroids are suspected, you might be asked to have an ultrasound.
    • It’s a painless, non-invasive test that gives important details about the size, location, number, and type of any fibroids.

  • MRI scan:
    • This is the best diagnostic test for fibroids.
    • MRI gives the most detailed description of fibroids and helps to rule out other disease conditions which may mimic fibroids.

When Should You Seek A Diagnosis For Fibroids?

  • Fibroids are common, but many women might not be aware they have them.
  • Some women may not realize their periods are abnormal, or they may have mild symptoms or none at all.
  • Seeking a diagnosis becomes important if you experience challenging symptoms affecting work, movement, intimacy, or social activities.
 

Why Does A Fibroid Diagnosis Matter?

  • Knowing if you have fibroids helps in making informed decisions about your health and potential treatment options.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Most fibroids are asymptomatic, but when they are large enough to cause symptoms, patients can experience a number of symptoms as listed below:

  • Heavy or painful bleeding during periods (most common symptom)
  • Feeling of fullness, pressure, or pain in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)
  • Enlargement of the lower abdomen or bloating
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain during sex
  • Lower back pain
  • Constipation or feeling pressure on your rectum.
  • Inability to completely empty your bladder
  • Reproductive problems, such as infertility

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