Uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecological conditions affecting women of reproductive age. These noncancerous growths in the uterus can range in size and number, and while some women may never experience symptoms, others face persistent discomfort, fertility issues, and disruptions to daily life. Understanding what uterine fibroids are—and what treatment options are available—is crucial for making informed health decisions.
In this blog, we’ll explore the basics of uterine fibroids, how they are diagnosed, their common symptoms, and the latest treatment options available to help women live symptom-free lives.
Table of Contents
- What Are Uterine Fibroids?
- Causes and Risk Factors
- Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- How Fibroids Are Diagnosed
- Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
- When to Seek Medical Help
- Final Thoughts
1. What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign tumors that develop from the muscular tissue of the uterus. They can appear as a single growth or as multiple masses and vary in size—from undetectable by the naked eye to large enough to distort the shape of the uterus.
Fibroids are not cancerous and rarely turn into cancer. However, depending on their location (submucosal, intramural, subserosal) and size, they can lead to a variety of symptoms and health concerns.
2. Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unclear, but several factors are known to increase a woman’s risk:
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Hormonal Imbalance: Estrogen and progesterone promote fibroid growth. That’s why fibroids often shrink after menopause when hormone levels decline.
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Genetics: If your mother or sister had fibroids, you may be more likely to develop them.
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Age and Ethnicity: Fibroids are most common in women between 30 and 50 years old. African American women are more likely to develop fibroids and at an earlier age.
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Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, a diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables, and alcohol consumption may raise your risk.
3. Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms and may never know they have them. However, others may face one or more of the following:
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Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
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Pelvic pressure or pain
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Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
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Constipation
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Pain during intercourse
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Lower back pain
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Reproductive issues, including infertility or miscarriage
Symptoms often depend on the number, size, and location of the fibroids.
4. How Fibroids Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing uterine fibroids usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Common diagnostic methods include:
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Pelvic Exam: A gynecologist may feel an irregularly shaped uterus during a routine exam.
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Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus and identify fibroids.
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MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging provides detailed images and helps evaluate the size and number of fibroids more precisely.
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Hysterosonography or Hysteroscopy: These procedures are used to get a closer look inside the uterine cavity, especially when submucosal fibroids are suspected.
5. Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
Treatment for fibroids depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, age, and whether you wish to have children in the future. Options include:
Watchful Waiting
If your fibroids aren’t causing symptoms, regular monitoring may be sufficient. Many fibroids shrink on their own after menopause.
Medications
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Hormonal treatments (e.g., birth control pills, GnRH agonists) can help regulate menstrual bleeding and shrink fibroids.
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NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to relieve pain.
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Tranexamic acid can be prescribed to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
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Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Blocks blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
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MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS): A non-invasive technique using sound waves to destroy fibroid tissue.
Surgical Options
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Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids, preserving the uterus for women who want to maintain fertility.
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Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus; a permanent solution for women with severe symptoms who do not wish to become pregnant.
6. When to Seek Medical Help
You should consult your healthcare provider if you:
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Experience heavy menstrual bleeding that interferes with daily life
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Feel pressure or pain in your lower abdomen
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Have trouble emptying your bladder or suffer from chronic constipation
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Are trying to conceive and suspect fibroids may be affecting your fertility
Timely medical evaluation ensures appropriate treatment and helps prevent complications such as anemia, severe pain, or pregnancy issues.
7. Final Thoughts
Uterine fibroids are a common but manageable condition. With the right diagnosis and treatment, many women can live free from pain and other fibroid-related symptoms. Whether you’re exploring treatment to relieve discomfort, address fertility concerns, or improve your quality of life, the key lies in taking action early.
At Fibroid Care, we’re committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced team offers the latest non-surgical and surgical treatments to help you take control of your reproductive health.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual condition.