Fibroids

What are fibroids?

Fibroids, or uterine fibroids, are benign, muscular tumors that grow in the uterus. They’re very common and may grow as a single tumor or a cluster of tumors. Fibroids also vary in size. You can have a fibroid as small as a strawberry seed or as large as a cantaloupe.

Fibroids may grow in any part of your uterus. Where and how they grow determines their type, which includes:

Submucosal fibroids

Fibroids that grow inside the uterus, or womb, are called submucosal fibroids. 

Intramural fibroids

Intramural fibroids grow in the wall of your uterus.

Subserosal fibroids

Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of your uterus.

Pedunculated fibroids

Pedunculated fibroids grow outside the uterus on a stalk-like structure that extends outward. These types of fibroids look like mushrooms.

What are some common symptoms of fibroids?

Fibroid symptoms vary and may depend on the size, type, and number of tumors. If you have a small fibroid, you may not have any symptoms.

Common fibroid symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Bleeding in between your period
• Increase in urination
• Pelvic pressure
• Increase in abdominal size
• Low back pain
• Constipation
• Infertility

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation at Women's Health Domain. Though fibroids are benign, they can cause symptoms that affect your quality of life. The team provides treatments that can ease your symptoms.

What tests can diagnose fibroids?

The Women's Health Domain team may first perform a pelvic exam when you come in with symptoms that sound like fibroids. They can feel the fibroids during this exam. 

To diagnose uterine fibroids, the team may perform an imaging test such as an ultrasound or MRI. These imaging tests determine the size, location, and size of your fibroid. 

What are some treatment options for fibroids?

Women's Health Domain is a full-service obstetrics and gynecology practice and offers many treatment options for fibroids. Treatments for fibroids depend on the size, location, number, and symptoms and might include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
• Hormonal contraception
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist to shrink the tumor
• Oral therapies for heavy menstrual bleeding

The team may also perform surgery to remove the fibroids, such as a myomectomy, which involves removing only the fibroid and not any of your uterus. For women without future pregnancy plans, the team may suggest a hysterectomy.

To find out more about treatment options for fibroids, call Women's Health Domain or schedule an appointment online today.