Texas Innovative Vascular Care

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are benign tumors and are non-cancerous growths that develop within the uterus. About 50%-80% women have fibroids, and they occur most often in people between 30-50 years of age.
They vary in size, ranging from small seedlings (0.5cm) that can be undetectable to the naked eye, to bulky masses as big as a large grapefruit (~10 cm) that can distort the uterus’ shape.

Fibroids are classified based on their location in the uterus:

Intramural fibroids are the most common type and imbedded into the muscular wall of the uterus

Subserosal fibroids are the most common type and imbedded into the muscular wall of the outer aspect of the uterus

Submucosal fibroids grow under the lining of the inner surface of the uterus and can become quite large and grow into the pelvis.

Pedunculated fibroid can be either subserosal or submucosal and hang from a stalk either inside or outside the uterus.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While some women with uterine fibroids experience no symptoms, most women may have:

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Prolonged periods or bleeding between periods.

Pelvic pressure or pain

Especially noticeable during menstruation or intercourse.

Enlarged abdomen due to enlarged uterus

Due to the numerous fibroids growing inside the uterus the abdomen becomes enlarged.

Urinary symptoms

Increased frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder due to pressure on the urinary bladder due to the enlarged uterus.

Back or leg pain

Pain in the lower back due to pressure caused by the fibroids can radiate into sciatica pain of the buttocks, hips, and down the legs.

Reproductive issues

Infertility or recurrent miscarriages.

Anemia

Fibroids can cause heavy bleeding or even bleeding in between periods leading to anemia.

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known, but healthcare providers believe that estrogen and progesterone play a key role. Several risk factors can also play a role in chances of developing fibroids which may include:

Family history of fibroids

Early onset of menstruation

Obesity and high Body Mass Index (BMI)

Not having children

Certain ethnic groups (like African American, Hispanic women) are known to have higher incidence

Diagnosis for Uterine Fibroids

Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids may involve:

Medical history

Discussing symptoms and their impact on daily life.

Imaging tests

Such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to visualize the size and location of fibroids.

Physical examination

Including pelvic exam to detect abnormalities.

Treatment Options

Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on several factors, including the size and location of the fibroids, severity of symptoms, and your desire for future fertility. Options may include:

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Watchful waiting

Monitoring fibroids without treatment if they’re not causing significant symptoms.

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Surgical options

Open surgery such as myomectomy to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, or hysterectomy for those who do not desire future pregnancies and have chosen to have their uterus removed (which is not necessary for the treatment of most non-cancerous fibroids).

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Medications

Hormonal treatments or medications to help control symptoms such as heavy bleeding.

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Minimally invasive procedures UFE

Including uterine artery embolization to shrink and eliminate fibroids which helps maintain the normal estrogen/progesterone levels in the body.

Uterine Fibroid Treatments

Nonsurgical Fibroid Specialists in LA & Chicago