Uterine Fibroids
Personalized care for uterine fibroids, heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, and other symptoms that can affect your comfort and quality of life.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas and are generally benign, meaning they are not cancer.
Fibroids can vary greatly in size, number, and location. Some women have a single small fibroid, while others may have several fibroids of different sizes. Some fibroids cause significant symptoms, while others cause no symptoms and are discovered during a routine examination or imaging test.
When fibroids cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, urinary symptoms, or other concerns, an evaluation can help determine whether fibroids may be contributing to your symptoms and what treatment options may be appropriate.
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids
Fibroids do not always cause symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can range from heavier menstrual bleeding to pelvic pressure or pain.
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Periods may become heavier, longer, or more difficult to manage than they were previously.
Pelvic pain or pressure
Fibroids may create pressure, fullness, cramping, or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
Lower back discomfort
Larger fibroids may contribute to aching or pressure involving the lower abdomen, pelvis, or back.
Frequent urination
A fibroid pressing against the bladder may contribute to urinary frequency or difficulty emptying the bladder.
Abdominal fullness
Some women notice abdominal pressure, fullness, or an enlarged lower abdomen.
Reproductive concerns
Depending on their location and other factors, fibroids may be associated with fertility or pregnancy concerns.
When should you talk with an OB/GYN?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your periods have become unusually heavy or painful, you have bleeding between periods, persistent pelvic pressure or pain, urinary symptoms, or symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Fibroids can develop in different areas of the uterus
The location, size, and number of fibroids can influence symptoms and help guide an individualized treatment plan.
Intramural fibroids
These fibroids develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. Depending on their size and location, they may contribute to heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or pain.
Submucosal fibroids
These fibroids grow toward the inner cavity of the uterus. They may be associated with heavy menstrual bleeding and other menstrual or reproductive concerns.
Subserosal fibroids
These fibroids develop toward the outside of the uterus and may contribute to pressure symptoms involving nearby pelvic organs.
Pedunculated fibroids
Some fibroids grow on a stalk-like structure. Their position and size can affect the symptoms they produce.
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with understanding your symptoms, menstrual history, medical history, and reproductive goals.
Medical history
Your provider may ask about menstrual bleeding, pain, pressure, urinary symptoms, previous pregnancies, fertility goals, and other health concerns.
Pelvic examination
A pelvic examination may provide information about the size or shape of the uterus and help determine whether additional testing is appropriate.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and pelvic organs and is commonly used when evaluating possible fibroids.
Additional testing
Depending on the situation, additional imaging or procedures may be considered to better understand the location and characteristics of fibroids.
Uterine fibroid treatment options
Not every woman with fibroids needs treatment. When treatment is appropriate, the best approach depends on symptoms, fibroid size and location, overall health, reproductive plans, and personal preferences.
Observation & monitoring
If fibroids are not causing significant symptoms, your provider may recommend observation and periodic evaluation rather than immediate treatment.
Medication
Certain medications may help manage symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods. Medication does not necessarily eliminate the fibroids themselves.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. The surgical approach depends on the number, size, and location of the fibroids.
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy removes the uterus and is a definitive treatment for fibroids. It eliminates the possibility of future pregnancy.
Uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization reduces blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Whether it is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances.
Other procedures
Other minimally invasive approaches may be considered in selected patients. Your OB/GYN can explain the potential benefits, limitations, and risks.
Fibroids and fertility
Many women with uterine fibroids are able to become pregnant and have healthy pregnancies.
However, depending on their size and location, some fibroids may be associated with fertility or pregnancy concerns. Other causes should also be considered when evaluating infertility.
If you are considering pregnancy and have fibroids, discussing your reproductive plans with your OB/GYN can help determine whether monitoring or treatment should be considered.
Learn about infertility careWhat happens to fibroids around menopause?
Fibroids are influenced by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. As hormone levels change during perimenopause and menopause, fibroids may become smaller for some women.
However, symptoms should not automatically be attributed to fibroids or menopause. New or persistent bleeding, pelvic pain, or other symptoms deserve an appropriate medical evaluation.
Explore menopause careUterine fibroids FAQs
Answers to common questions about fibroid symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and women's health.
Are uterine fibroids cancerous? +
Uterine fibroids are generally benign growths of the uterine muscle and are not cancer. However, unexplained or unusual symptoms should still be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
What are the most common symptoms of fibroids? +
Symptoms may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pelvic pressure or pain, lower back discomfort, frequent urination, abdominal fullness, and reproductive concerns.
Can fibroids cause heavy periods? +
Yes. Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is one of the common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids.
How are fibroids diagnosed? +
Evaluation may include a medical history, pelvic examination, ultrasound, and sometimes additional imaging or procedures depending on the individual situation.
Do all fibroids require treatment? +
No. Fibroids that do not cause symptoms may not require immediate treatment. Monitoring may be appropriate depending on the individual patient.
Can fibroids affect fertility? +
Fibroids can be associated with fertility problems in some women, depending on factors such as their location and size. Other causes of infertility are also important to evaluate.
Can fibroids shrink after menopause? +
Fibroids may become smaller as estrogen levels decline around menopause, although this does not happen in every woman.
What treatments are available for fibroids? +
Depending on the individual situation, options can include observation, medications, myomectomy, hysterectomy, uterine artery embolization, and other procedures.
Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids? +
Many women with fibroids can become pregnant. However, certain fibroids may be associated with reproductive or pregnancy concerns, so individualized evaluation is important.
When should I see an OB/GYN about fibroids? +
Consider an evaluation for unusually heavy periods, persistent pelvic pain or pressure, bleeding between periods, urinary symptoms, or symptoms that interfere with your everyday life.
Get personalized care for uterine fibroids.
If heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, or other symptoms are affecting your life, schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns with an OB/GYN.