About Uterine Fibroids

About Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (also referred to as myoma, fibromyoma, leiomyoma, and leiomyomata) are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow within the muscle tissue of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are very common, as many as 20%-50% of women of childbearing age may have uterine fibroids. While many women do not experience any problems and do not have medical treatment for their fibroids, symptoms may be severe enough to require treatment.

Fibroids range in size from very small (coin sized) to larger than a grapefruit. A very large uterine fibroid can cause the uterus to expand to the size of a six or seven-month pregnancy. Women may have one large fibroid or many small fibroids.

If you do not notice any symptoms caused by uterine-fibroids there is no need to treat them. Your doctor may want to watch them and check for any growth.


There are three main types of uterine fibroids which are classified primarily according to their location in the uterus:

Subserosal uterine fibroids
 These fibroids develop in the outer portion of the uterus and continue to grow outward.
Intramural uterine fibroids
 These fibroids develop within the uterine wall and expand making the uterus feel larger than normal and causing heaviness and discomfort. These are the most common type of uterine fibroid.
Submucosal uterine fibroids
 These fibroids develop just under the lining of the uterine cavity. These fibroids have the most effect on heavy menstrual bleeding and can cause miscarriage or infertility.
Pedunculated
 Fibroids that grow on a small stalk that connects them to the inner or outer wall of the uterus.


What are common uterine fibroids symptoms?

  • Very heavy bleeding during prolonged menstrual periods
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Pain in the back of the legs
  • Discomfort during sexual intercourse
  • • Pressure on the bladder leading to a frequent urination, incontinence, or the inability to empty the bladder
  • • Pressure on the bowel which can lead to bloating and/or constipation
  • • An enlarged abdomen which may be mistaken for pregnancy or weight gain


    • How do I know if I have fibroids?

    Visit your doctor and describe your symptoms. Your doctor will examine your uterus, and if it feels enlarged, order an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) session. These diagnostic procedures can verify the presence, location and size of fibroids.

    After identifying the size and location of your fibroid(s), and possibly after other diagnostic tests, your doctor may be able to rule out other potentially more serious conditions. Your doctor will explain the results of the tests, outline your options and usually recommend a course of treatment for the fibroids. If you do not notice any symptoms caused by fibroids there is no need to treat them. Your doctor may want to watch them and check for any growth.


    What are my treatment alternatives?

    Procedure
    What is it?
    Surgical removal of the uterus. Expect
    a hospital stay and a recovery period.
    Abdominal myomectomy
    Removal of one or more of the fibroids with open abdominal surgery.
    Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy
    One or more of the fibroids are removed using laparoscopic or endoscopic techniques.
    Hormone therapy
    GnRH drug treatment causes fibroid shrinkage.
    Uterine artery embolization
    The uterine artery is injected with polyvinyl alcohol beads, with a catheter, which block the flow of blood to the fibroids and cause necrosis.
    Watchful waiting
    No treatment. Monitoring for any progression of symptoms.
    Non-invasive outpatient treatment to reduce the size of the fibroids.


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