Uterine Fibroids

What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids
Typically, uterine fibroids do not produce symptoms or need medical attention. However, if symptoms do occur, they can impact your quality of life and overall health. If you or someone you know is suffering from painful or severe symptoms, it is important to arrange a consultation with a fibroid clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Anemia
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Lower abdominal pain or pressure
- Abnormal bleeding
- Frequent urination

Types of Risk Factors
While many uterine fibroids go unnoticed and don’t necessitate medical intervention, some can become sources of pain and significant discomfort. If you or a cherished family member find yourselves grappling with typical fibroid indicators like excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pressure, you can rely on Fibroid Clinic for assistance. Our medical professionals will assess your condition in a secure and welcoming outpatient environment to determine whether these familiar fibroid symptoms are affecting you.
Types of Risk Factors
- Birth control
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Extra weight
- Vitamin D deficiency
Uterine Fibroid Causes
Common Causes
- Other growth factors
- Other growth factors
- Extracellular matrix (ECM)
- Hormones
Do You Experience Symptoms of Fibroids?
Take Risk Assessment NowTypes Of Fibroids
Intramural Fibroids
An intramural fibroid, the most prevalent type of fibroid, develops within the uterine muscle walls. Small intramural fibroids may cause only minor symptoms. However, depending on their size and placement, they can result in heavy menstrual bleeding lasting 10 days or longer, irregular bleeding between periods, and discomfort in the pelvic area or lower back.
Subserosal Fibroids
Subserosal fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus, protruding into the pelvic or abdominal cavity. They may be connected to the uterus directly or through a slender stalk known as a peduncle. Women with subserosal fibroids frequently encounter problems with nearby organs such as the bladder, rectum, or intestines.
Submucosal Fibroids
Submucosal fibroids expand into the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. These fibroids can appear alone or in groups and are often associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, dizziness, and fainting. Additional symptoms may include bleeding between periods, passing large or frequent blood clots, and experiencing pelvic or back pain. If the fibroids protrude significantly into the uterine cavity, they may be removed through the vagina using a hysteroscope by your OBGYN.
Pedunculated Fibroids
Pedunculated fibroids are a type of subserosal or submucosal fibroid that develop on a stalk or peduncle extending from the uterine walls. When these fibroids rotate on their peduncle, they can cause sharp, stabbing pain by disrupting their blood supply. Treatment options vary based on their location and may involve external (laparoscopy) or internal (hysteroscopy) approaches.
Fibroid Diagnosis
Diagnostic Tests & Screenings
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
UFE vs Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus and is performed about 600,000 times annually in the United States. This procedure eliminates the possibility of becoming pregnant or carrying a child. In contrast, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) preserves the uterus and typically requires just 1-2 weeks of recovery, whereas hysterectomy generally requires 6-8 weeks.
UFE vs Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a significant surgical procedure that involves a sizable incision to reach the uterus. While the uterus remains preserved, it shares similar risks with hysterectomies, including infection, blood clots, and negative reactions to general anesthesia. In contrast, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a much less invasive option and can address multiple fibroids simultaneously.
What to Expect from Your Fibroid Treatment
- Maintains the uterus
- No need for general anesthesia
- Reduced likelihood of complications
- Faster recovery period
- Caring outpatient services
Fibroid FAQ
Can fibroids develop into cancer?
Uterine fibroids are generally non-cancerous, with cancerous ones being extremely rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 cases. The rare cancerous fibroid is called uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS). Most women with fibroids do not show symptoms, and only a small fraction will need medical intervention. Having uterine fibroids does not raise your risk of developing a cancerous fibroid or other uterine cancers.