Learn About Fibroids

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are made up of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue and can range in size from tiny, undetectable nodules to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus. While fibroids are typically benign, they can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and urinary incontinence. In some cases, fibroids may cause fertility issues or complications during pregnancy. Read more about fibroid symptoms here.

Types of Fibroids

There are different types of uterine fibroids, each with its own symptoms and characteristics.

Intramural fibroids: These grow within the uterine wall and can cause heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding, and pelvic or lower back pain.

Subserosal fibroids: These grow outside the uterus and can cause a feeling of heaviness or fullness within the pelvic region, frequent urination, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, and cramping.

Submucosal fibroids: These develop within the innermost lining of the uterus and can cause heavy or prolonged menstruation, bleeding between periods, anemia, fatigue, dizziness, pelvic or lower back pain, and passing frequent or large blood clots.

Pedunculated fibroids: These are attached to the uterine wall by a stalk and can cause sharp, stabbing pains when the fibroid rotates on the peduncle, interfering with the blood flow to the fibroid. There are two subtypes, pedunculated subserosal fibroids, which develop outside the uterus, and pedunculated submucosal fibroids, which develop inside the uterus.

Calcified fibroids: These have outgrown their blood supply, which can cause a painful process called fibroid degeneration, during which a portion of the fibroid dies. Calcium deposits can then develop on top of the remaining fibroid tissue, causing it to become hardened. Calcified fibroids can sometimes result in new or increased symptoms, including frequent urination, constipation, severe abdominal pain, or pressure.

Who is at Risk?

Although fibroids are quite common among women, certain groups of individuals are at higher risk of developing them. Women who have not given birth, are overweight, or have a family history of fibroids are more susceptible to developing them. Additionally, black women are at a greater risk of developing fibroids than women of other racial or ethnic groups. Age is also a factor, as fibroids tend to develop more frequently in women between 30 and 50 years old. Other factors that may increase the risk of fibroids include a diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables and the use of certain hormonal contraceptives.

Fibroid Treatment Options

  • woman considering a myomectomy

    Myomectomy

    This invasive surgical procedure involves the removal of fibroids by making an incision and poses the risk of infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Additionally, a myomectomy can result in scar tissue formation, which may cause infertility in certain cases. Following the procedure, patients typically require stitches and a hospital stay of 1 to 4 days, with a recovery period of up to 6 weeks.

  • two women supporting each other

    Hysterectomy

    A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the uterus—and sometimes other—organs along with the fibroids, which results in the permanent end of menstruation and the inability to have children. Menopause will occur because you will no longer have periods, and hormone replacement therapy may be necessary. A 2 to 3-day hospital stay is required, and recovery can take up to 8 weeks.

  • doctor consulting patient for UFE

    Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

    Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical option where a catheter is inserted to deliver embolic agents to the artery that feeds the fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die. This is an outpatient procedure suitable for all types of uterine fibroids, which means you can go home the same day without any visible scarring or stitches. UFE offers several advantages, including a brief recovery time of about one week and preservation of fertility. Many patients report experiencing reduced pain and lighter periods following a UFE procedure.