Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas, are the most common benign (noncancerous) tumors in women. They originate from the smooth muscle wall of the uterus, called the myometrium and can vary in size, location, and quantity. While some can cause a range of unwanted symptoms, others could be completely harmless.
Painful or excessive bleeding during period
Feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen
Pain in the lower abdomen, back and legs
Frequent urination
Pain during sex
Infertility
Fibroids range in size from small, pea-sized growths to large, grapefruit-sized tumors. They can also grow on the inside or outside of the uterus where their locations and sizes can determine your symptoms and treatments. Doctors have given different names to the fibroids according to their locations and how they are attached.
The most common type of fibroid, grows on the outer wall of the uterus. These fibroids can cause pressure symptoms and pelvic pain.
Common type of fibroid, grows within the muscle wall of the uterus. These fibroids can cause heavy periods and pressure sensations.
Less common than intramural, grows inside or abutting the uterine cavity, where a baby thrives during pregnancy. These fibroids can cause heavy or abnormal bleeding.
The least common type of fibroid, grows on a stalk either inside the uterine cavity or hanging from the outer wall of the uterus. These fibroids can cause sudden pain and pressure.
Discuss your problems with an RFA-trained OBGYN.
You could end your pain with this incision-free, nonsurgical procedure.
Obesity
Ethnicity
Family history
Hypertension
In many cases, fibroids are first discovered during a regular gynecological exam at your OBGYN's office.
Most common imaging tool for physicians to visualize your fibroids. It uses sound waves to create pictures of your internal organs in a non-invasive fashion.
Use of X-ray or magnetic radio waves to produce images of your fibroids for further characterizations and treatment planning.
Use of a device called a scope with a thin, flexible tube and a camera on the end to look at fibroids inside your uterus.
Medications can be prescribed to reduce symptoms. Hormones (GnRH) are sometimes used to shrink a fibroid before surgery, but it has only a temporary effect.
Surgical operation to remove the fibroids and your uterus. Hysterectomy is the most common treatment for fibroids as it is only way to cure them by removing the uterus but it is associated with long recovery and loss of fertility4.
Surgical operation to remove only the fibroids without removing the uterus. It can be done via open surgery, hysteroscopic or laparoscopic approaches. While it preserves your uterus, it is associated with fibroid recurrence and pregnancy complications.
Minimally invasive procedure that injects small particles to block the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. While safe and effective, UAE is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy-related complications.
Don’t let the fear of hysterectomy stop you from looking for other alternatives to free you from fibroid symptoms.
Today, there are treatment options that are far less invasive than removing your uterus!
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