Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms & Treatment

Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors found in or on the uterus during childbearing years. They most often are noncancerous.

Causes

• Hormones
• Genetic changes

 
Symptoms

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficult bladder emptying
• Constipation
• Back or leg pain
• Bleeding between periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Distended abdomen
• Difficulty becoming pregnant

Fibroid Types

• Intramural fibroids – the most common; develop within the uterine wall and expand. They make the uterus feel larger than normal
• Pedunculated fibroids – grow on a small stalk, which connects them to the inner or outer uterus wall
• Submucosal fibroids – develop under the uterine cavity lining. They often cause abnormal or extensive menstrual bleeding, leading to infertility and miscarriage
• Subserosal fibroids – develop in the outer portion of the uterus and grow outward

Diagnosis

• Examination of the uterus
• Imaging
  • Ultrasound
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Treatments

• Myomectomy – fibroid removal
• Uterine artery embolization – blood supply blockage, causing the fibroid to die
• Hormone therapy
• Hysterectomy – uterus removal