Fibroids: Treatments and Diagnosis

What Are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors within the uterus that commonly appear during women's reproductive years. While they can cause uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms and inhibit fertility, they do not present a cancer risk. Fibroids are also called myomas or leiomyomas.

Fibroid size can vary considerably. The tumors can range from microscopically small to large enough to deform the uterus and even reach the rib cage. Fibroids can appear singly or in clusters.

Fibroids are generally symptomless until they become large enough to alter the uterine structure. While your doctor can detect fibroids during pelvic screenings, treatment isn't necessarily recommended unless they cause physical discomfort, bleeding, bladder issues, or reproductive harm.

What are Fibroid Symptoms?

The severity of fibroid symptoms typically depends upon the size and location of the tumors. The most common symptoms of fibroids include the following:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods that last longer than seven days
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Difficulty urinating
• Leg pain
• Back pain
• Constipation

Many women report more severe fibroid symptoms due to consuming alcohol, though alcohol is not believed to contribute to developing fibroids.

What Causes Fibroids?

The precise cause of fibroid tumors is not yet known, but fibroids are most often associated with the following conditions:

• Genetic predisposition (family history)
• Hormonal imbalances

How are Fibroids Diagnosed?

If you are experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids, your doctor will recommend a routine pelvic exam to check for uterine structural abnormalities that indicate suspicious growth. Fibroids can also be visualized during pelvic ultrasound imaging, which can confirm the presence of fibroids. Your doctor will also order laboratory tests to check for anemia or thyroid disorders.

Additional imaging tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the optimal technology for identifying fibroids. An MRI allows your doctor to visualize the shape, size, and precise location of fibroids and check if there are also other types of growths.

Fibroid Treatment: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) as a minimally invasive fibroid treatment and an effective alternative to a hysterectomy. This procedure improves symptoms, kills fibroids, and restores normal uterine function. 

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.

Also, feel free to take our Uterine Fibroid Symptoms Assessment if you or someone you know may need to evaluate symptoms prior to getting in touch with us.