Uterine Fibroids
Pain, Pressure, Bleeding
Fibroid pain and discomfort can change the way you act and live. Know the symptoms and talk to your OB-GYN about whether you might have fibroids. Don’t keep relief waiting.
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They can affect your daily life causing heavy, excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, urinary incontinence and, in some cases, fertility complications.
Types of Fibroids
A woman can have many types of uterine fibroids. They are classified according to their location.
- Subserosal Fibroids: Develop on the outer uterine wall and put pressure on the surrounding organs. Symptoms include pelvic pain and pressure, not bleeding.
- Intramural Fibroids: The most common; can be mistaken for pregnancy or weight gain. Symptoms include excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination and pressure.
- Submucosal Fibroids: The least common; develop under the lining of the uterine cavity and can block the fallopian tubes leading to fertility complications. Symptoms include very heavy, excessive menstrual bleeding and prolonged menstruation.
- Pedunculated Fibroids: Grow on a stalk either into the cavity of the uterus or from the outside of the uterus into the pelvis. Symptoms include pain and pressure.
Who is at Risk for Fibroids
- 20-40% of women 35 years and older have fibroid tumors.
- More common among women of African-American descent.
Treatment Options
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
A Minimally Invasive Option to Hysterectomy
Or
Non-Invasive:
- Hormone Treatment: Medications that target hormones can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. They don’t eliminate fibroids, but may shrink them.
- Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery: High intensity ultrasound heat waves that cause the fibroid to die.
Less Invasive:
Surgical:
- Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus.
- Hysterectomy: Remove of the uterus.