Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that grow on or within the lining of the uterus. They can range in size from as small as a grape to as large as a cantaloupe. Approximately 20-40% of women over age 35 have fibroids, and African-American women are at a greater risk for developing them.1
Fibroids can develop in different areas of the uterus, which can influence symptoms and treatment options.
Beyond age and ethnicity, there are several other risk factors for developing uterine fibroids which include:2
Fibroids can result in pelvic pain or discomfort, urinary incontinence, frequent urination and heavy menstrual bleeding. The location and size of uterine fibroids can affect the severity of these symptoms and impact your quality of life.3 The list of potential symptoms for uterine fibroids includes, but is not limited to:
Many conditions share similar symptoms with uterine fibroids, which is why proper diagnosis is important.
These may include:
Fibroids may be diagnosed with a combination of pelvic exams (your doctor may actually feel the fibroids) or imaging tests. The most often used imaging tests are ultrasound or MRI, and occasionally a diagnostic hysteroscopy (a thin, lighted tube with a camera inserted into the uterus) may be used.4
Uterine fibroids can affect fertility depending on their size and location.5
If fertility is a concern, it’s important to discuss treatment options that preserve the uterus.
These may help manage symptoms but do not eliminate fibroids.
However, surgery is expensive, requires a long and sometimes painful recovery, and results in scarring. There are also risks and long-term considerations—especially with hysterectomy. With myomectomy, fibroids returning within a few years is common.6
Some OB/GYNs offer radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat to shrink fibroids. While effective for some patients, fibroids can return and repeat treatments may be needed.
Fortunately, there is a highly effective, minimally invasive option offered by the doctors at PrecisionIR: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This non-surgical treatment targets fibroids directly without removing the uterus.
Take our quiz to see if you qualify for UFE »
You can listen to Dr. Vartanian discuss fibroids and UFE with the Mason and Starr Morning Show on our blog.
No. Fibroids are benign and do not increase cancer risk.
Yes, many women can—but it depends on size and location.
They may continue to grow and symptoms may worsen over time.
This is very rare, but fibroids can degenerate and cause pain.
Yes, family history can increase your risk.
They may shrink after menopause but typically do not disappear completely.
Large fibroids can contribute to abdominal enlargement or a feeling of weight gain.
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