Uterine fibroids (leiomyoma) symptoms & treatment
Find a doctorUterine fibroids are a condition that impact roughly 50% of all women and tend to run in families. African American women are at a higher risk for developing fibroids, with up to 80% of the population being affected by age 50.
If you’re experiencing pain, heavy bleeding or other symptoms, know that effective treatment options are available. The Aurora Fibroid Clinic at Aurora Sinai Medical Center offers a range of treatments tailored to your needs – from medication to advanced surgical procedures.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscle of the uterus. Also known as leiomyomas, they often appear without a known cause. That said, certain hormones, like estrogen, are linked to the growth of fibroids. Fibroids tend to develop during reproductive years and often shrink after menopause. Many people live with fibroids without symptoms, while others experience discomfort that leads them to seek treatment.
What are the common symptoms of uterine fibroids (leiomyoma)?
Many people with uterine fibroids don’t experience symptoms. However, if you do, they may include:
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Painful or heavy periods, including heavy menstrual bleeding
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Risk of preterm delivery
Uterine fibroid symptoms can vary depending on the type of fibroid. If you’re experiencing any of these uterine fibroid symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment.
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What are the types of uterine fibroids?
The different types of uterine fibroids can include intramural fibroids, intracavitary fibroids, submucosal fibroids, subserosal fibroids and pedunculated fibroids.
Types of uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are determined based on their location within the uterus. There are five primary types:
- Intracavitary fibroids: Intracavitary fibroids grow into the cavity of the uterus on a stalk. These types of fibroids are associated with heavy menstrual bleeding, pain and even anemia.
- Intramural fibroids: Intramural fibroids are the most common type of uterine fibroid. These types of fibroids typically grow within the walls of the uterus and can potentially affect fertility or pregnancy. These uterine fibroids often create a sensation of fullness or pressure in the pelvis.
- Pedunculated fibroids: Pedunculated fibroids don’t occur within the uterine walls. Instead, they grow on a stalk that connects to the uterus. Pedunculated fibroids can be confused with ovarian masses during imaging.
- Submucosal fibroids: Submucosal fibroids are not as common but often cause the most intense symptoms. These uterine fibroids develop in the lining of the uterine cavity (endometrium), disrupting the uterine lining and causing abnormal bleeding. They can also affect fertility, making conception more difficult.
- Subserosal fibroids: Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus and can extend into the pelvic cavity. These fibroids can become large and can often be felt as a mass in the lower abdomen.
Each uterine fibroid affects your body differently, manifesting different symptoms depending on the size, number and location of the fibroid within the uterus.
What’s the difference between a leiomyoma and a fibroid?
The only difference between a leiomyoma and a fibroid is word usage. Leiomyoma is the medical term for fibroid, where fibroid is the common name. A leiomyoma is a fibroid.
What causes uterine fibroids?
There’s no definitive cause for uterine fibroids, but certain factors like genetics and hormones could put you at a higher risk for developing these growths. Other hormones like estrogen and progesterone have been shown to increase the risk of uterine fibroid growth as they naturally cause uterine linings to thicken during each menstrual cycle.
What are risk factors for uterine fibroids?
There are several risk factors that put you at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids. These can include:
- Being African American
- Early onset menstruation (developing period at a young age)
- Family history (specifically on your mother’s side) of uterine fibroids
- Obesity
- Age (older women, especially those experiencing perimenopause, are at a higher risk than younger women)
- Vitamin D deficiency
Diagnosing uterine fibroids
Diagnosing uterine fibroids typically begins with a discussion of your symptoms and a pelvic ultrasound. Your doctor may also recommend lab tests or a biopsy to rule out other conditions, including cancer.
If treatment is needed, we may refer you to a fibroid specialist or to our Aurora Fibroid Clinic.
Treatment options for uterine fibroids
In the past, uterine fibroid treatment often meant a full abdominal hysterectomy. Today, we offer a variety of less invasive options, including:
- Medications (hormonal and nonhormonal)
- Uterine artery embolization (UAE): Blocks blood flow to fibroids
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy: Removes fibroids using a camera inserted through the cervix – no incisions needed
- Laparoscopic myomectomy: Laparoscopic surgeries are often used to remove fibroids through small abdominal incisions using a camera-guided tool
- Single incision hysterectomy: Removes all or part of the uterus through small incisions
- Hysteroscopic radiofrequency ablation (Sonata): Shrinks fibroids from inside the uterus without abdominal incisions; most patients return to normal activity in one to three days
- Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Acessa): Uses small incisions and ultrasound guidance to shrink fibroids; most patients return to normal activity in three to seven days
Get help for your uterine fibroids at the Aurora Fibroid Clinic
Located inside the Academic Specialists of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, the Aurora Fibroid Clinic offers targeted fibroid treatment for women of all ages. Our fibroid specialists work with your physician and other health care professionals to provide personalized treatment options based on your symptoms, health and life.
When you visit our fibroid clinic, we’ll discuss your symptoms and make sure you’ve had a recent ultrasound. We may also recommend doing a biopsy to rule out other causes of your symptoms and to check for the presence of cancer.
No referral is necessary to make an appointment at the fibroid clinic. Call 414-219-5759 to set up a consultation today.
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