Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the muscle wall of the uterus. Some people never know they have them. For others, fibroids cause heavy or long periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, and fatigue that make everyday life harder. VidaVascular evaluates fibroid symptoms and offers Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment option.
Fibroids are one of the most common conditions affecting the uterus, especially during the reproductive years. Having fibroids does not always mean you need treatment. What matters most is how your symptoms affect your health and quality of life, and what you want for your future. This page explains what fibroids are, what they can feel like, and how they are diagnosed and treated.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue. They can be as small as a seed or large enough to change the shape and size of the uterus, and many people have more than one.
Fibroids are often described by where they grow:
- Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus
- Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity and are often linked to heavy bleeding
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus and can press on nearby organs
- Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk
Fibroids depend on hormones, so they often grow during the reproductive years and usually shrink after menopause (1).
What symptoms can uterine fibroids cause?
Symptoms depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Common symptoms include:
- Heavy, long, or painful periods, sometimes with clots
- Bleeding between periods
- Fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath from anemia (low iron) caused by heavy bleeding
- Pelvic pressure, fullness, or bloating, or a belly that looks enlarged
- Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Low back or leg pain
- Pain during sex
Other conditions, such as adenomyosis and endometriosis, can cause similar symptoms, which is why a proper evaluation matters (2).
What causes fibroids, and who is more likely to get them?
The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood. Hormones (estrogen and progesterone) and genetics both play a role (1). Factors linked to a higher chance of developing fibroids include:
- Age, with fibroids most often found in the 30s and 40s until menopause
- A family history of fibroids
- Being Black, as Black women tend to develop fibroids at a younger age and often have more or larger fibroids
- Starting periods at an early age
- Obesity
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are often first suspected during a pelvic exam. Imaging confirms the diagnosis and shows how many fibroids there are, how big they are, and where they sit:
- Pelvic ultrasound is usually the first imaging test
- MRI gives a detailed map of the fibroids and the uterus, and is commonly used when planning Uterine Fibroid Embolization
- Blood tests can check for anemia caused by heavy bleeding
If you already have imaging from your gynecologist or primary care provider, bring the report or images to your visit.
What are the treatment options for uterine fibroids?
Treatment depends on your symptoms, the fibroids themselves, and your goals, including whether you hope to become pregnant in the future (2). Options may include:
- Watchful waiting when fibroids cause few or no symptoms
- Medications, such as hormonal birth control, tranexamic acid, or other hormone-based medicines, to help control heavy bleeding
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small puncture in the wrist or groin that blocks the blood supply to fibroids so they shrink, while keeping the uterus in place
- Surgery, such as myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus)
VidaVascular offers UFE. During your evaluation, our team will review your imaging and history and explain whether UFE may fit your situation.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following:
- Very heavy bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for more than two hours
- Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- Dizziness, fainting, a racing heart, or shortness of breath
Why see VidaVascular for fibroid symptoms?
Heavy bleeding, pressure, and fatigue are not something you simply have to live with. At VidaVascular, your evaluation is guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team. We take time to explain your imaging, walk through the options that make sense for you, including nonsurgical ones, and give you clear next steps without pressure.
Care is available at our offices in Oxon Hill, MD, Springfield, VA, and White Plains, MD.
Your VidaVascular Care Team
Your evaluation and treatment are guided by our board-certified vascular and interventional radiologist and clinical team.
Where to Get Care for Uterine Fibroids
Choose the office that is most convenient for you. All locations share one phone number for scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Fibroids
Are uterine fibroids cancer?
No. Fibroids are noncancerous (benign) growths. Uterine cancers are uncommon and are different conditions. Still, new or changing symptoms, or bleeding after menopause, should always be evaluated.
Can fibroids be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. Depending on your symptoms and imaging, options may include medications or Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), which treats fibroids through a small puncture instead of an incision. Not every option is right for every person, and our team will explain which ones fit your situation.
Does insurance cover my visit?
VidaVascular accepts most major insurance providers. Coverage varies by plan and procedure, so please call us to confirm whether your specific plan is covered. Insurance information.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call (866) 800-2346 or request an appointment online. Our offices are open Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and Friday, 8 AM to 3 PM.
References
- Stewart, E. A., Laughlin-Tommaso, S. K., Catherino, W. H., Lalitkumar, S., Gupta, D., & Vollenhoven, B. (2016). Uterine fibroids. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 2, 16043.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Management of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas: ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 228. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 137(6), e100–e115.
Ready to Talk About Your Fibroid Symptoms?
Schedule an evaluation with our team. We’ll explain your options clearly and help you decide what fits your goals.