Uterine Fibroids

When you see your GYN provider for routine care, he or she will ask questions about possible symptoms and will perform an exam that includes checking the size and shape of the uterus. If the uterus feels enlarged or has an irregular shape, you might have fibroids.

You might be referred for an ultrasound or MRI of the uterus. This will show how many fibroids you have, where they are located, and their size.

If you’re experiencing heavy or irregular periods, having difficulty getting pregnant, or if you have had pregnancy losses, your GYN provider may recommend evaluation for fibroids. They may also recommend a biopsy of the lining of the uterus.

Treatment options for fibroids include:

• Medications or treatments such as birth control pills, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, or an IUD to help control bleeding and pain.
• Medications to shrink fibroids.
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, a procedure that blocks the blood flow to a uterine fibroid tumor, causing the tumor to shrink and eventually disappear. 
• Hysteroscopy with removal of fibroids, a surgical procedure where a small camera is inserted through the cervix into the center of the uterus and small instruments are used to remove fibroids.
• Myomectomy, a type of surgery to remove fibroids from the uterus without removing the whole uterus. This can be done laparoscopically (through several small incisions on the abdomen, using a camera and small instruments) or through a larger incision in the abdomen to directly reach and operate on the fibroids.
• Hysterectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the entire uterus. This can also be done laparoscopically or through a larger incision.