Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow on the wall of the uterus. These dense, rubbery masses can be microscopic or, in rare cases, grow to fill the entire abdominal category.
Pain caused by uterine fibroids can be mild or severe. The pain may be constant, or occasional and inconsistent. There are many conditions that cause pelvic pain – the only way to be sure pain is caused by uterine fibroids is to be examined by your physician.
This page contains the following information about uterine fibroids:
- Facts About Uterine Fibroids
- Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids
- Reducing the Risk of Uterine Fibroids
- Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- Imaging Exams for Detecting Uterine Fibroids
- Radiology Procedures for Treating Uterine Fibroids
- Additional Information on Uterine Fibroids
Facts About Uterine Fibroids
Here are some facts about uterine fibroids:
- Uterine fibroids very rarely develop into cancer.
- Uterine fibroids are the most common, non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age.
- As many as 75% of American women have uterine fibroids, with as many as 40% of American women suffering from symptoms of them.
- The average age for uterine fibroids to become symptomatic is 35-50.
- African American women are more likely to have uterine fibroids than women of other racial groups. They also have uterine fibroids at a younger age, and their fibroids are likely to be larger.
- Uterine fibroids are linked to high estrogen production; consequently, they may grow faster when a woman is pregnant or taking birth control pills.
- Uterine fibroids shrink after menopause when hormone levels decrease.
Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown and studies have not conclusively proven many risk factors.
Identified risk factors for uterine fibroids include:
- Being of reproductive age
- Being African American
Reducing the Risk of Uterine Fibroids
There is little scientific advice on how to prevent uterine fibroids. Fortunately, only a small percentage of uterine fibroids require treatment.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include the following:
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy bleeding during menstruation
- Bleeding between periods
- Abdominal swelling
- Pressure on the bowel or bladder
- Infertility or multiple miscarriages
Imaging Exams for Detecting Uterine Fibroids
There are several exams your physician may perform or order to detect uterine fibroids, some of which are imaging techniques offered at INVISION.
Through a pelvic ultrasound, a painless exam that shows a picture of the uterus via sound waves, a radiologist can see and measure uterine fibroids.
Your physician may also request an MRI or CT scan to detect uterine fibroids.
Radiology Procedures for Treating Uterine Fibroids
There are several treatments available to decrease or remove uterine fibroids, including hysterectomy.
Fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive radiology procedure that has proven successful in treating most uterine fibroids. It shrinks fibroids while leaving the uterus intact and potentially preserves fertility.
Since uterine fibroids grow slowly and are almost always non-cancerous, you should take the time to research all your treatment options before making a decision.
Additional Information on Uterine Fibroids
The information on this page was taken in part from the following sources. Visit the listed web sites for additional information on uterine fibroids.
Sources
- Fibroid Treatment Collective
- National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
- Mayo Clinic
- National Uterine Fibroids Foundation
- Women Living Naturally
