Fibroids Q & A

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What are fibroids?

Fibroids are almost always benign (noncancerous) tumors that grow in the muscle tissue of your uterus. They vary greatly in size, location, and shape. Fibroids can range in size from a tiny seed that’s hardly visible to a large mass that stretches your uterus.

You can have one fibroid or many at the same time. Fibroids can develop on the inner surface, the outer surface, or within the wall of your uterus. Sometimes, fibroids attach to the uterus by a stem-like structure.

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Who gets fibroids?

Fibroids can develop at any age, but they’re most common in women ages 30-40. After menopause, fibroids tend to shrink.

Studies show that 70-80% of women get fibroids by age 50. Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms so many women are unaware they have them.

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How can I tell if I have fibroids?

You can have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms. When fibroids do cause symptoms, they can be extremely difficult to live with. Common signs and symptoms of fibroids include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Periods lasting longer than seven days

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Lower back pain

• Pain during sex

• Difficulty urinating

• Frequent urination

• Enlarged uterus

Sometimes, fibroids can make it difficult to get pregnant (infertility) and increase your risk of miscarriage.

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How are fibroids diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson might find out you have fibroids when they perform a pelvic exam during your annual well-woman visit. Or they can do a diagnostic test to find the underlying cause of your symptoms.

If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson can do one or more of the following tests:

• Blood test

• Ultrasound imaging test

• Hysteroscopy

Then they recommend the best treatment for your condition. Small fibroids that don’t cause symptoms might not require treatment. In these cases, Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson recommends watchful waiting to see if the fibroids grow or change.

Treatment for fibroids focuses on relieving specific symptoms like pelvic pain or heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr. Carmichael or Dr. Johnson can recommend medication to control these symptoms, such as hormonal birth control to reduce heavy bleeding or nonhormonal pain-relieving medications.

Fibroids that are very large or cause severe pain or symptoms require a more advanced procedure, such as surgery to remove the growths.

If you think you have fibroids, call Total Women’s Health & Wellness Center or book an appointment online today.