Uterine Fibroids – What They Are and How to Deal With Them

Uterine fibroids are non‑cancerous growths that develop in the muscle wall of your uterus. About 1 in 3 women will have at least one fibroid by age 40, and many never notice them because they grow slowly. When they do cause trouble, it’s usually because they press on nearby organs or change how the uterine lining works.

Typical symptoms include heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, lower‑back pain, and sometimes painful intercourse. If a fibroid sits near the cervix, it can make getting pregnant harder. Not every woman gets all these signs – some just feel a vague fullness in the abdomen.

Doctors diagnose fibroids with an ultrasound or, if they need more detail, a MRI scan. A pelvic exam might hint at a lump, but imaging confirms size, number and exact location. Knowing this information helps your provider choose the right treatment plan.

Treatment Options – From Watchful Waiting to Surgery

Most fibroids don’t need immediate action. If they’re small and not causing pain or heavy bleeding, doctors often recommend “watchful waiting”: regular check‑ups and lifestyle tweaks while you monitor any changes.

When symptoms get disruptive, medication can help. Hormonal IUDs reduce bleeding, while drugs like tranexamic acid control heavy periods. For larger fibroids, a short course of GnRH agonists shrinks them temporarily, making later procedures easier.

Minimally invasive options have become popular because they keep recovery time low. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) blocks blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. MRI‑guided focused ultrasound does something similar with sound waves, all without an incision. Both can preserve the uterus for future pregnancies.

If a fibroid is huge or deeply embedded, surgical removal may be best. Myomectomy cuts out the growth while leaving the rest of the uterus intact, and laparoscopic or robotic techniques make the cut smaller. Hysterectomy – complete removal of the uterus – is the last resort for those who don’t plan to have more children.

Alongside medical care, lifestyle changes can ease symptoms. A diet rich in leafy greens, fruit and whole grains helps keep estrogen levels steady, which may slow fibroid growth. Regular moderate exercise improves circulation and reduces pelvic pressure. Some women find relief with supplements like vitamin D or omega‑3 fatty acids, but always check with your doctor first.

Common Questions About Fibroids

Can I get pregnant with fibroids? Yes, many women do. Small, peripheral fibroids usually don’t affect fertility, but large or submucosal ones can interfere with implantation. Your doctor can suggest a tailored approach.

Do fibroids ever turn cancerous? It’s extremely rare. Fibroids are benign, and the chance of them becoming malignant (called leiomyosarcoma) is less than 0.1%.

How often should I get checked? If you have known fibroids, an ultrasound every six to twelve months works for most. New symptoms like heavier bleeding or sudden pain merit a prompt visit.

Feeling overwhelmed? Browse our other articles on hormone health, natural supplements and medication guides – they’re all built to help you make confident choices about your body.