Uterine Fibroids

Signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids

Many women do not realize they have fibroids, but they can affect up to 40 percent of women during childbearing years. 

When symptoms occur, they can include: 

• Heavy menstrual bleeding 
• Periods lasting longer than seven days or more 
• Pelvic pressure or pain 
• Frequent urination 
• Difficulty emptying the bladder 
• Constipation 
• Back pain
• Leg pain 

When to seek care for uterine fibroids

See your doctor if you experience: 

• Severe or persistent pelvic pain 
• Painful menstrual periods 
• Pain during intercourse
• An enlarged abdomen or uterus 

Your physician will evaluate your symptoms and determine whether fibroids may be present.

Risk factors

Although we don’t know exactly what causes uterine fibroids, research has shown several possible contributing factors:

• Genetics. Some research has shown that fibroids run in families. 
• Race. Black women are more likely to have fibroids. They also tend to have them at a younger age. 
• Diet. There is an increased relative risk of fibroids in people who consume a diet high in beef, low in fruits and vegetables and high in alcohol. 
• Growth factors. Other substances in the body that help maintain tissues can influence the growth of fibroids. 

Types of uterine fibroids

Different types of fibroids may develop depending on whether they grow in the uterus.  

Common types include:  

• Intramural fibroids – grow within the uterine wall 
• Submucosal fibroids – grow into the uterine cavity  
• Subserosal fibroids – grow on the outer surface of the uterus

Our approach to uterine fibroid diagnosis

Many fibroids are discovered during a routine pelvic exam. 

If your clinician suspects fibroids, they may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the size and location.  

In addition to a physical exam, your doctor will likely use these methods to diagnose uterine fibroids:

• Ultrasound 
• Blood tests 
• MRI
• Additional imaging involving saline or contrast to examine the uterus 

Uterine fibroid treatment at UCI Health

Treatment for fibroids depends on the size, location and number of fibroids, as well as your symptoms, treatment and fertility goals. UCI Health specialists offer a range of treatment options, including medications, minimally invasive procedures and surgical treatments. 

Medication

Medications may help control symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding. 

These may include:

• Birth control pills 
• Progesterone therapies 
• Progesterone-releasing IUDs
• Anti-inflammatory medications 

Certain medications may also temporarily shrink fibroids before surgery. 

Myomectomy

A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.  

Depending on the fibroids’ size and location, surgeons may perform:  

• Laparoscopic or robot-assisted myomectomy 
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy
• Abdominal myomectomy

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue. A surgeon performs this minimally invasive, same-day procedure through small incisions. It allows for faster recovery.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) 

Interventional radiologists can shrink fibroids by blocking their blood supply with UAE. This procedure destroys fibroid tissue without removing the uterus.  

Hysterectomy

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy to remove the uterus and eliminate fibroids permanently.

Fertility-preserving treatment options

If you hope to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about that early in your care.  

At UCI Health, your treatment plan is not only based on the size and location of your fibroids, but also on your symptoms, age and fertility goals. Whenever possible, our clinicians recommend treatments that remove or shrink fibroids while preserving the uterus.  

Our team will help you understand the risks, benefits and fertility considerations of each treatment option so you can decide what is right for you.

Why choose UCI Health for uterine fibroid care?

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

UCI Health surgeons specialize in laparoscopic and robot-assisted procedures that treat fibroids through small incisions.  

These techniques may reduce pain, shorten recovery time and help preserve fertility when possible.

Comprehensive treatment options 

You have access to both gynecologic surgery and interventional radiology procedures such as UAE. This range of options helps physicians tailor treatment to your symptoms and goals.  

We also provide holistic mind-body services at the Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute.

Collaborative specialty care 

Gynecologists, surgeons and interventional radiologists work together to determine the best treatment for your fibroids.  

This team approach helps ensure you receive the most effective care.

Academic medical expertise

As Orange County’s only academic health system center, UCI Health physicians participate in clinical research and innovative treatments in women’s health.  

This may give you access to emerging therapies through clinical trials.