Uterine Fibroids 101

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids – also called leiomyomas – are non-cancerous tumors, or growths, that appear on the walls of the uterus. Although they are composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall (myometrium), they are much denser than normal myometrium.

Uterine fibroids can be all sizes but are usually round. Fibroids have no predictable growth pattern, so some can be very small – like a seed or pea – while others grow large – as big as an orange or small melon – and cause considerable discomfort.

Though fibroids are growths, they are typically not associated with an increased risk of cancer. On rare occasions, malignant growths on the smooth muscles inside the womb, called leiomyosarcoma, can develop.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

To determine if you are suffering from fibroids, your doctor must perform a pelvic exam and ultrasound.

Who is Susceptible to Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids affect at least 20 percent of all women during their lifetime.

Statistics show that women between age 30 and 50 are most likely to suffer from fibroids. The most common time women suffer from fibroids is during a woman’s reproductive years because when estrogen levels are high (as during pregnancy) fibroids swell. As women age and estrogen levels decline (as during menopause) fibroids shrink.

Women who are overweight or obese have a significantly higher risk of developing fibroids. Another key factor is heredity. Women whose mothers or sisters have had fibroids are also at a higher risk of developing them.

What are the Symptoms?

Most women with uterine fibroids will display no symptoms, which is why they often go undetected.

However, fibroid size, location within in the uterus, and proximity to adjacent pelvic organs can cause many painful and inconvenient symptoms. The most common symptoms are abnormal bleeding, pain, and unusual abdominal pressure. Other symptoms include the following:

  • Anemia (resulting from heavy periods)
  • Backache
  • Constipation
  • Difficulties during labor
  • Issues with fertility
  • Lower abdominal discomfort (especially if the fibroids are large)
  • Frequent urination
  • Heavy, painful periods,
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Pain in the legs
  • Pregnancy problems
  • Repeated miscarriages
  • Swelling in the lower abdomen (especially if fibroids are large)

How Do You Treat Fibroids?

The physicians at Indiana Fibroid Center are some of the most experienced in the Midwest at performing Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

UFE is an outpatient non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that effectively treats symptomatic uterine fibroids.

The procedure has a greater than 90 percent success rate at relieving uterine fibroid symptoms and has been performed in the United States for more than 20 years.

Angela’s Story

Background

Angela suffered relentless fatigue. In fact, she didn’t realize how horrible she constantly felt because it had become the new normal for her. She was extremely anemic and, due to lack of iron, was suffering from pica, a debilitating eating disorder. Unexpected spotting and blood clots caused Angela constant worry and she endured heavy menstrual flow. And if she stood up too quickly, she often felt dizzy and saw spots. After years of suffering, she made the decision to seek treatment.

Solution

Angela visited the Indiana Fibroid Center to find a solution for her health concerns. She just had to find a way to improve her health and put an end to her discomfort. Following her visit with Dr. Karen Ehrman, an appointment was scheduled for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Results

“I feel amazing now,” she said. “I can’t remember the last time I felt this great!”

Angela was extremely impressed with the doctors and staff at the Indiana Fibroid Center. They answered all of her questions and made sure she felt comfortable throughout the procedure. She was especially surprised at how rapidly she noticed an improvement in her health. “I was warned that I might be in some pain after the procedure, but I’ve had little or no cramps since. The healing process was quick and relatively painless.”

Angela said she would highly recommend UFE to anyone experience similar health issues.

“I’ve lost more than 40 pounds because I’m able to work out again. I have normal periods, I’m off my iron supplements, and I no longer get dizzy,” she said. “And the best part – now I am able to start a family.”

Understanding Uterine Fibroids and their Risk Factors

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids – also called leiomyomas – are noncancerous growths of the uterus. In fact, they almost never become cancerous. Uterine fibroids grow in the tissue of the uterus, often during a woman’s childbearing years. They have no set growth pattern. Some appear rapidly while others grow steadily over time. In some cases, they may even shrink. Uterine fibroids that appear during pregnancy can completely disappear after birth when the uterus returns to its normal size.

Just as their frequency can be unusual, uterine fibroids also appear in various sizes. Some are so small they can’t be seen by the human eye. Others can be big enough to increase the size of the uterus, causing it to expand as far as a woman’s rib cage.

Though as many as 75 percent of all women can experience uterine fibroids during their lives, many will be completely unaware because of a lack of symptoms. They’re often discovered during routine pelvic exams or while having a prenatal ultrasound. Uterine fibroids can, however, cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, constipation, pain during intercourse, pressure or pain in the lower back and abdomen, and frequent urination.

Key Risk Factors

As mentioned above, the primary risk factor for developing uterine fibroids is being a woman of reproductive age. But other factors exist that can also have an impact on fibroid development, including:

  • Heredity – If your mother or sister had fibroids, your risk of having them increases.
  • Race – African-American women are more likely to have fibroids than women of other racial groups. African-American women historically also have larger fibroids and experience development of fibroids at a younger age.
  • Menstruation – Women who have onset of menstruation at an early age are more susceptible.
  • Diet – Women who eat a diet higher in red meat and lower in green vegetables and fruit have a great chance of uterine fibroids.
  • Alcohol – Excess alcohol consumption increase the odds of fibroids.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Women must weigh their treatment options carefully. As noted, some women may have uterine fibroids but show no symptoms. Others will suffer without understanding the cause. Because everyone has different experiences we suggest conducting your own research. Speak to other women who have dealt with uterine fibroids. Consult with your gynecologist and an interventional radiologist (IR).

For those struggling with uterine fibroids, one solution is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE is an outpatient procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. If you’re considering this procedure, here are some questions to ask your doctor:

  • How often is the procedure successful?
  • How many UFE’s have you performed?
  • What results should I expect?
  • Are there typical complications?
  • How will I feel during and after the procedure?
  • How long should I expect to be off work?
  • What is the follow-up care?
  • Will I be able to get pregnant after UFE?
  • Will my insurance cover the procedure?