What is a uterine fibroid?

A uterine fibroid is a tumor that grows in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Our San Antonio fibroid doctors reassure women they are common and almost always benign (not cancer). When they cause symptoms or affect fertility, effective fibroid treatment is available.

Every woman’s experience is different

Fibroids vary greatly among women in size, shape, number, location and symptoms. Some women have one tumor, while others have many. A fibroid could be as small as a pea or grow to the size of a grapefruit.

The impact of fibroids also varies greatly by woman. Some women have significant symptoms, while others aren’t aware they have fibroids. These tumors can be located inside the uterus, within the uterine wall, or on the outside of the uterus.

Do you have these symptoms?

Although different from woman to woman, there are common fibroid symptoms among those who experience them.

• Change in menstruation, such as heavier, longer or more frequent bleeding
• Pain in the abdomen or lower back
• A feeling of fullness in the pelvic area
• Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
• Complications during pregnancy and labor

Who gets them?

The cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but there are known factors that increase the risk of developing these benign tumors.

• Age. They are most common in women ages 30 to 40, but can occur at any age. After menopause, the incidence decreases.
• Family history. If a woman’s mother has fibroids, her risk is three times higher than average.
• Race. Black women have a higher incidence than white women.
• Obesity. Being overweight increases a woman’s risk.

Diagnosing a uterine fibroid

Fibroids are often found during routine pelvic exams. Our San Antonio fibroid doctors explain that, once a fibroid is identified, further testing is done to determine the tumors’ size, number, location and potential impacts.

• Ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus and surrounding organs.
• Hysteroscopy is a procedure in which a thin device is passed through the vagina into the uterus to provide images.
• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a test in which dye is injected into the uterus and X-ray images are taken.
• Sonohysterogram is a procedure in which fluid is injected into the uterus and an ultrasound scan is done.

Fibroid treatment options

The decision to treat a uterine fibroid will depend on whether the condition negatively affects a woman’s life. Treatment may not be needed if fibroids are small, few or don’t cause symptoms. But, if they are causing pain, interfering with life, or affecting fertility, treatment options will be considered.

For mild symptoms, medications can decrease pain, reduce heavy periods and shrink the tumors.

Several surgical options to remove a uterine fibroid are available.

• Myomectomy is a common surgical procedure to remove fibroids. There are different ways to perform a myomectomy. The location of the tumors determines the surgical method.
• Hysterectomy is a more extensive procedure and involves the removal of the uterus. It is used for more severe cases.
• Endometrial ablation is an outpatient procedure in which the lining of the uterus is removed.

A fibroid treatment decision takes into consideration your age, life stage and future fertility.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a uterine fibroid or have already been diagnosed and would like to discuss treatment options, contact our San Antonio fibroid doctors for an appointment.