Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Clear diagnosis and personalized options for bleeding, pain, fertility goals, and everyday comfort.
Uterine fibroids are common, benign muscle growths of the uterus. For some, they cause little to no symptoms; for others, they bring heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, anemia, or fertility challenges. At Westside Women's Health, we validate your experience and build a plan that matches your symptoms, life stage, and goals.
Fast Facts About Fibroids
Fibroids are noncancerous growths of uterine muscle
Symptoms range from none to heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure
Size, number, and location determine impact and treatment
Options include medications, procedures, and surgery—tailored to your goals
Common Symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged periods; passing clots
- Pelvic pressure or fullness; low back pain
- Painful periods (cramping) or pain with sex
- Frequent urination or constipation from pressure
- Anemia (fatigue, dizziness) from blood loss
- Fertility challenges or pregnancy-related symptoms
Why It Matters
Fibroids can affect daily energy, sexual comfort, bathroom habits, and long-term health through iron deficiency anemia. For those considering pregnancy, certain fibroids may impact fertility or pregnancy comfort. The right plan can reduce bleeding and pain, protect iron levels, and align with your family-building goals.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
Evaluation starts with your symptom timeline and exam. Pelvic ultrasound is the most common first test to define fibroid size, number, and location (submucosal, intramural, subserosal). MRI is sometimes used for surgical planning or complex cases. If heavy bleeding is a key symptom, we may discuss endometrial sampling to rule out other causes. Your goals—symptom control, fertility, or both—guide next steps.
Fibroids vs. Adenomyosis
Fibroids (Leiomyomas)
- Discrete benign tumors within/around the uterus
- Can cause heavy bleeding, pressure, bulk symptoms
- Often seen clearly on ultrasound; MRI refines mapping
- Targeted options include medication, myomectomy, embolization, or hysterectomy
Adenomyosis
- Uterine muscle infiltrated by endometrial tissue
- More diffuse uterine enlargement; painful/heavy periods
- Diagnosis often suggested by MRI/ultrasound + symptoms
- Treatment focuses on bleeding/pain control; definitive option is hysterectomy
Treatment Options
Care is individualized based on symptoms, fibroid mapping, and pregnancy goals. Medical options can reduce bleeding and pain: NSAIDs, tranexamic acid during menses, hormonal methods (pills, ring, patch), and the levonorgestrel IUD for many with heavy bleeding. Select patients may benefit from medicines that shrink fibroids temporarily as part of planning. Uterus-preserving procedures include hysteroscopic removal for submucosal fibroids, laparoscopic/abdominal myomectomy for larger or multiple fibroids, and uterine artery embolization to shrink fibroids by limiting blood flow. MRI-guided focused ultrasound is an option for certain candidates. Hysterectomy is definitive for those who are done with childbearing and want permanent symptom relief. We review benefits, risks, recovery, and impact on fertility to choose a path that fits you.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- ✓Bleeding and symptom diary (days, flow, clots, pain, pads/tampons used)
- ✓Any prior ultrasound/MRI reports or lab results (iron levels)
- ✓Medication list and prior treatments tried
- ✓Fertility and family-planning goals; recovery time constraints
- ✓Questions you want answered
Frequently Asked Questions
1Do fibroids turn into cancer?
Fibroids are benign and do not "turn into" cancer. A rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma can occur in the uterus but typically arises independently, not from a fibroid.
2Will fibroids go away after menopause?
Many fibroids shrink after menopause as hormone levels decline. If symptoms are manageable and you are nearing menopause, watchful waiting may be reasonable.
3Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Yes—many people with fibroids conceive and carry healthy pregnancies. Certain fibroids, particularly those distorting the uterine cavity, may affect fertility or pregnancy comfort. We coordinate with fertility specialists when appropriate.
4What's the best treatment for heavy bleeding?
Options include NSAIDs, tranexamic acid during periods, hormonal contraception, and the levonorgestrel IUD. If bleeding is driven by cavity-distorting fibroids, hysteroscopic removal can help. The choice depends on your exam, imaging, and goals.
5How do I choose between embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy?
Each has different benefits, risks, and recovery times. Factors include fibroid size/location, symptom priorities, desire for future pregnancy, and personal preferences. We review imaging and decide together.
A Plan Built Around You
From medications to minimally invasive procedures—and definitive surgery when it fits your goals—we'll tailor care to control bleeding, relieve pressure, and protect your long-term health.
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