Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Fibroids (also called uterine fibromyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus.
They are extremely common and many women have them without ever knowing.
For others, fibroids may cause symptoms like heavy periods, pain, or fertility issues.

The good news: fibroids are treatable, and most women recover fully with the right care.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors play a role:

1. Hormones: Estrogen & Progesterone

Fibroids grow when these hormones are high, which is why they are common during reproductive years and shrink after menopause.

2. Genetics

If your mother or sister has fibroids, your chances increase.

3. Growth Factors

Proteins in the body that help tissue repair may also contribute to fibroid growth.

4. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors

Obesity, early onset of periods, and vitamin D deficiency may increase risk.

Fibroids are not caused by stress, eating certain foods, or lifestyle alone — but these can worsen symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Some women have no symptoms; others may experience:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Passing clots during periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Constipation or bloating
• Pain during intercourse
• Difficulty conceiving or recurrent pregnancy loss (in selected cases)

Any of these signs should prompt a consultation.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids can grow in different parts of the uterus:

• Intramural: Within the uterine wall (most common)
• Subserosal: Outside the uterus
• Submucosal: Inside the uterine cavity (often cause heavy bleeding & fertility issues)
• Pedunculated: Attached by a stalk

Treatment depends on location, size, and symptoms.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is simple and painless:

• Pelvic ultrasound (USG) — first-line test
• Transvaginal ultrasound for detailed visualization
• MRI in complex cases
• Blood tests to check for anemia due to heavy bleeding

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Treatment is individualized—based on your symptoms, age, plans for pregnancy, and the size/location of fibroids.

1. Medical Management

• Tablets to reduce heavy bleeding
• Hormonal medications
• Progesterone therapy
• Non-hormonal pain & bleeding control
• Iron therapy for anemia

Useful for symptom control but does not shrink large fibroids permanently.

2. Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
For submucous fibroids inside the uterus. Quick recovery.
• Laparoscopic Myomectomy
Keyhole surgery to remove larger fibroids while preserving the uterus.
• Laparoscopic or Robotic Surgery
Advanced options for complex or multiple fibroids.

3. Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE)

A non-surgical radiology procedure that shrinks fibroids by reducing their blood supply.
Useful for women not concerned about future fertility.

4. Open Myomectomy

Needed only for very large or multiple fibroids when laparoscopy isn’t possible.

5. Hysterectomy

Removal of the uterus—recommended only when:

• Family is complete
• Symptoms are severe
• Other treatments have failed

Fibroids and Fertility

Not all fibroids affect fertility.
The ones that may cause difficulties are usually:

• Submucosal fibroids (inside the cavity)
• Large intramural fibroids that distort the cavity

Surgical removal can significantly improve fertility outcomes.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek expert care if you experience:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Severe cramps or pelvic pain
• Difficulty conceiving
• Recurrent miscarriages
• A feeling of pressure or abdominal enlargement
• Fatigue or symptoms of anemia

Early evaluation helps avoid complications and ensures timely treatment. Contact Us Today

For globally accepted medical information, you can also refer to the Uterine Fibroids – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment guide by the World Health Organization.