Uterine Fibroids Diagnosis & Treatment
Heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, and frequent urination can all be signs of uterine fibroids. At Marina OB/GYN, our skilled providers diagnose and treat fibroids with options ranging from medication to minimally invasive and robotic surgery, helping women across Los Angeles County find relief and avoid complications.
Book OnlineWhat Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular wall of the uterus, most often during the childbearing years. They can range from tiny seedlings to large masses that enlarge the uterus. While fibroids rarely become cancerous, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms and complications when left untreated. Fibroids that develop during pregnancy may shrink after delivery as the uterus returns to its normal size.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Periods that last longer than normal
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Backaches and leg pain
Heavy blood loss from fibroids can lead to anemia and fatigue, and in severe cases may require a blood transfusion.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t fully understood, but hormones, genetics, and growth factors all play a role. Risk is higher for Black women, women of reproductive age, and those who started their periods early. Vitamin D deficiency, excess body weight, alcohol use, a diet high in red meat, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables are also linked to fibroids. Healthy habits, including our medically supervised weight loss program, may help lower your risk.
How Fibroids Are Diagnosed
Your provider may feel an irregularly shaped uterus during a pelvic exam. A pelvic ultrasound confirms the size and location of fibroids. Blood tests, MRI, or hysteroscopy may also be recommended.
Fibroid Treatment Options
- Watchful waiting: Fibroids that cause no bothersome symptoms may simply be monitored.
- Medications: Hormonal birth control, a hormonal IUD, and other medications can reduce bleeding and shrink fibroids.
- Minimally invasive procedures: Radiofrequency ablation, injections, and endometrial ablation can shrink fibroids or reduce bleeding.
- Myomectomy: Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, using hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, or da Vinci robotic techniques.
- Hysterectomy: For women who have completed childbearing, hysterectomy permanently eliminates fibroids.
Fibroid symptoms can overlap with endometriosis and ovarian cysts. Explore all conditions we treat.
Uterine Fibroids FAQs
Are uterine fibroids cancerous?
Fibroids are almost always benign. Very rarely, a cancerous growth can be mistaken for a fibroid, so evaluation is important.
What are the most common fibroid symptoms?
Heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, and back or leg pain are most common.
Do fibroids always need treatment?
No. Fibroids that don’t cause symptoms can often be monitored with periodic exams and ultrasound.
Can fibroids affect fertility?
Some fibroids, especially those inside the uterine cavity, can affect fertility. Myomectomy can remove them while preserving the uterus.
Can fibroids be removed without a large incision?
Yes. Many fibroids are removed hysteroscopically, laparoscopically, or with da Vinci robotic surgery.
Do fibroids go away after menopause?
Fibroids often shrink after menopause as hormone levels decline.
Can fibroids come back after treatment?
Fibroids can return after myomectomy. Hysterectomy is the only permanent solution.