Uterine Fibroids
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, uterine fibroids will affect up to 25% of women within their lifetime. As many as 30 to 40% of women in the perimenopausal age range are at risk of developing or experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may significantly affect your quality of life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Texas Vein & Wellness Institute. Our compassionate, board-certified physicians aim to improve your quality of life by helping you manage uterine fibroid symptoms with minimally invasive treatments.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids or leiomyomas are abnormal growths or tumors that develop within the walls of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are composed of fibrous connective tissue and muscle, and they vary in size. Often, there is more than one growth in the uterus.
Though these growths are often benign or noncancerous, they have the potential to grow very large — potentially up to the size of a cantaloupe. Because of their size, uterine fibroids can cause discomfort and pain if left untreated.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
A uterine fibroid is classified by its location in the uterus, and it is possible to have multiple types at the same time. There are four primary types of uterine fibroids:
- Subserosal: A subserosal fibroid is one of the most common uterine fibroids. This type of fibroid grows beneath the outer layer of the uterine wall — the serosa — and can produce small bumps and cause discomfort and pain.
- Intramural: An intramural fibroid grows within the uterus’ muscular wall, often causing the uterus to bloat. Intramural fibroids can be mistaken for pregnancy and cause frequent urination, discomfort, heavy bleeding and pain.
- Pedunculated: A pedunculated fibroid grows from a stalklike growth called a peduncle. These fibroids can grow inside or outside the uterus and may cause pressure, discomfort, cramping or pain.
- Submucosal: The rarest type of growth, a submucosal fibroid develops beneath the uterus’ inner lining and can cause bleeding or pain. Submucosal fibroids can also impact fertility if they grow large enough to block the fallopian tubes. Frequent bleeding from this fibroid type can cause heavy menstrual periods and anemia.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Many women with uterine fibroids are asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience uterine fibroid symptoms. However, depending on the number, size and location of the fibroids, they can cause many different symptoms and complications. For example, some women with uterine fibroids experience pressure and pain in the pelvis and heavy bleeding. Frequent, heavy bleeding can lead to anemia in some cases.
Some other common symptoms of uterine fibroids include the following:
- Heavy menstrual periods or clotting
- Unusual bleeding that is not related to your menstrual period
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic region or bladder
- Lower back pain
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation and bloating due to pressure on the bowels
- An enlarged lower abdomen
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or leg blood clots
- Reproductive problems, including infertility
- Pregnancy or labor complications
Common Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Currently, there is no known cause of uterine fibroids. However, researchers believe several factors play a role in the development of uterine fibroids, including hormones and genetics. For example, uterine fibroids sometimes grow rapidly during pregnancy — when hormone levels are higher.
That said, women who are at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids might include those who:
- Have never been pregnant.
- Are over 30 years old.
- Are of African American descent.
- Have higher levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Treatment of Uterine Fibroids
The best treatment method for uterine fibroids often depends on your symptoms. At Texas Vein & Wellness Institute, our board-certified physicians diagnose and treat uterine fibroids with a minimally invasive technique called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
UFE reduces the size of fibroids by preventing blood flow to the fibroids. It is a safe, effective and nonsurgical procedure that is a popular alternative to a hysterectomy. Plus, many of our UFE patients return to normal activities of daily living within a few days.
Schedule an Appointment With Texas Vein & Wellness Institute
If you are exploring uterine fibroid treatment near Houston, Texas, or the surrounding areas, trust the team at Texas Vein & Wellness Institute for unmatched care. We will discuss your symptoms and review your medical history to develop a personalized care plan you feel confident about.
Contact our team today to learn more about our uterine fibroid treatment options or to schedule a consultation!
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