Women’s Health | IVANA MD | Missouri City, TX
Introduction
Uterine fibroids are among the most common benign growths affecting the uterus, particularly during the reproductive years. At IVANA MD, Dr. Ivana provides gynecologic care to help patients understand fibroids, manage symptoms, and discuss treatment options based on their individual needs and reproductive goals.
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or are experiencing symptoms that may be related to them, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about your care. For personalized evaluation, call 346-585-4077 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ivana.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths made up primarily of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue. They can develop within the uterine wall, beneath the inner lining, or on the outer surface of the uterus.
Fibroids vary considerably in size and number. Some are so small that they cause no symptoms, while others can become large enough to enlarge or distort the uterus.
Fibroids are very common, although estimates of how many women develop them vary depending on the population studied and the method used to detect them.
Types of Fibroids
- Intramural Fibroids – Grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type.
- Subserosal Fibroids – Grow toward the outer surface of the uterus and may extend into the pelvic cavity.
- Submucosal Fibroids – Develop beneath the inner lining of the uterus and may protrude into the uterine cavity. These fibroids can be particularly associated with heavy menstrual bleeding and may affect fertility in some women.
- Pedunculated Fibroids – Attached to the uterus by a stalk and can develop on either the inner or outer surface.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.
Possible symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation or pressure in the rectum
- Lower back or abdominal pain
- Pain during intercourse
- An enlarged abdomen
- Difficulty becoming pregnant in some cases
Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which may cause fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.
Fibroids may affect fertility in some women, particularly when they distort the uterine cavity. However, many women with fibroids become pregnant without fertility problems.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood. Their development appears to involve genetic, hormonal, and other biological factors.
- Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone can influence fibroid growth.
- Genetics: Having a close family member with fibroids may increase your risk.
- Age: Fibroids are most commonly diagnosed during the reproductive years.
- Race: Fibroids are more common and tend to develop at younger ages and cause greater symptom burden among Black women. The reasons for these differences are not fully understood.
- Body weight and lifestyle: Obesity and certain dietary patterns have been associated with fibroid risk, but these factors do not explain all cases.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop fibroids.
Diagnosis at IVANA MD
Your healthcare provider may suspect fibroids based on your symptoms and pelvic examination. Imaging is usually used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the fibroids.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, evaluation may include:
- Pelvic examination
- Ultrasound imaging
- MRI when additional information is needed
- Hysterosonography or hysteroscopy in selected cases
Not every woman with fibroids needs every type of test. Your evaluation should be based on your symptoms and individual circumstances.
Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids
Treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, your age, overall health, and whether you wish to become pregnant.
1. Watchful Waiting
If fibroids are not causing significant symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. Your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your symptoms rather than treating the fibroids immediately.
2. Medication
Medications may help manage symptoms, particularly heavy menstrual bleeding and pain.
- Hormonal birth control: May reduce heavy menstrual bleeding but does not necessarily shrink fibroids.
- Tranexamic acid: A non-hormonal medication that can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.
- GnRH agonists or antagonists: Can temporarily reduce fibroid size and bleeding in appropriate patients. Their use depends on the specific medication, treatment goals, and individual health considerations.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): Blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. Its suitability depends on factors including symptoms and reproductive goals.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Uses heat to destroy fibroid tissue and reduce its size. Different techniques are available.
- Focused ultrasound: Uses focused energy to treat selected fibroids without traditional surgery.
Not every procedure is appropriate for every type or location of fibroid, so your provider can discuss the potential benefits and limitations.
4. Surgical Options
- Myomectomy: Removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. It may be an option for women who wish to preserve fertility, although the effect on future pregnancy depends on the number, size, and location of the fibroids and the type of surgery performed.
- Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus and is the definitive treatment for fibroids. Because pregnancy is no longer possible after hysterectomy, it is generally considered only when a patient does not desire future pregnancy.
Lifestyle and Fibroids
There is no guaranteed way to prevent fibroids from developing. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support your overall health.
Helpful habits include:
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other nutrient-rich foods
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Staying physically active
- Getting adequate sleep
- Managing stress in ways that work for you
- Addressing heavy menstrual bleeding early to reduce the risk of anemia
Lifestyle changes should complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
Living with Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids can affect menstrual health, comfort, intimacy, daily activities, and, in some cases, fertility. But a diagnosis does not automatically mean you need surgery.
If you are experiencing heavy periods, pelvic pressure, pain, or other symptoms, your gynecologist can help determine whether fibroids are responsible and discuss treatment options that fit your health and reproductive goals.
At IVANA MD, Dr. Ivana provides individualized gynecologic care to help you understand your diagnosis and make informed decisions about your treatment.
📍 4220 Cartwright Road, Suite 201, Missouri City, Texas 77459
📞 346-585-4077
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2025). Uterine fibroids. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Uterine artery embolization. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-artery-embolization
Donnez, J., & Dolmans, M.-M. (2016). Uterine fibroid management: From the present to the future. Human Reproduction Update, 22(6), 665–686. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmw023
Laughlin, S. K., Herring, A. H., Savitz, D. A., Olshan, A. F., Fielding, J. R., Nylander, E., & Hartmann, K. E. (2010). Pregnancy-related fibroid reduction. Fertility and Sterility, 94(6), 2421–2423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.12.043
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2019). Heavy menstrual bleeding: Assessment and management (NG88). https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88
