Fibroid Care

Uterine fibroids are almost always noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They're far more common than most people realize — many women have them and never know it. When fibroids do cause symptoms, they can include heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination or challenges with fertility. The good news: there are more treatment options today than ever before. 

In more than 99% of cases, uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous). They are not associated with uterine cancer and don't increase your overall cancer risk. A rare type of cancer called uterine leiomyosarcoma can sometimes look like a fibroid on imaging but this is uncommon. If there are any concerning signs, such as rapid fibroid growth, your doctor may order additional testing to rule it out. 

Fibroid size alone doesn't determine whether treatment is needed, symptoms matter most. Heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder or difficulty getting pregnant are the main reasons to consider treatment, regardless of size. Your specialist will factor in size, location and how your fibroids are affecting your daily life to come up with the right plan for you. 

Most fibroids don't disappear completely on their own, but many do stop growing — and they often shrink naturally after menopause, when estrogen levels drop. For women approaching menopause with manageable symptoms, a watchful waiting approach can make a lot of sense. Only 20–50% of women with fibroids experience symptoms significant enough to seek treatment. Your specialist can help you decide whether monitoring is the right call for your situation. 

It depends on where your fibroids are and how large they are. Submucosal fibroids — those that grow into the uterine cavity — are most likely to affect fertility and can increase the risk of miscarriage. Other types are less likely to interfere with conception or pregnancy. Myomectomy, which removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, is a surgical option for women who want to get pregnant. Our specialists work closely with fertility specialists when your reproductive goals are part of the equation. 

UFE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It works by blocking the blood supply to fibroids, which causes them to shrink over time. No surgical incision is needed, and most women go home the same day and the uterus is preserved. Studies show symptom improvement in 80–90% of patients. UFE is a strong option for women who want to avoid surgery or preserve their uterus. Your specialist can help you determine if it's the right fit for your situation.