Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Last Updated: September 8, 2025
Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths in or on the uterus. Affecting many women, especially during their reproductive years, fibroids can vary in size and number. While many women experience no symptoms, others may have significant discomfort and complications. Understanding uterine fibroids is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment.
What are uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are growths of smooth muscle and connective tissue within the uterus. Although they are benign (non-cancerous), they can affect a woman’s quality of life depending on their location, size, and symptoms.
Fibroids are classified based on where they develop:
- Intramural fibroids: Located within the muscular wall of the uterus, they are the most common type.
- Submucosal fibroids: Found under the uterine lining, they can protrude into the uterine cavity and often cause heavy bleeding.
- Subserosal fibroids: These develop on the outer uterine wall and can sometimes press on other organs.
- Pedunculated fibroids: Attached to the uterus by a stalk, these fibroids can grow either inside or outside the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
While some women with fibroids have no symptoms, others may experience one or more of the following:
- Complications with pregnancy and Fertility: Fibroids can sometimes interfere with fertility, implantation, or pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage and preterm birth.
Other symptoms are uncommon and include
- Heavy or Prolonged menstrual bleeding: This is one of the most common symptoms, and it can lead to anemia if left untreated.
- Pelvic pain and Pressure: Larger fibroids can cause a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen, along with pelvic pain.
- Constipation: Subserosal fibroids can press against the rectum, leading to constipation.
- Frequent urination: Fibroids pressing against the bladder can cause frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Backache or Leg pain: Some fibroids can press on nerves, causing pain in the lower back or legs.
- Pain during intercourse: Depending on their location, fibroids may cause pain during sexual intercourse.
Causes and Risk factors of uterine fibroids
While the exact cause of fibroids is still unknown, several factors may increase the likelihood of their development:
- Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate the uterine lining, also promote fibroid growth. This is why fibroids often shrink after menopause.
- Genetics: Women with a family history of fibroids are at a higher risk of developing them.
- Age and Ethnicity: Fibroids are more common in women in their 30s and 40s and are particularly prevalent among African American women.
- Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of fibroids due to higher levels of estrogen.
- Lifestyle factors: Diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors may also play a role, though research is ongoing.
Diagnosis of uterine fibroids
Diagnosing fibroids usually involves a combination of the following:
- Pelvic exam: During a routine pelvic exam, a doctor may notice an irregularly shaped or enlarged uterus.
- Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, helping identify fibroid size, location, and number.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of fibroids and is often used to assess larger or more complicated cases.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, allowing the doctor to view and sometimes remove fibroids.
- Other imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or sonohysterography (an ultrasound after filling the uterus with saline) may also be used to evaluate fibroids.
Treatment options for uterine fibroids
Treatment depends on factors such as the size and location of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, and a woman’s fertility goals. Here are the main treatment options:
1. Medication
- Hormonal therapy: Birth control pills, progesterone-releasing IUDs, and injections can help control heavy bleeding but do not eliminate fibroids.
- GnRH agonists: These medications temporarily reduce estrogen and progesterone levels, shrinking fibroids. However, they are typically used short-term due to potential side effects.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): These can reduce fibroid-related pain but have no effect on fibroid size.
2. Non-Invasive procedures
- MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS): This non-invasive treatment uses focused ultrasound waves to destroy fibroid tissue. It is suitable for some patients and avoids surgery.
3. Minimally invasive procedures
- Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): In this procedure, particles are injected to cut off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. UAE is typically used for women who are not planning future pregnancies.
- Laparoscopic or Robotic myomectomy: This surgical approach removes fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, making it an option for women who wish to retain fertility.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy: A scope is inserted through the cervix to remove fibroids within the uterine cavity.
4. Traditional surgical procedures
- Abdominal myomectomy: For larger or numerous fibroids, an open surgery may be performed to remove fibroids from the uterus.
- Hysterectomy: The surgical removal of the uterus is the only permanent solution for fibroids. It is typically reserved for women with severe symptoms who do not wish to become pregnant in the future.
For woman planning to conceive who have fibroids that need treatment laparoscopic surgery may be the best suitable approach.
Natural and Lifestyle-based approaches
For women with mild symptoms, lifestyle changes may help manage fibroid growth and related symptoms:
- Diet and Nutrition: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce estrogen levels. Avoiding high-fat and processed foods is also beneficial.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce obesity-related risks and support hormone balance.
- Stress management: Reducing stress through meditation, yoga, or counseling can improve overall health.
Fibroids & Fertility
Fibroids can impact fertility, especially if they distort the uterine cavity or block the fallopian tubes. However, many women with fibroids can still achieve a successful pregnancy. If you are trying to conceive and have fibroids, consult a fertility specialist who can provide personalized guidance based on your condition.
Why choose Bavishi Fertility Institute for Uterine Fibroids treatment in Mumbai ?
Bavishi Fertility Institute in Mumbai is dedicated to supporting you on your journey to parenthood with a comprehensive range of fertility treatments, compassionate care, and expert guidance. Here’s how BFI can make a difference in your fertility journey:
- Personalized fertility treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and medical history.
- State-of-the-art technology, offering advanced treatments such as IVF, ICSI, and IUI for optimal outcomes.
- Highly qualified specialists with a strong track record of successful results.
- Holistic support and counseling to help manage emotional well-being throughout treatment.
- Comprehensive fertility services, including diagnostics, hormone therapies, and donor programs.
- Patient-centered approach, prioritizing comfort, privacy, and clear communication at every step.
- Consistent success rates, providing a higher likelihood of achieving your dream of parenthood.
With compassionate care and advanced medical expertise, Bavishi Fertility Institute in Mumbai is committed to helping you fulfill your dream of starting a family.
Fibroid prevention strategies
While fibroids can’t always be prevented, these strategies may reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight to control estrogen levels.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Exercise regularly to improve hormone balance.
- Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine to avoid hormonal imbalances.
- Avoid xenoestrogens by choosing natural products and reducing plastic use.
- Schedule regular check-ups for early detection and monitoring.
Conclusion
If you suspect you have fibroids or have already been diagnosed, the experts at Bavishi Fertility Institute in Mumbai are here to assist you. We offer personalized care, providing clear information on treatment options and supporting your fertility journey every step of the way.
Contact Bavishi Fertility Institute in Mumbai today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you understand your options and take charge of your reproductive health and fertility.
Author bio
Dr. Parth Bavishi
Dr. Parth Bavishi, MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology, brings over 12 years of invaluable work experience to his role as Director of Bavishi Fertility Institute, leading a group of IVF clinics committed to helping couples realize their dreams of parenthood.
Bavishi Fertility Institute is dedicated to provide customized and personalised treatments which are simple, safe , smart and successful. Bavishi Fertility Institute works with success and satisfaction for all at heart. Providing an ideal blend of professional treatment and personalised care.
Dr. Parth had special training in infertility at Bavishi fertility Institute, the Diamond Institute, USA, and the HART Institute, Japan.
Dr. Bavishi is a distinguished expert in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr.Bavishi is the author of the acclaimed book, ‘Your Miracle in Making: A Couple’s Guide to Pregnancy,’ offering invaluable insights to couples navigating the complexities of fertility. He loves to empower patients to make the correct choice by education both online and offline.
His exceptional contributions have earned him the prestigious Rose of Paracelsus award from the European Medical Association. Dr. Parth has been an invited faculty at many national and international conferences.
FAQs
Although uterine fibroids are non-cancerous, it’s very rare for them to become cancerous. The likelihood of a fibroid becoming cancerous is less than 1%.
Fibroids grow at different rates for each person and can be influenced by hormones, particularly estrogen. Growth rates may vary depending on age, hormonal fluctuations, and individual health conditions.
While some treatments like myomectomy remove existing fibroids, new fibroids can develop later, especially in women who still have high hormone levels. Recurrence depends on the type of treatment and individual hormone levels.
While diet alone can’t prevent fibroids, studies suggest that a diet low in red meat and processed foods and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of fibroid development.
Fibroids often shrink after menopause due to reduced hormone levels. However, postmenopausal women who undergo hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may experience fibroid regrowth.
In cases where fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, doctors may recommend a “watch and wait” approach, especially for women nearing menopause. Regular check-ups help ensure that any changes are monitored.
Yes, large fibroids can sometimes impact other health conditions, such as increasing the risk of urinary tract infections or exacerbating conditions like anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding.
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