Pelvic disorders
Uterine Fibroids
Related terms · Fibroid · Uterine leiomyoma
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscular layer of the uterus; depending on their location and size, they can cause bleeding, pain, or a feeling of pressure.
Overview
Uterine Fibroids: Three Key Points to Consider First
- Uterine fibroids are benign tumors. Rather than focusing on size alone, we evaluate the location, number, bleeding, pain, pressure symptoms, and pregnancy plans together.
- If there are no symptoms and no significant changes, observation is possible; however, in cases of excessive bleeding Anemiaor pressure on urination and bowel movements, the scope of treatment is redefined.
- If sudden severe pain, heavy bleeding, or a feeling of fainting occurs, do not wait until your scheduled follow-up date.
Meaning and Distinctions
What are uterine fibroids?
If there are no symptoms, they can be monitored, and treatment is determined based on symptoms and fertility plans. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the muscular layer of the uterus, and depending on their location and size, they may cause bleeding, pain, or a feeling of pressure.
- Easily confused terms
- The need for treatment is not determined by size alone.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- Bleeding, anemia, pressure symptoms, and pregnancy plans are reviewed together.
- What to record for your visit
- Please prepare your imaging results and records of previous size changes.
Learn more
Connecting Uterine Fibroids to Your Symptoms
Check the location and previous size changes through imaging tests
We check the location, size, and number of fibroids from ultrasound or MRI results and compare them with previous tests. Even for the same size, the impact on bleeding, pressure, and fertility can differ depending on whether the fibroid grows toward the inside or outside of the uterus, so we do not make judgments based on numbers alone.
Distinguishing between the presence of fibroids and the need for current treatment
Please record your menstrual volume and duration, presence of large blood clots, anemia test results, and any pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, or pain. Whether you are preparing for pregnancy and how symptoms have changed after previous medications or procedures are also important when discussing options for observation, medication, procedures, or surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Uterine Fibroids
If a fibroid is large, is surgery always necessary?
It is not decided by size alone. We consider location, growth, bleeding, anemia, pain, pressure symptoms, age, and pregnancy plans to review various treatment options, starting from observation.
If fibroids are present, is the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding confirmed?
While fibroids can affect bleeding, there are other causes such as changes in ovulationadenomyosisor medications. A determination is made by reviewing the bleeding patterns and test results together.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideUterine FibroidsThere are no specific foods proven to reduce or eliminate uterine fibroids. A nutritious, balanced diet and a healthy weight support overall health but do not replace medication, procedures, or surgery. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, check for iron deficiency and anemia through a blood test, and include iron sources in your diet such as meat, fish, eggs, beans, peas, and iron-fortified foods. Plant-based iron is better absorbed when eaten with fruits and vegetables containing vitamin C. Dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, a feeling of fainting, or heavy bleeding that does not stop require prompt medical evaluation before dietary consultation.→
- Condition GuideAbnormal Uterine BleedingAbnormal uterine bleeding is bleeding that occurs at a different time, amount, or duration than the expected period. This includes spotting between periods or after sexual intercourse, bleeding that lasts more than 7 days, cases where the cycle changes significantly, and postmenopausal bleeding. If there is a possibility of pregnancy and bleeding occurs with pelvic pain, or if menstrual products are soaked through every hour for more than 2 hours accompanied by dizziness, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, an emergency evaluation takes priority over a consultation regarding the cause.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideWhat are the differences between menstrual cramps, endometriosis, adenomyosis, and fibroids?Pain that occurs around the start of menstruation and is controlled with pain medication is common, but if the pain worsens every year, continues outside of menstruation, or occurs during intercourse or bowel movements, endometriosis is checked. Severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding, or an enlarged uterus, can appear in adenomyosis; while a feeling of pressure, frequent urination, and heavy bleeding can appear in fibroids. We do not distinguish these by symptoms alone but tailor the necessary tests, such as physical examinations and ultrasounds.→
- Women's Health ColumnEndometriosis, Adenomyosis, and Uterine Fibroids: How do their pain and bleeding differ?→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.