What Is A Fibroid Outside Uterus?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a fibroid outside the uterus, you’re probably wondering what that means and what to expect next. Unlike fibroids that grow within the uterine wall or cavity, these growths develop on the outer surface of the uterus and can lead to various symptoms.
A fibroid outside the uterus is medically known as a subserosal fibroid. It forms underneath the outer lining (serosa) of the uterus and grows outward, often resembling a lump or mass attached to the uterine wall. Subserosal fibroids can be:
- Sessile: attached directly to the uterus with a wide base
- Pedunculated: hanging off the uterus by a thin stalk
These fibroid tumors outside the uterus may not cause the heavy bleeding associated with fibroids inside the uterine cavity. However, they can grow large and press against surrounding organs, such as the bladder, bowel, or spine, leading to a wide range of complications.
A fibroid on the outside of the uterus isn’t necessarily more dangerous, but it can be more disruptive depending on its size and location. That’s why early diagnosis is crucial.
What Happens When Fibroids Grow Outside The Uterus
Subserosal fibroids may not affect your menstrual cycle directly, but they impact other areas of your health due to their positioning. Here’s what can happen when these fibroids grow:
Abdominal Pressure Or Distention
Because they grow outward, fibroid tumors outside the uterus often cause a visible bulge in the lower abdomen. You might feel bloated or even notice that your clothes fit differently. Some women describe this pressure as a constant “fullness” in the pelvic region. In more advanced cases, it can look like mild pregnancy even when you’re not pregnant.
Pelvic Or Lower Back Pain
A large fibroid on the outside of the uterus can press against pelvic nerves or muscles, leading to chronic pain. This pain might be dull and persistent, or sharp and sudden when the fibroid shifts or grows rapidly. You might notice pain radiating to the lower back or legs, especially if the fibroid compresses the sciatic nerve.
Bladder And Urinary Symptoms
Fibroids that grow toward the bladder can compress it, reducing its capacity. This can lead to:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency even after small amounts of fluid
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Nighttime urination (nocturia)
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections
Bowel Discomfort Or Constipation
A fibroid outside the uterus that leans toward the rectum or intestines may interfere with digestion and bowel movements. These symptoms are often misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal issues, making it all the more important to get diagnosed. You might experience:
- Chronic constipation
- Painful bowel movements
- A feeling of incomplete evacuation
Infertility Or Pregnancy Complications
Though subserosal fibroids rarely impact fertility directly, their size and location may cause pelvic distortion or pressure on fallopian tubes. In pregnancy, they may contribute to:
- Breech presentation
- Miscarriage risk (if the fibroid grows rapidly)
- Discomfort due to the stretching uterus around the fibroid
When To Seek Treatment For Fibroids Outside the Uterus
Not all fibroids outside the uterus require immediate treatment. But you should seek help if symptoms interfere with your daily life or worsen over time. So, what are the signs that it’s time to consult a fibroid specialist?
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Persistent bloating or abdominal bulging
- Frequent urination or bladder pressure
- Constipation that doesn’t improve with diet
- Chronic pelvic or back pain
- Discomfort during intimacy or exercise
- Trouble conceiving or maintaining pregnancy
- Rapid growth of the fibroid, as confirmed on imaging
Explore Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatments
At Fibroid Pain Center, we specialize in non-surgical, uterus-preserving treatments for fibroids, including uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This procedure safely blocks blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink over time. UFE is performed as an outpatient treatment with minimal incisions and little downtime. It’s an excellent option for fibroid tumors outside the uterus, especially when the goal is to avoid a hysterectomy.
To determine whether UFE is right for you, our board-certified interventional radiologist, Dr. Andrew Cortes, will review your imaging, symptoms, and goals during a personalized consultation. Learn about our minimally invasive fibroid treatments and how we help women reclaim their health without surgery or long recovery times.
Other FAQs
Can A Fibroid Outside Uterus Go Away On Its Own?
Most fibroids shrink after menopause when hormone levels drop. However, fibroids rarely go away completely on their own, especially larger subserosal ones.
Is Surgery Always Needed For Fibroids Outside The Uterus?
No. Many patients avoid surgery with uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is effective for shrinking fibroids on the outside of the uterus without removing the uterus.
Do Fibroids Outside The Uterus Affect Hormones?
Usually not. These fibroids grow due to hormones, but typically don’t produce hormones or directly affect hormonal levels.
Are Fibroids On The Outside Of The Uterus Cancerous?
Almost never. The vast majority of fibroids, regardless of location, are benign. However, any rapidly growing mass should be evaluated to rule out rare malignancies.
Can I Get Pregnant If I Have A Fibroid Tumor Outside Uterus?
Yes, many women with fibroid tumors outside the uterus have healthy pregnancies. But depending on its size and location, treatment may be recommended before trying to conceive.
