What Are Leiomyomas?
Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, but did you know their medical name is leiomyomas? These are non-cancerous growths that develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. Though benign, they can cause significant pain, pressure, and menstrual issues.
Uterine leiomyomas vary widely in size, number, and location. Some are as small as a seed, while others can grow to the size of a melon. They may appear:
- Inside the uterine cavity (submucosal)
- Within the uterine wall (intramural)
- On the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal)
Despite being non-cancerous, fibroid leiomyoma of the uterus can cause a wide range of disruptive symptoms that affect your daily life. And the more you understand about them, the more proactive you can be in finding the right treatment.
How Do Uterine Leiomyomas Develop?
Most women will develop leiomyomas at some point during their reproductive years, but not all will have symptoms. So, what causes these growths to develop?
While researchers are still uncovering the full picture, several key risk factors appear to contribute to leiomyoma of uterus formation:
- Hormonal Imbalance: Estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, are known to stimulate the growth of uterine leiomyomas. Fibroids often enlarge during times of high hormone levels, such as pregnancy, and shrink after menopause.
- Genetic Factors: A family history of leiomyomas increases your risk of developing leiomyomas. Studies have shown that certain genetic changes in uterine muscle cells may increase the risk of developing fibroids in some women.
- Age and Menstrual History: Women in their 30s and 40s are more likely to be diagnosed with fibroid leiomyoma of uterus, especially if they started menstruating early.
- Race and Ethnicity: African American women are significantly more likely to develop leiomyoma of uterus than women of other races. They also tend to develop larger and more symptomatic fibroids at a younger age.
- Obesity and Diet: A higher body weight can increase estrogen production, which fuels fibroid growth. Diets low in fruits and vegetables may also raise your risk.
In summary, while the exact cause of leiomyoma is multifactorial, hormones and genetics play a major role in its development. If you fall into any of these risk groups, it’s even more important to monitor for potential symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Leiomyoma of the Uterus?
Many women don’t realize they have uterine leiomyomas until symptoms become hard to ignore. The type and severity of symptoms depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. In general, here’s what you might experience:
- Heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation or bloating
- Lower back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Enlarged abdomen or a feeling of fullness
- Difficulty getting pregnant
These signs can easily be mistaken for other conditions, which is why it’s so important to seek evaluation if something feels off. Contact us to get clarity on what’s going on.
How Are Fibroid Leiomyoma of Uterus Treated?
At Fibroid Pain Center, we take a non-surgical approach to treating leiomyoma of the uterus, focusing on uterus-sparing methods that offer fast relief with minimal recovery time. The most advanced option we offer is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a safe, image-guided procedure that treats the root cause of symptoms.
During UFE, a small catheter is inserted through a tiny incision in the groin or wrist. Using real-time imaging, your fibroid expert guides the catheter to the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Tiny embolic particles are injected to block the blood flow, effectively shrinking the fibroids over time. UFE typically takes less than an hour and is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
Benefits of uterine fibroid embolization include:
- No general anesthesia or hospital stay
- No surgical scars or stitches
- Relief from symptoms like pain and heavy bleeding
- Preservation of your uterus
Take Control of Your Fibroid Symptoms Today
If you’re dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or unexplained bloating, it might not just be “a bad cycle.” You could be living with leiomyomas that deserve attention.
At Fibroid Pain Center, we provide expert care dedicated to the non-surgical relief of fibroids. Our board-certified fibroid experts use advanced imaging and minimally invasive treatments like UFE to help you feel like yourself again without removing your uterus. Learn about our fibroid center and explore a better, safer way to treat fibroid leiomyoma of the uterus.
FAQs
Is a Leiomyoma the Same as a Fibroid?
Yes—leiomyoma is the medical term for what most people call a fibroid. Both refer to non-cancerous tumors of the uterine smooth muscle.
Can Uterine Leiomyomas Become Cancerous?
Very rarely. Less than 1 in 1,000 fibroids are cancerous. However, rapid growth or unusual symptoms should always be evaluated.
How is a Leiomyoma of the Uterus Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a pelvic exam and imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. These tests help determine the size and location of fibroids.
Can I get Pregnant With a Fibroid Leiomyoma of the Uterus?
Yes, many women with fibroids can conceive. However, depending on their size and location, some leiomyomas may affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
What Happens if I Don’t Treat My Uterine Leiomyoma?
Some fibroids stay small and cause no symptoms. But if you’re dealing with heavy bleeding or pain, untreated leiomyomas can lead to anemia, bladder problems, or ongoing discomfort.
