Many readers are interested in the following topic: Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Uterine Fibroids. We are happy to note, that our authors have already studied the modern research about the topic you are interested in. Based on the information provided in the latest medical digests, modern research and surveys, we provide extensive answer. Keep reading to find out more.
Uterine fibroids vary in size , but some can grow large enough to press against other organs, causing discomfort in the abdomen, back, and pelvic area. They start tiny, around the size of a pea, and can grow into the size of a lemon. Sometimes, they even reach the size of a watermelon.
Pictures of Fibroids
Uterine fibroids can cause many symptoms that impact your quality of life. Your body’s blood supply nourishes these non-cancerous growths on the uterus. Fibroids can grow to over 10cm, comparable to the size of a mango.
Some women don’t realize they have fibroids; others suffer debilitating symptoms. But what do fibroids look like? The following pictures of fibroids will give you a visual image of what happens when you have been diagnosed with fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Images
The uterus looks like a lightbulb with wings curling back into the uterus. This uterus diagram shows these wings are made up of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, with the uterus and cervix (leading into the vagina), on the top and bottom of this “lightbulb” of your body.
We’ve collected these uterine fibroids pictures and images to help you better understand what fibroids look like, how large they can get, and what symptoms you may experience.
Symptoms include:
- Heavy periods
- Frequent urination
- Periods lasting for 10 or more days
- Pain or cramps in the pelvic area
- Fatigue from anemia
- Pain in the back, legs, or pelvis
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can contact USA Fibroid Centers for help. Our goal is to allow women the option of a minimally invasive treatment with Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
Images of Fibroids
Several fibroids can grow throughout the uterus, as shown in the pictures of fibroids.
- Intramural : These fibroids grow inside the walls of the uterine muscles.
- Subserosal : These grow outside of the uterus inside the abdominal cavity.
- Submucosal : This type grows in the uterus lining or the endometrium.
- Pedunculated: This fibroid attaches to the uterus wall by a stalk and can develop inside or outside the uterus.
A body containing fibroids can often look like a pregnant woman’s body, with a protruding belly that may not fit into your clothes. It can cause many insecurities about their bodies and how people act around them, as well. As you can see in the photo, it looks much smaller after treatment.
Uterine fibroids vary in size , but some can grow large enough to press against other organs, causing discomfort in the abdomen, back, and pelvic area. They start tiny, around the size of a pea, and can grow into the size of a lemon. Sometimes, they even reach the size of a watermelon.
Images of Fibroid Treatments
There are three primary types of treatment for uterine fibroids a doctor may recommend.
Myomectomy Photo
A doctor may recommend a myomectomy , a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids. While USA Fibroid Centers does not perform myomectomies, there are three types of myomectomy options you should know about:
- Abdominal: An incision is made in the lower abdomen and uterus about four inches long
- Laparoscopic: Four incisions are made in the lower abdomen, each about ½-inch
- Hysteroscopic: A thin scope is inserted into the vagina and cervix into the uterus
Hysterectomy Photo
A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus and, sometimes, the ovaries and cervix. It requires an extended hospital stay, results in infertility, and needs a longer recovery.
Various hysterectomy procedures exist. A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus, while a total hysterectomy removes the uterus and cervix. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, ovaries, and all female reproductive organs.
A stomach after a hysterectomy often has a scar running through it. Pictured below, the scar is vertical and looks to go down toward the groin.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization Photo
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, short outpatient procedure for treating fibroids. A tiny catheter is inserted into the uterine artery feeding the fibroid to allow embolic agents to be injected. It then blocks blood flow, causing the fibroids to shrink and die. . One major advantage of UFE is that it is a non-surgical alternative to hysterectomy, preserving the uterus and allowing women to maintain their fertility. UFE also carries a lower risk of complications and has a shorter recovery time compared to surgery. Additionally, UFE is effective in treating multiple fibroids simultaneously, regardless of their size or location. It provides long-term symptom relief, reducing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure. Compared to hormonal therapies, UFE does not have the same potential side effects, such as weight gain or mood changes. UFE is a safe and effective option for women seeking fibroid treatment with minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and preservation of reproductive options. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach based on individual circumstances.
Request a Consultation With USA Fibroid Centers
If you’re concerned that you may have fibroids or want an option other than invasive surgery, contact USA Fibroid Centers to request a consultation or call us at 855-615-2555. We offer the option of either an in-person visit or telemedicine appointment for your convenience. No matter where we meet, we look forward to helping you regain control of your life.
Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large. As many as 70% to 80% of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma.
Symptoms of Fibroids: Pressure
Fibroids may cause very mild symptoms, none at all, or symptoms can be severe. In those who do feel symptoms, these uterine growths can cause:
- Pressure on the bladder or rectum
- Frequent urination
- Constipation and/or rectal pain
- Lower back and/or belly pain
If fibroids become very large, they can cause bloating in your belly area, making you look pregnant.
Symptoms of Fibroids: Period Changes
Fibroids may also cause changes to your period, including:
- Mild to severe cramping and pain
- Heavier bleeding, sometimes with blood clots
- Longer or more frequent periods
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
Fibroids or Endometriosis?
Fibroids are one cause of serious menstrual pain, but the pain also can be caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis happens when tissue from the inner lining of your uterus grows in other parts of your body – illustrated here by growths on the outside of the uterus and bladder. This tissue breaks down and bleeds during your period, causing pain during your cycle and painful scar tissue. Fibroids or endometriosis can also cause pain between periods.
What Causes Fibroids?
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes fibroids. Their growth has been linked to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Studies have found that you’re more likely to get fibroids if you started your period at a younger age. Though taking female hormones is linked to fibroids, the use of birth control pills is not.
Types of Fibroids
- Intramural fibroids, the most common, grow in the wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. As they grow larger, they can cause pain due to their size or pressure put on nearby organs.
- Submucosal fibroids grow just underneath the uterine lining. They can crowd into the uterus cavity and lead to heavy bleeding and other more serious complications.
- Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks inside or outside the uterus.
You can have more than one type of fibroid.
Who Gets Fibroids?
While it’s unclear why fibroids develop, researchers have seen some patterns.
- They usually affect those between the ages of 30 and 40.
- They’re more common in Black women.
- They grow more quickly and appear at a younger age in Black people than in White people.
- Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk.
- Being overweight or obese and having high blood pressure also may increase your risk.
Complications: Fibroids and Anemia
Some women with fibroids who have unusually heavy bleeding during their periods may become anemic. Many cases of anemia due to iron deficiency from periods are mild and can be treated with a change in diet and iron supplement pills. Untreated anemia can lead to extreme tiredness and lack of energy – and, in serious cases, heart problems.
Complications: Getting Pregnant
Fibroids don’t usually interfere with fertility and pregnancy. But some people with fibroids have more pregnancy complications and delivery risks. Fibroids may cause the baby to be in an abnormal position and can cause early labor. They may also cause pelvic pain and heavy bleeding after delivery, which may require surgery. In some cases, fibroids could block your fallopian tubes. Fibroids growing along the inner uterine wall may make it harder for a fertilized egg to attach.
When to See a Doctor
See your health care provider if you have any of the following fibroid symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding during your period
- Periods that have become more painful
- Frequent peeing, or if you can’t control the flow of urine
- A change in the length of your period over three to six cycles
- New, long-lasting pain or heaviness in your lower belly or pelvis
Diagnosis: Exam and Imaging
Your doctor may feel moderate and large uterine fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. Tests, such as an ultrasound, can give them information about the size and location of other fibroids. If you have fibroids and are trying to get pregnant, a test called a hysterosalpingogram will show an outline of your uterus and fallopian tubes and may detect abnormalities. You may also need other imaging procedures to show your doctor the inside of your uterus or belly.
Treatment: Pain Medication
Pain medications, such as acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve menstrual cramping.
Treatment: Birth Control
Oral contraceptives manage levels of estrogen and progestin. This usually leads to lighter periods and can ease some symptoms of fibroids, such as heavy bleeding and cramping. Other hormonal birth control methods that may lessen fibroid symptoms include progestin shots or progestin-releasing IUDs.
Other Hormone Therapies
Drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or GnRH antagonists offer temporary symptom relief by stopping or reducing your periods and shrinking fibroids. These drugs block your body’s production of estrogen, so they could also cause bone loss, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. They’re not meant to be taken long-term. Fibroids will return to their previous size once you stop taking them. These may be used to shrink fibroids before fibroid removal surgery.
Treatment: Embolization
For mild to moderate symptoms, uterine fibroid embolization may be a good option. In this procedure, your doctor guides a catheter to the uterine artery. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin are then released into the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, causing it to shrink over time. If you plan to get pregnant later on, embolization is not for you.
Treatment: Surgery
A myomectomy generally removes the largest fibroids. It’s an option if you still want to have children. In a hysterectomy, your uterus is removed, meaning you can no longer get pregnant. Endometrial ablation, which is good for treating smaller fibroids, destroys the lining of your uterus, so pregnancy isn’t possible afterward.
Treatment: Ultrasound
Ultrasound is one way to destroy fibroids without the risk of damaging your uterus. The treatment uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to kill the fibroid tissue. This procedure has a quick recovery time. You may be able to return to your regular activities within 24 hours. The long-term effects are still being studied. It’s not recommended if you want to become pregnant.
Fibroid Remedy: Exercise
Regular exercise may prevent fibroids. In one study, women who exercised 7 or more hours a week had fewer fibroids than those who exercised less than 2 hours a week. Obesity also increases your risk for fibroids. Exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce the chances that you’ll get fibroids.
Care for Anemia
If you have fibroids and don’t get enough iron in your diet, you could get anemia, a condition in which your body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Symptoms include tiredness, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include eating more iron-rich foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-fortified breads and cereals. Your doctor also may suggest iron supplements.