Specialists at medical center radiologists examining scan results to diagnose and manage uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form within the uterus. Although noncancerous, they can sometimes lead to significant symptoms that impact a woman’s daily life. Many women may not even realize they have this type of fibroid until they experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic discomfort, or urinary changes. At Medical Center Radiologists in Hampton Roads, VA, our fellowship-trained interventional radiologists provide minimally invasive, image-guided treatments to relieve fibroids with faster recovery times and less pain than traditional surgical methods.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, uterine fibroids are growths that develop within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can vary in size, from tiny nodules invisible to the naked eye to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus. While many women with this type of fibroid do not experience symptoms, some may suffer from discomfort, heavy bleeding, or complications that require medical attention. Fibroids may develop as a single tumor or in clusters, and their location—whether inside the uterine cavity, within the muscle, or on the outer wall—can affect the type and severity of symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Symptoms of uterine fibroids can vary widely depending on their size, number and location. Common signs include:
- Heavy menstrual periods: Women with fibroids often experience unusually heavy bleeding, sometimes resulting in anemia.
- Pelvic pain or pressure: A feeling of fullness or discomfort in the lower abdomen is common.
- Abdominal bloating: Large fibroids can cause noticeable swelling or a distended abdomen.
- Frequent urination: Fibroids pressing on the bladder may increase the need to urinate.
- Back or leg pain: Pressure on surrounding nerves can result in discomfort in the lower back or legs.
While some women experience mild symptoms, others may find that uterine fibroids significantly interfere with daily activities, work, or sleep. Early recognition of these symptoms can help guide timely medical intervention.
Risk Factors for Developing Uterine Fibroids
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing uterine fibroids, including:
- Family history: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form within the uterus.
- Age: Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s, although they can appear earlier.
- Race: African American women have a higher likelihood of developing fibroids and may experience symptoms at a younger age.
- Hypertension and weight: High blood pressure and obesity have been associated with an increased risk of fibroid growth.
Awareness of these risk factors allows women and their healthcare providers to monitor for uterine fibroids and consider early intervention if needed.
When Treatment Is Needed
Not all uterine fibroids require treatment. Many women live with fibroids without significant symptoms. However, intervention is recommended when fibroids interfere with daily life or lead to complications such as anemia, fertility challenges, or severe pelvic pain.
At Medical Center Radiologists, uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat uterine fibroids without surgery. By blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, the procedure causes them to shrink over time, alleviating symptoms like heavy periods, bloating and pelvic pressure. UAE is performed using advanced imaging guidance, allowing precise treatment and faster recovery than traditional surgical approaches.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Treatments
Image-guided procedures for uterine fibroids offer several advantages:
- Faster recovery, often allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly
- Reduced pain compared to traditional surgery
- Lower risk of complications due to precise targeting of fibroids
- Outpatient procedures that minimize disruption to daily life
At Medical Center Radiologists, our team works closely with each patient and their gynecologic or primary care provider to determine the best treatment approach, ensuring care is tailored to individual needs.
Uterine fibroids are a common condition that can affect women in different ways, from heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic discomfort to urinary issues and bloating. Understanding risk factors such as age, race, family history, hypertension and weight is important for early detection and timely management. Minimally invasive treatments like UAE provide safe, effective relief for uterine fibroids, helping women regain comfort and improve their quality of life.
At Medical Center Radiologists in Hampton Roads, VA, our board certified interventional radiologists use advanced image-guided techniques to provide compassionate, patient-centered care for women with uterine fibroids. If you experience symptoms or have concerns about uterine fibroids, consulting our specialists is the best way to determine the most effective treatment options for your unique situation.
Request an Appointment
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options or want to learn whether UAE is right for you, our team at Medical Center Radiologists is here to help. Contact us today to request an appointment, and one of our team members will guide you through the next steps with care, clarity and expertise.