Key Takeaways
- Intramural fibroids are the most frequently diagnosed type, developing deep within the uterine muscle and typically causing heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain.
- A subserosal fibroid grows on the outer surface of the uterus. Rather than causing heavy periods, it often creates pressure on surrounding organs, leading to frequent urination or backaches.
- A submucosal fibroid is the least common but most disruptive, growing inside the uterine cavity and causing severe bleeding and potential fertility challenges.
- Understanding the different types of fibroids is essential for choosing the right non-surgical treatment, such as uterine fibroid embolization, which can treat all types simultaneously.
Many women in the Chicagoland area experience unexplained pelvic pain, unusually heavy periods, and a constant feeling of abdominal pressure without understanding the underlying cause. For a significant number of these women, uterine fibroids are the culprit.
When it comes to your reproductive health, knowledge truly is power. Understanding the specific types of fibroids you have is crucial for navigating your healthcare options with confidence rather than confusion. This is especially important when you are looking for uterine fibroid treatment that aligns with your preferences for non-invasive approaches.
What is an Intramural Fibroid?
An intramural fibroid is a benign, non-cancerous tumor that develops directly within the muscular wall of the uterus, which is medically known as the myometrium. These growths are incredibly common, accounting for roughly 70 percent of all fibroid diagnoses. They begin as tiny nodules within the uterine muscle and can expand inward toward the uterine cavity or outward toward the pelvic cavity.
As they grow, an intramural fibroid can distort the shape and size of the entire uterus. Because they are embedded directly in the uterine muscle, they often interfere with the uterus’s ability to contract properly during menstruation. This mechanical disruption leads to many of the hallmark symptoms associated with the condition.
Do Intramural Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding?
Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common and disruptive symptoms of an intramural fibroid. The uterus relies on strong, coordinated muscle contractions to shed its lining during a period and to stop the bleeding afterward.
When an intramural fibroid grows within the muscle wall, it prevents the uterus from contracting efficiently. This leads to prolonged periods that can last longer than a week, passing large blood clots, and sometimes experiencing bleeding between cycles. Over time, this excessive blood loss can lead to anemia, leaving you feeling constantly fatigued and drained of energy.
Do Intramural Fibroids Cause Pain?
Yes, an intramural fibroid frequently causes pain, especially as it grows larger. The pain is typically described as a dull, heavy ache or a feeling of intense pressure in the pelvic region.
Because these tumors add bulk to the uterus, they put significant pressure on surrounding organs and nerves. If the fibroid is situated on the back wall of the uterus, you might experience persistent lower back pain. Alternatively, the sheer weight of an enlarged uterus can cause a generalized feeling of abdominal fullness or bloating that makes everyday activities uncomfortable.
Can You Get Pregnant with an Intramural Fibroid?
You can absolutely get pregnant if you have an intramural fibroid. Many women carry healthy babies to term without any issues. However, the size and specific location of the tumors do matter.
Large intramural fibroids can alter the shape of the uterine cavity, which might make it more difficult for a fertilized egg to implant properly. Additionally, fibroids located near the top of the uterus can sometimes block the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. If you are experiencing fertility challenges, a thorough evaluation can determine if fibroids are a contributing factor.
What is a Subserosal Fibroid?
While intramural fibroids grow within the muscle, a subserosal fibroid develops on the outer wall of the uterus, extending outward into the pelvic cavity. These represent about 20 percent of all types of fibroids.
These fibroids grow outward from the serosa, which is the smooth outer layer of the uterus. They can remain attached to the uterus by a broad base, or they may develop a thin stalk—known as a pedunculated subserosal fibroid—and extend further into the pelvic space.
What Symptoms Does a Subserosal Fibroid Cause?
Because a subserosal fibroid grows outward rather than affecting the inner uterine cavity, it often causes very different symptoms than other types. You are much less likely to experience heavy menstrual bleeding. Instead, symptoms are driven by the tumor pressing against neighboring organs. Common symptoms include:
- A frequent urge to urinate due to pressure on the bladder.
- Constipation or bloating caused by pressure on the bowel.
- Lower back pain or sciatic nerve pain radiating down the leg.
- A generalized feeling of heaviness or fullness in the stomach.
- Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Is a Subserosal Fibroid Dangerous?
A subserosal fibroid is almost always benign and is not inherently dangerous. However, it can cause severe discomfort that significantly impacts your quality of life.
One rare complication involves pedunculated subserosal fibroids. If the thin stalk attaching the fibroid to the uterus becomes twisted, it cuts off the blood supply to the tumor. This causes sudden, severe abdominal pain that requires immediate medical attention. Aside from this rare event, subserosal fibroids are primarily a quality-of-life issue rather than a life-threatening danger.
What is a Submucosal Fibroid?
A submucosal fibroid is the least common type, making up only about 5 to 10 percent of all fibroids. However, they often cause the most noticeable and severe symptoms despite their relative rarity.
These fibroids develop just under the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterine cavity. They grow directly into the space where a pregnancy would develop, aggressively disrupting the normal function of the uterine lining.
Why is a Submucosal Fibroid So Disruptive?
Because of their location inside the cavity, a submucosal fibroid frequently causes extremely heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and bleeding between cycles. What makes a submucosal fibroid particularly challenging is that it does not need to be large to cause significant problems.
Even a very small submucosal fibroid can dramatically increase menstrual bleeding and interfere with the implantation of an embryo. For Chicago women searching for uterine fibroid treatment in Chicago who are experiencing heavy bleeding or have severe fertility concerns, it is vital to determine if a submucosal fibroid is present.
How Are the Different Types of Fibroids Diagnosed?
Most women first discover they have fibroids during a routine pelvic exam when their doctor notices an enlarged or irregularly shaped uterus. However, a physical exam cannot differentiate between an intramural fibroid, a subserosal fibroid, or a submucosal fibroid. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact types of fibroids present, advanced imaging is required.
- Ultrasound: A transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus. It is the most common initial diagnostic tool used to locate fibroids.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI provides a highly detailed, comprehensive view of the uterus and surrounding pelvic organs. It is often the preferred imaging method when planning for minimally invasive treatments, as it clearly maps out every fibroid type present.
What is the Best Treatment for These Types of Fibroids?
Historically, many women were told that a hysterectomy, the complete surgical removal of the uterus, was the only definitive cure for fibroids. Today, that is no longer the case.
When searching for care in the Chicagoland area, it is important to seek out specialists who focus on advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques. Different types of fibroids respond differently to various treatments, but one of the most effective, non-surgical options available today treats all types simultaneously: Uterine Fibroid Embolization.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a highly effective outpatient procedure that treats an intramural fibroid, a subserosal fibroid, and a submucosal fibroid all at the same time without surgery. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes UFE as an effective alternative to major surgery, offering a quicker return to normal activities.
During UFE, an interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter into the artery supplying blood to the uterus. Microscopic particles are then released to block the blood flow specifically to the fibroids. Deprived of oxygen and nutrients, the fibroids shrink and die over time, leading to a dramatic reduction in symptoms while leaving the uterus completely intact.
Fibroids are very common, but understanding the different types makes a real difference in how you experience and manage them. By recognizing the connection between your symptoms and the specific types of fibroids you have, you gain valuable insight that can guide your search for appropriate care.
For Chicago women seeking uterine fibroid embolization, look no further than Joint Vascular Institute.