If you’ve been diagnosed with a uterine fibroid (or fibroids), Dr. Marc Jean-Gilles and the team at Abundant Life Healthcare tailor your treatment according to the characteristics of your particular case. Read on to learn about the types of fibroids, so you understand more about your diagnosis.

Intramural fibroids

Of all the fibroids diagnosed, intramural fibroids are the most common. They grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids often grow larger and stretch your uterus, giving you a bloated, swollen pelvic area – so much so that they make you look pregnant or as if you’ve gained weight.

Intramural fibroids often cause prolonged menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, and the passing of clots during your period.  When your uterus expands due to the fibroid, it can also put pressure on your bladder causing frequent urination.

Subserosal fibroids

The outside of your uterus is known as the serosa. When fibroids grow outside of your uterus, they’re often classified as subserosal fibroids. When these fibroids grow large enough, they can make your uterus appear lopsided – looking larger on one side.

These tumors are less likely to cause excessive bleeding during your period, but can cause pelvic pain and pressure.

Pedunculated fibroids

Pedunculated fibroids are a type of subserosal tumor. They’re designated as pedunculated when they develop a stem, a slender base that supports the tumor. They can cause pain and pressure as the fibroids twist on the stalk.

Submucosal fibroids

Submucosal fibroids develop in the myometrium, or middle muscle layer, of your uterus. They have the potential to block the Fallopian tubes and interfere with fertility. Submucosal fibroids can cause excessive menstrual bleeding, embarrassing spotting, and cramping. Anemia and fatigue can result due to excessive blood loss. This type of fibroid is much less common than the other three versions.

Treatment of fibroids

You can develop more than one type of fibroid. Having multiple fibroids is common, and it can be difficult to determine exactly which type is causing your symptoms. Dr. Jean-Gilles is an experienced OB/GYN, however, and offers expert treatment for your particular case.

He’ll offer conservative treatments first, that may include hormonal medications or birth control. If conservative treatments fail to resolve your symptoms, he may recommend a myomectomy – or fibroid removal. In more complex cases, a full hysterectomy can alleviate discomfort and complications from all fibroids. Fibroids are, in fact, the primary reason women in the United States have a hysterectomy.

If you have symptoms that suggest a uterine fibroid, consult with Dr. Jean-Gilles and our team at Abundant Life Healthcare. He carefully assesses your symptoms, health history, and current medical status to craft a customized treatment plan. If your fibroids cause no symptoms, you may just watch and wait. However, if you’re suffering, he can help you find relief. Call our office, or schedule your appointment online.