Fibroids may cause heavy bleeding, pain and pressure; embolization may be an option in selected patients.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Very heavy ongoing bleeding
- Fainting or severe weakness
- Acute abdominal pain
- Bleeding during pregnancy
What is it?
Treatment is selected according to the fibroid’s size and location, symptoms, age and future pregnancy plans. Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive approach for selected patients.
Symptoms
- Long or heavy periods
- Lower abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or pressure
- Anemia and fatigue
- Infertility
Causes & risk factors
- Age and hormonal factors
- Family history
- Early onset of menstruation
- Excess weight
- Fibroid size and location
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should not rely on one test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination and investigation results are interpreted together.
- Gynecologic examination
- Ultrasound
- MRI in selected cases
- Blood tests for anemia
- Discussion of pregnancy plans
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient’s overall condition, comorbidities and procedural risk.
- Observation
- Medication
- Uterine artery embolization
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy in selected cases
How we help
Patients are assessed from both gynecologic and interventional radiology perspectives. Suitability for embolization depends on fibroid type, bleeding severity and reproductive plans.
When a procedure may be needed
Embolization may be needed when heavy bleeding and pressure symptoms persist despite medication and the patient is seeking an alternative to surgery.
Patient checklist
- Track bleeding days and amount
- Bring ultrasound/MRI results
- Discuss future pregnancy plans
- Check anemia results
FAQ
Are fibroids cancerous?
Most fibroids are benign, but rapid growth and unusual symptoms should be evaluated separately.
Does a fibroid disappear after embolization?
The fibroid usually shrinks and symptoms improve, but outcomes vary from person to person.
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