Uterine fibroids can cause many symptoms that impact your quality of life. These non-cancerous growths on the uterus are nourished by your body’s blood supply and can grow to over 10cm, comparable to the size of a mango.
Some women don’t realize they have fibroids; others suffer from 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.
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Uterine Fibroids Images
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
There are several types of fibroids and they 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 lining of the uterus or the endometrium.
- Pedunculated: This fibroid attaches to the wall of the uterus by a stalk and can develop inside or outside of the uterus.
- Calcified: This fibroid can become hardened after outgrowing the blood supply and developing calcium deposits on top.
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 out tiny, around the size of a pea, and can grow to the size of a lemon. Sometimes, they even reach the size of a watermelon.
Images of Uterine Fibroid Embolization vs. Hysterectomy and Myomectomy
There are three types of treatment for uterine fibroids a doctor may recommend.
Myomectomy
A doctor may recommend a myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove the fibroids. There are three types of myomectomy that are performed:
- 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
A hysterectomy is a surgery that removes the uterus and sometimes, the ovaries and cervix. It requires a long hospital stay, results in infertility, and needs a longer recovery.
Various hysterectomy procedures exist. A partial hysterectomy removes the uterus while a total hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus and cervix. A radical hysterectomy removes the uterus, ovaries, and all of the female reproductive organs.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, short outpatient procedure for the treatment of fibroids. A tiny catheter is inserted into the uterine artery feeding the fibroid to allow embolic agents to be injected. This blocks the flow of blood, causing the fibroids to shrink and die.
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 give us a call 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 take back control of your life.
