If you suspect you may have fibroids, a uterine fibroid diagnosis can confirm your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment. At USA Fibroid Centers, our interventional radiologists, who are fibroid specialists, focus solely on fibroids and are experts in diagnosing fibroids and ensuring patients are candidates for non-surgical fibroid treatment.
Importance of a Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis
Many women suffering from abnormal bleeding, cramping, frequent urination, and other uterine issues don’t realize fibroids may be to blame. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of fibroids, their symptoms, and treatment options. Learning how to recognize common symptoms can help you seek a timely uterine fibroid diagnosis. Left untreated, fibroids can negatively impact their careers, social life, personal relationships, and self-esteem.
If you are experiencing painful fibroid symptoms, consult a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers to start your path to a fibroid-free life. Whether it is your first diagnosis or a second opinion, an accurate medical diagnosis is encouraged to ensure you take the best step toward individualized treatment and relief from fibroids.
How Fibroids Are Diagnosed
Imaging studies such as ultrasound and MRIs are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Interventional radiologists offer these tests and minimally invasive treatments for uterine fibroids.
Frequently, fibroids are detected unexpectedly during a routine pelvic exam. Some women may not realize their periods are considered abnormal, or they may only experience mild symptoms (or none at all).
Others may seek a diagnosis because of severe symptoms, making it challenging to work, engage in physical activity, have a fulfilling sex life, or participate in social events.
Tests for Uterine Fibroids
Various tests, from ultrasounds to MRIs, can detect uterine fibroids. Tests for fibroids might include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, MRI, hysterosonography, or hysteroscopy.
Pelvic exam
Pelvic exams are often the first step in diagnosing fibroids, performed by a woman’s gynecologist or personal health provider. While pelvic exams may indicate fibroids, imaging studies such as ultrasound and MRIs are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging is pivotal in diagnosing fibroids by offering a non-invasive, real-time visualization of the uterus and fibroids. It is an essential tool in fibroid mapping to determine treatment by providing more detailed information about the size, location, number, and type of fibroids within.
Ultrasound is usually performed by a diagnostic medical sonographer, a specially trained professional with expertise in using ultrasound equipment to create images of internal organs and tissues. The radiologist interprets the ultrasound images and provides a diagnosis.
There are a couple of different ultrasound methods that can be used to diagnose fibroids:
Transabdominal ultrasound: This method involves applying a water-based gel to the abdomen and using a handheld device (a transducer) to emit high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves bounce off internal structures, creating images on a monitor. Transabdominal ultrasound is best for assessing larger fibroids and providing information about their size, shape, and location within the uterus.
Transvaginal ultrasound: In transvaginal ultrasound, the sonographer inserts a slender transducer into the vagina for a better view of the uterus and ovaries. This method makes it easier to detect fibroids that are not as noticeable in a transabdominal ultrasound, such as smaller fibroids and those located near the uterine lining.
When using ultrasounds for fibroid diagnosis, the advantages include:
- It’s non-invasive: Ultrasounds are comfortable and safe as they do not require incisions or injections.
- Uses real-time imaging: Providing immediate images enables clinicians to promptly assess fibroids and any abnormalities.
- No radiation exposure: Since ultrasound does not expose patients to ionizing radiation, it is safer for pregnant women or those requiring multiple imaging sessions.
- It’s cost-effective: It is relatively inexpensive, making it more accessible for routine screening and follow-up exams.
Additionally, ultrasound machines are readily available, making them a convenient option for diagnosing fibroids. While ultrasound can provide valuable initial information, in some cases, further imaging with MRIs may be necessary for details about the characteristics and precise location of the fibroids.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and hysterosonography are used for more detailed imaging. An MRI uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create 3D images of the uterus. A hysterosonography provides images of the uterine cavity by introducing saline. Hysteroscopy, a more invasive procedure, involves the insertion of a camera directly into the uterus. These methods are more complex and invasive, so it’s important to consult with a fibroid specialist to determine the most suitable diagnostic approach for your situation.
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Diagnosis & Prognosis of Fibroids
If you receive a uterine fibroids diagnosis, you may be concerned about your prognosis. Although fibroids are generally not dangerous, they can potentially harm surrounding organs, impact fertility, and cause pain or discomfort.
Fibroid treatment is effective and widely available regardless of the type, size, or number of fibroids. Treatment options include fibroid surgery, such as a hysterectomy or myomectomy, and non-surgical methods like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that effectively eliminates fibroid symptoms and quickly returns you to normal daily activities. At USA Fibroid Centers, we offer uterine fibroid embolization so that you can go back to a life free from pain and discomfor due to fibroid symptoms.
How to Check for Fibroids at Home
Because fibroid symptoms often mimic other reproductive conditions, a comprehensive evaluation by a doctor is crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis of fibroids. Early detection of fibroids can ensure your symptoms do not worsen and all treatment methods are available.
While it’s impossible to diagnose fibroids at home, recognizing common fibroid symptoms can be an important first step:
- Heavy and prolonged menstruation between or during your periods
- Anemia, which can lead to fatigue
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation and/or bloating
- Pain in your pelvis or lower back
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Stomach swelling
A fibroid’s size and location affect which symptoms, if any, women may experience. Fibroids can develop individually or in numbers and range in size from a tiny pea to as large as a melon.
CHECK IF YOUR SYMPTOMS MAY BE FIBROIDS
Contact USA Fibroid Centers for Fibroid Relief
If you are experiencing symptoms that might be related to uterine fibroids, we encourage you to seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. Our top-rated fibroid specialists at USA Fibroid Centers can help you get a uterine fibroid diagnosis and explore your full range of treatment options.
We have dozens of convenient clinic locations across the United States. To learn more about how uterine fibroid embolization can help you reclaim your life, schedule an appointment at one of our clinics near you.