Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are very common, especially during the reproductive years. Some fibroids are small and cause no symptoms at all. Others can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, or changes that affect daily comfort and reproductive health.

Fibroids are not cancer, but they can still have a major impact on quality of life. Heavy periods may lead to anemia and fatigue. Pelvic pressure may make it harder to exercise, sleep comfortably, or get through normal daily activities. For some women, fibroids may also play a role in fertility or pregnancy concerns.

At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our gynecology specialists provide individualized care for uterine fibroids, ranging from careful monitoring to advanced treatment options designed to relieve symptoms and support each patient’s personal health goals.

Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation

Many women with fibroids do not know they have them until they are found during a pelvic exam or ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, they often develop gradually as fibroids grow or as their location begins to affect the uterus or nearby organs.

Common symptoms include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Periods that last longer than usual
• Pelvic pressure or fullness
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pelvic pain or cramping
• Bloating or a feeling of abdominal heaviness
• Difficulty becoming pregnant in some cases

During your visit, your gynecologist will review your symptoms, menstrual history, bleeding pattern, pain level, reproductive goals, and overall health. They may ask how often you are changing pads or tampons, whether you are passing clots, and whether symptoms are affecting your work, sleep, activity level, or quality of life.

A pelvic examination may be performed to check the size and shape of the uterus and determine whether additional testing is needed.

Diagnosis

Fibroids are often diagnosed with imaging. Testing helps determine the size, number, and location of fibroids, which is important because these details can affect symptoms and treatment options.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Pelvic examination
• Pelvic ultrasound
• MRI in selected cases
• Laboratory testing for anemia when heavy bleeding is present
• Pregnancy testing when appropriate

Pelvic ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the uterus and ovaries. MRI may be recommended when more detailed imaging is needed, especially before certain procedures or surgery.

These tests help your gynecologist understand whether fibroids are likely contributing to symptoms and which treatment options may be most appropriate.

Treatment & Ongoing Management

Treatment depends on your symptoms, age, fibroid size and location, bleeding pattern, fertility goals, and personal preferences. Not every fibroid needs treatment. If fibroids are small and not causing symptoms, monitoring may be all that is needed.

Management options may include:

• Observation for fibroids that are not causing symptoms
• Hormonal medications to help control bleeding
• Hormonal IUDs to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
• Medications that temporarily shrink fibroids or reduce bleeding
• Treatment for anemia when heavy bleeding has caused low iron levels
• Minimally invasive fibroid procedures
• Myomectomy, which removes fibroids while preserving the uterus
• Hysterectomy in selected cases when other treatments are ineffective or not appropriate

Your gynecologist will review the benefits, risks, recovery time, and expected results of each option. For patients who may want a future pregnancy, treatment planning also includes careful discussion of fertility goals and uterus-preserving options.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care helps monitor symptoms, track fibroid growth when needed, and make sure treatment is improving bleeding, pain, pressure, and quality of life.

Follow-up may include:

• Monitoring menstrual bleeding and pelvic symptoms
• Repeat imaging when needed
• Management of anemia or low iron levels
• Medication adjustments when appropriate
• Ongoing reproductive counseling
• Follow-up after procedures or surgery

With individualized treatment, many women experience significant improvement in bleeding, pelvic pressure, energy level, and overall comfort.