Uterine Fibroids

What is a Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow inside or around the uterus. They range in size from under an inch to four inches and even larger. By the time they reach age of 50, 70% of white women and more than 80% of black women will experience them.
While many women with fibroids do not have symptoms, for others, fibroids can significantly impact their lives. They can result in pelvic pain or discomfort, urinary incontinence, frequent urination and heavy menstrual bleeding. In fact, the bleeding can be so severe that some women with fibroids must take extra precautions and may need to avoid certain social activities during their periods.
The location and size of uterine fibroids can affect the severity of these symptoms and impact your quality of life. Fibroids are hormonally sensitive, so the symptoms may be cyclical, as with menstruation.

What happens if I don’t treat my uterine fibroids?

When fibroids are causing heavy bleeding, iron is depleted from the body which can lead to anemia. It can also lead to hemoglobin loss, which makes it more difficult for blood to carry oxygen throughout the body. This results in a feeling of being tired or weak and can cause other symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches and more.
Untreated uterine fibroids can also lead to pregnancy complications, heart failure and other health problems.
Woman holding an anatomical model of the uterus and ovaries near her abdomen

Treatment Options Offered by Our Doctors at Our Minnesota Clinic

There are several treatment options for women that are clinically proven, FDA-approved and covered by insurance. If conservative treatment (such as medication, intrauterine devices (IUDs), progestin injections and supplements do not work to control fibroid symptoms, several viable medical interventions exist to treat fibroids.

It is important to know that surgically removing your uterus (called hysterectomy) is NOT your only option. And while some healthcare professionals may feel that the uterus is an “unnecessary” organ for those who do not wish to or no longer wish to have children, there is a good deal of evidence that the uterus plays an important role beyond childbirth. Furthermore, it has been shown that uterus removal is linked to other health issues, such as early menopause, incontinence and even heart disease. This is the reason why 75% of hysterectomies in the United States are considered “unnecessary.”
Another surgical procedure, called myomectomy, removes the fibroids but spares the uterus. While this procedure effectively reduces fibroid symptoms, it doesn’t last. In many cases, the fibroids will return in about 24 months. Myomectomy also carries many of the risks associated with surgery.
A less invasive option, endometrial ablation, is a procedure that removes the lining of the uterus. Unfortunately, it only works for women whose fibroids are less than an inch in diameter. It can also result in abnormal bleeding, requiring another surgery.
Hormone therapy is another less invasive option to treat fibroid symptoms. This approach is not recommended for the long term, because it can lead to menopause-like symptoms and bone loss. When hormone therapy is discontinued, fibroids will come back.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive and highly effective procedure to treat uterine fibroids, even over the long term. By embolizing or “cutting off” the blood supply feeding the fibroids, they will shrink and symptoms will disappear. This procedure is FDA-approved, covered by insurance and recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
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Am I a candidate for UFE?

Answer a few quick questions to see if uterine fibroid embolization could be an option for you.

Do you still have your uterus?

Have you reached perimenopause or menopause?

Which of the following symptoms are you experiencing?

Please answer the questions above to see your result.

You may be a candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

Please fill out the form on this page so we can schedule your consultation with our Fibroid Specialists.

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You may not have uterine fibroids.

Based on your response, we recommend consulting with your PCP for more information. If you would still like to consult with our Fibroid Specialists, please fill out the form on this page.

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Let's find the right next step together.

Your answers don't point clearly one way or the other. The best way to know your options is a conversation with our team — please fill out the form on this page.

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International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS)

Answer each question about your urinary symptoms over the past month. Your total score is calculated instantly.

0 of 7 answered

1. Incomplete Emptying: How often have you had the sensation of not emptying your bladder?

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2. Frequency: How often have you had to urinate less than every two hours?

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3. Intermittency: How often have you found you stopped and started again several times when you urinated?

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4. Urgency: How often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?

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5. Weak Stream: How often have you had a weak urinary stream?

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6. Straining: How often have you had to strain to start urination?

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7. Nocturia: How many times did you typically get up at night to urinate?

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Please answer all questions to see your score.

Your I-PSS score

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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.

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WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index

Rate each activity by the degree of difficulty you have experienced in the last 48 hours due to your knee.

0 of 24 answered

Pain

1. Walking

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2. Stair climbing

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3. Nocturnal

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4. Rest

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5. Weight bearing

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Stiffness

1. Morning stiffness

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2. Stiffness occurring later in the day

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Physical Function

1. Descending stairs

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2. Ascending stairs

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3. Rise from sitting

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4. Standing

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5. Bending to floor

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6. Walking on flat surface

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7. Getting in/out of car

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8. Going shopping

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9. Putting on socks

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10. Lying in bed

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11. Taking off socks

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12. Rising from bed

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13. Getting in/out of bath

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14. Sitting

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15. Getting on/off toilet

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16. Heavy domestic duties

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17. Light domestic duties

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Please answer all questions to see your score.

Your WOMAC score

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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.

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Foot & Ankle Disability Index (FADI)

Rate each item by your current level of difficulty. Higher scores indicate better foot and ankle function.

0 of 26 answered

Activity

1. Standing

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2. Walking on even ground

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3. Walking on even ground without shoes

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4. Walking up hills

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5. Walking down hills

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6. Going up stairs

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7. Going down stairs

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8. Walking on uneven ground

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9. Stepping up and down curbs

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10. Squatting

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11. Sleeping

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12. Coming up to your toes

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13. Walking initially

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14. Walking 5 minutes or less

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15. Walking approximately 10 minutes

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16. Walking 15 minutes or greater

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17. Home responsibilities

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18. Activities of daily living

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19. Personal care

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20. Light to moderate work (standing, walking)

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21. Heavy work (push/pulling, climbing, carrying)

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22. Recreational activities

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Pain

23. General level of pain

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24. Pain at rest

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25. Pain during your normal activity

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26. Pain first thing in the morning

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Please answer all questions to see your score.

Your FADI score

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This score is for informational purposes and is not a diagnosis. Share it with your provider to discuss what it means for you — or fill out the form on this page to talk with our team.

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