Understanding Fibroids
This information is for general education only and is not medical advice. It cannot replace a diagnosis or treatment plan from a qualified healthcare provider who knows your history. Always talk with your own doctor about your symptoms and options.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are very common: by age 50, an estimated 70% of white women and over 80% of Black women will have developed fibroids (Baird 2003). Many women have fibroids without symptoms; an estimated 25–30% experience symptoms significant enough to seek treatment.
Fibroids range in size from tiny seedlings to large masses that can distort the uterus. Treatment depends on the size, number, and location of fibroids, as well as your symptoms and reproductive goals. Minimally invasive surgical options can preserve the uterus while effectively treating symptomatic fibroids.
Do I have fibroids?
These conditions are often complex to diagnose and can look different in every patient. If several of these feel familiar, it's worth talking to a specialist.
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Periods that soak through pads or tampons quickly, lasting more than 7 days.
Pelvic pressure or pain
A feeling of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen.
Frequent urination
Fibroids pressing on the bladder can cause frequent or urgent need to urinate.
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Large fibroids can block normal bladder function.
Constipation
Fibroids pressing on the rectum may cause constipation or painful bowel movements.
3,100+ AAGL member surgeons list fibroids as a focus area
These surgeons have identified fibroids as an area of focus in their own listing. AAGL does not verify this information. Inclusion is not an endorsement.
How are fibroids treated?
Treatment depends on your symptoms, severity, and goals. Here are the most common approaches, with an emphasis on minimally invasive options.
Watchful waiting
For small, asymptomatic fibroids, monitoring without intervention is often appropriate.
Medical management
Hormonal medications such as GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, or the levonorgestrel IUD can reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding.
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
A minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. UFE is generally not recommended for women who wish to become pregnant in the future. Both ACOG and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) consider future fertility a relative contraindication, due to limited long-term data on pregnancy outcomes and an increased risk of placental abnormalities, miscarriage, and preterm delivery after UFE.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
A minimally invasive, uterus-preserving treatment that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fibroid tissue. Two FDA-cleared RFA systems are used in the U.S.: a laparoscopic approach (e.g., Acessa) and a transcervical approach (e.g., Sonata). Both use real-time ultrasound guidance. Long-term durability and effects on future fertility are still being studied; women planning future pregnancy should discuss this option carefully with a surgeon experienced in fibroid RFA.
Myomectomy
Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus, performed laparoscopically, hysteroscopically, or robotically depending on size and location. Suitable for women who wish to preserve fertility.
Hysterectomy
Removal of the uterus, considered when other treatments have not worked and childbearing is complete.
When to seek care urgently
This page is for education, not diagnosis. Some symptoms need prompt medical attention. Seek urgent care or call your local emergency number if you experience:
- Severe or sudden pelvic or abdominal pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour for two or more hours
- Fever with pelvic pain
- Fainting, dizziness, or a racing heart
- Bleeding during pregnancy, or severe pain during pregnancy
- Sudden severe pelvic pain (which can occur if a fibroid loses its blood supply), or very heavy bleeding with dizziness, needs urgent care.
Frequently asked about fibroids
Are fibroids cancerous?
The overwhelming majority of fibroids are benign (noncancerous), and a benign fibroid does not turn into cancer. Rarely, what looks like a fibroid turns out to be a cancerous tumor called a leiomyosarcoma. Estimates of how often this happens vary, generally falling somewhere between about 1 in 500 and 1 in 2,000, and the risk increases with age, particularly after menopause. Because a leiomyosarcoma can look like a fibroid on imaging, your surgeon will consider your age, symptoms, and imaging when planning treatment. Talk with an AAGL surgeon about any concerns specific to your situation.
Do I need a hysterectomy for fibroids?
Not necessarily. Many women can be treated with uterine-preserving options like myomectomy. Discuss all options with an AAGL surgeon.
Can fibroids affect pregnancy?
Some fibroids can affect fertility or cause complications during pregnancy, depending on their size and location. A specialist can help determine the best approach.
Patient information sheets
Printable AAGL patient information sheets related to fibroids.
You might also want to know about
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided by Gynawareness, an educational initiative of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Every patient is unique. Treatment options, risks, benefits, and outcomes depend on individual medical history, current health status, and clinical findings that can only be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Do not delay seeking medical care, disregard professional medical advice, or stop a prescribed treatment because of information you have read on this site. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.
Gynawareness and the AAGL do not endorse any specific test, product, procedure, opinion, surgeon, or other information that may be mentioned on this site.