Calcified Fibroid Treatment

What Is a Calcified Fibroid?

To better understand calcified fibroids, it’s important to know what a fibroid is—an abnormal growth made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue in and around the uterus. While the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, studies suggest hormones, generics, and several other factors may play a role.

Calcified fibroids occur when fibroids begin to break down and harden due to reduced blood flow to the uterus, which is very common in older women. Without blood and the nutrients and oxygen it brings, the fibroids shrink and eventually harden (calcify).

Calcified fibroids can also form after a Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) procedure, which purposely blocks blood flow to the fibroids to make them shrink and eventually harden. No treatment is required for fully calcified fibroids that do not cause symptoms.  

This is why we recommend UFE at the first sign of fibroids—while they are still small and less likely to cause symptoms after calcification.

Calcified Fibroid Symptoms

Symptoms are more common in women with larger calcified fibroids. These growths are often benign but can exert pressure on surrounding organs depending on their size and location, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Uncomfortable side effects of calcified fibroids may include:

• Heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
• Abdominal cramping.
• Pain in the lower back or legs.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
• Constipation or discomfort in the rectum.
• Weight gain or bloating in the abdomen.

Calcified Fibroid Causes

The most common cause of fibroid calcification is a reduced or complete loss of blood supply to the fibroid, leading to hardening over time. Other causes may include:

• Natural aging
  As women age, blood flow to the uterus naturally decreases, limiting the fibroid’s “food” supply.
• UFE
  This medical procedure deliberately stops blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and calcify.
• Menopause
  As women age, they naturally produce less estrogen, which can reduce blood flow to fibroids and cause calcification.

How Are Calcified Fibroids Diagnosed?

Calcified fibroids can be diagnosed by a medical professional using the following methods:

• Pelvic exam
  A medical professional checks your uterus by feeling for lumps or abnormalities in and around the uterus.
• Imaging
  Depending on your unique symptoms and medical needs, your provider may use a transvaginal ultrasound, external ultrasound, X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) Scan,or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to create images of your uterus, revealing whether you have calcified fibroids.
• Hysteroscopy
  A physician inserts a small camera through the cervix into the uterus, allowing them to see any fibroids.

Treatment Options for Calcified Fibroids

Calcified fibroid removal is the best way to treat hardened fibroids that have become symptomatic. At Dallas Fibroids, we offer non-surgical and surgical treatment options:

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

• UFE
  When there is a combination of calcified and non-calcified fibroids, UFE may be an option to help alleviate symptoms.

Surgical Treatment Options

• Myomectomy
  This is often the preferred choice for young and premenopausal women wishing to preserve their fertility. A myomectomy removes unwanted or calcified fibroids while keeping the healthy tissues and uterus intact.
• Hysterectomy
  This is a complete removal of a woman’s uterus and, therefore, any calcified fibroids.

Depending on your unique needs, your fibroid specialist may recommend a combination of treatments to ensure comprehensive care and the best outcomes.

Consult Us Today for Expert Calcified Fibroid Treatment

At Dallas Fibroids, we understand the impact fibroids can have on your quality of life. With our personalized approach, you can expect relief from your symptoms and a renewed sense of health and wellness.

Don’t let fibroid pain control your life. Schedule an appointment today.