Understanding Intramural Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow within your uterus. Fibroids are classified based on where they lie in the uterus. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle of the uterus. Depending on their size, and the number of tumors that form, you may experience a variety of symptoms. In this post, we explore symptoms of intramural uterine fibroid symptoms along with treatment options to help you find relief.

Symptoms of Intramural Fibroids

Smaller tumors may not cause any symptoms. But some women with intramural fibroids experience:

• Pelvic and lower back pain
• Pain with sex
• Heavy menstrual bleeding, longer periods, and bleeding between cycles
• Anemia
• Bladder and bowel symptoms, including frequent urination and constipation
• An enlarged uterus
• Infertility or difficulties conceiving

Pregnancy with Intramural Fibroids

Some women with intramural fibroids experience infertility because the tumors could prevent fertilization of an egg, or implantation of a fertilized embryo. Those who do conceive may have difficulties carrying a baby to term, especially when increased estrogen levels cause your tumors to grow larger. Additionally, due to changes in the shape of your uterus that may result from the presence of intramural fibroids, delivering your baby vaginally may be more difficult, resulting in an increased risk for a C-section.

Treatment Options

While symptoms can be disruptive, treatment can help you find relief from heavy bleeding, infertility and more. Some women choose to surgically remove individual fibroids via myomectomy. Other women prefer to avoid invasive procedures, and seek out Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) treatment in Texas. This minimally invasive procedure shrinks intramural fibroids by blocking their blood supply. While this is not the right treatment option for everyone, we invite you to request a consultation at the Dallas Fibroid Center. When you come in, we can provide more information on UFE and explore your candidacy for this minimally invasive treatment for intramural fibroids.