Understanding Intramural Fibroids with Dallas Fibroid Center
Uterine fibroids impact the lives of millions of women each year.
These common growths can vary in size, number, and location, making each woman’s experience different. One of the most common fibroid types is the intramural uterine fibroid.
If you’ve been diagnosed with one or more intramural fibroids, remember you’re not alone. At Dallas Fibroid Center, we understand that a diagnosis and accompanying symptoms can profoundly impact your well-being, affecting your daily life and even your ability to become pregnant.
The good news is that advanced treatment is now available, offering a path to lasting symptom relief without extensive surgeries or lengthy recovery times.
Let’s discuss intramural fibroids in more detail, including types, causes, symptoms, treatment, and the tie between them and pregnancy.
What Is an Intramural Uterine Fibroid?
Intramural fibroids are common tumors found between the uterus muscles.
An intramural uterine fibroid can vary from as small as a grape to as large as a grapefruit or more, measuring 1 mm to over 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.
It’s important to know that women can have one, several, or a mix of different fibroid types on and in their uterus. Fibroid type is best identified during an ultrasound evaluation.
Intramural Fibroid Causes
The exact cause of uterine fibroids remains largely unknown, although many medical professionals believe they develop from an abnormal muscle cell in the middle layer of the uterine wall.
Under the influence of estrogen, the abnormally-developed cell can rapidly multiply and form an intramural fibroid tumor.
However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of their development.
It’s also important to understand that an increased risk of fibroids may directly cause their development for you.
Your risk of developing intramural fibroid tumors may be increased based on the following:
- A family history of fibroids
- Your age, especially for women between the ages of 30 and 40.
- Your race, especially if you are African American or Hispanic
- Obesity
- The age you started your period
- Vitamin D deficiency
- A diet high in red meat
- Regular alcohol consumption
- Hormonal imbalances
- Estrogen exposure
- Soy products
- A diet high in processed foods
- Certain beauty products
Intramural Fibroid Symptoms
While most women experience some symptoms, some women may not have any symptoms at all.
Those who do have symptoms often experience the following:
- Pressure in the bladder
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
- An enlarged or protruding abdomen
- Weight gain
- Prolonged periods
- Urinary incontinence, frequency, and urgency
- Anemia
- Pain or bleeding during sexual intercourse
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Back pain
While these symptoms mimic symptoms of other fibroid types, intramural fibroids most often cause:
- Pressure in the bladder
- pelvic pain and pressure
- lower back pain
- Pain in the back of the legs
In addition to these common symptoms, many women see a direct impact between intramural uterine fibroids and pregnancy. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant or maintaining a healthy pregnancy, intramural fibroids may be the cause. Depending on their exact location and size, they may interfere with your ability to conceive.
Intramural Fibroid Treatment
Various treatment options are available to treat and remove intramural fibroids.
While direct removal of the fibroid is common, the most effective minimally-invasive treatment option for uterine fibroids for many women is uterine fibroid embolization. This treatment method blocks the blood flow and causes the fibroids to shrink and eventually die off over time.
Other less common intramural uterine fibroid treatment options include
- Hormone-based medications
- Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound
- Myomectomy
- The Acessa procedure
For rare and severe cases, a hysterectomy may be recommended but is often considered a last resort since it is the most extensive and invasive procedure, leading to the inability to bear children since the entirety of the uterus is removed.
Alternately, for women who do not experience symptoms, a “wait and watch” approach will be taken to see if intramural fibroids shrink independently.
Life-Changing Intramural Fibroid Treatment in Dallas
If you’ve received an intramural fibroid diagnosis or are experiencing symptoms affecting your daily life and overall well-being, it’s time to explore treatment.
At Dallas Fibroid Center, we’re here to guide you toward practical solutions that meet your health and wellness goals.
Contact us today to take the first step towards a brighter, symptom-free future. Our compassionate team is ready to provide the necessary information and schedule your consultation.
