How to Know Which Type of Fibroids You Have

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in your uterus, but the symptoms you experience depend on the type and location of your fibroids. Here in Fresno, California, our team at Fresno Fibroid Center offers the most successful treatment plans that take into account all aspects of your fibroids, including the size, type, and location.

Here’s what you need to know about the various types of fibroids and how we treat them.

Types of uterine fibroids

Your uterus consists of three layers: the outer layer (perimetrium), the middle layer (myometrium), and the inner layer (endometrium). You may be familiar with your endometrium since that is the layer that lines your uterus and sheds during your menstrual period.

Fibroids arise from the myometrium and are named depending on exactly where in the uterus they reside. The four most common types of uterine fibroids are:

Intramural fibroids

These are the most common type of fibroid that grows within the muscular wall of your uterus. They can become large enough to stretch your womb. They can also be mistaken for weight gain. These fibroids may cause heavy bleeding, a feeling of fullness in your pelvic area, and long and heavy periods accompanied by blood clots.

Submucosal fibroids

Submucosal fibroids grow just under the endometrium and bulge into your uterine cavity. These fibroids cause very heavy and painful periods with many clots. The bleeding may be so heavy and prolonged that you develop anemia and fatigue. These fibroids can also contribute to infertility..

Subserosal fibroids

All organs are lined with a membrane called the serosa or serous membrane, and your uterus is no exception. Subserosal fibroids grow in this outer membrane. They don’t typically cause heavy bleeding. Subserosal fibroids may be asymptomatic or might cause pain and pressure in your pelvic area depending on their size and exact location.

Pedunculated fibroid

Both submucosal and subserosal fibroids can dangle from a stalk (stem). When this happens, it's called a pedunculated fibroid. If your fibroid twists on the stem, you may experience pain and pressure.

How do you know which type of fibroids you have?

Depending on their size and location, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, painful periods, lower back pain, pelvic pain, and even constipation.

Regardless of the type of fibroids you have, our team at the Fresno Fibroid Center can help guide you on a plan for managing them. Dr. Pruett, Dr. Tower, Dr. Balfour, and Dr. Ng can help discuss treatment options that include: