Heavy periods that interfere with your daily life. Pelvic pressure that makes you uncomfortable. Frequent trips to the bathroom. If these symptoms sound familiar, you might be among the millions of women dealing with uterine fibroids.
At Seamless Medical Centers, we believe knowledge empowers better health decisions. Understanding what fibroids are and recognizing their symptoms is the first step toward reclaiming your comfort and confidence.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the smooth muscle cells of the uterus. These growths can appear alone or in groups and range dramatically in size, from as small as a grain of rice to as large as a melon. While the exact cause remains unclear, research indicates that genetics, age, race, and prolonged estrogen exposure may increase your risk.
The numbers tell a compelling story: An estimated 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age currently have fibroids, and up to 77% of women will develop fibroids sometime during their childbearing years. Despite their prevalence, many women suffer silently, accepting symptoms as “normal” parts of womanhood.
Recognizing Fibroid Symptoms
Fibroids don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, the impact on your daily life can be significant. Common symptoms include:
Heavy and Prolonged Bleeding: Women with fibroids often have periods lasting longer than seven days that can be very heavy, requiring changing sanitary protection frequently.
Pelvic Pressure and Pain: Large fibroids can create a feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen or cause chronic pelvic discomfort.
Urinary Issues: Frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder completely when fibroids press against the bladder.
Digestive Problems: Constipation or rectal pressure when fibroids affect nearby organs.
Reproductive Challenges: In some cases, fibroids can contribute to fertility issues or pregnancy complications.
Types and Locations Matter
Understanding where your fibroids are located helps determine the best treatment approach. Our specialists classify fibroids by their position:
Subserosal: Located on the outer wall of the uterus, typically causing bulk or pressure symptoms.
Intramural: Within the muscular walls, often causing heavy bleeding or pressure.
Submucosal: Inside or near the uterine cavity, usually causing heavy bleeding and the least common type.
The size, location, and number of fibroids influence both your symptoms and treatment options.
Modern Treatment: Beyond Traditional Surgery
Gone are the days when hysterectomy was the only solution for problematic fibroids. Today’s minimally invasive approaches offer effective relief while preserving your uterus and dramatically reducing recovery time.
At Seamless Medical Centers, we specialize in advanced techniques that target fibroids precisely while protecting healthy tissue. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a new, FDA-cleared uterine sparing, outpatient procedure for uterine fibroids that utilizes recent technological advancements in instrumentation and imaging.
Your Path Forward
If fibroid symptoms are affecting your quality of life, you have options beyond “waiting it out” or accepting major surgery. Our team of board-certified interventional radiologists brings decades of experience in minimally invasive procedures that can restore your comfort and confidence.
We believe every woman deserves to live free from the limitations that fibroid symptoms can impose. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
Take the First Step
Ready to see if UFE is right for you? Contact Seamless Medical Centers to schedule your consultation. Our experienced team will evaluate your specific situation and help determine if PAE is the right choice for your specific needs. Most major insurance plans cover our procedures, and our team handles the authorization process for you.
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