Uterine Fibroids

Overview

Mayo Clinic provides a cutting-edge diagnosis and treatment for uterine fibroids. Gynecologists, gynecologic surgeons, radiologists and other specialists collaborate to treat about 3,000 women each year who have these common, noncancerous tumors. Mayo Clinic Rochester is one of the few centers in the United States to offer a new ultrasound treatment for fibroids.

Diagnosis

Uterine fibroids are usually found during a pelvic exam. Mayo physicians rely heavily on two high-tech imaging tools — ultrasound scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — to confirm the tumors. But they also have available other procedures such as hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Read more about uterine fibroid diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Most women with uterine fibroids don't need treatment. Their tumors either don't cause symptoms or the symptoms (such as pressure or heavy periods) can be controlled with common medications such as birth control pills or an occasional over-the-counter pain medication. But for women truly debilitated by the growths, Mayo offers a number of treatments, including two nonsurgical options. Mayo physicians have years of experience to help direct patients toward the best choice. Read more about uterine fibroid treatment options.

• Treatment in Arizona
• Treatment in Florida
• Treatment in Minnesota

About Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids in the uterus

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Uterine fibroids are among the most common health annoyances. As many as three out of four women of childbearing age (usually in their 30s and 40s) experience these noncancerous tumors, which grow in the myometrium, the smooth muscular wall of the uterus. While fibroids have few risk factors, heredity and race appear to play a role. Women are more likely to be affected if they're black and/or their mothers and sisters have fibroids. The exact causes are unknown, but research suggests that the body's reproductive hormones — estrogen and progesterone — are the trigger. By stimulating the uterine lining in preparation for possible pregnancy, hormones stimulate fibroid growth. In contrast, as hormone levels drop at menopause, the tumors diminish.

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