Vascular Access Centers: News & Info

About Uterine Fibroid Embolization (Part 1 of 2): What Are Uterine Fibroids? February 4, 2010

Uterine fibroids, which are very common non-cancerous (benign) growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can range in size from very tiny (a quarter of an inch) to larger than a cantaloupe.  Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors of the female genital tract. You might hear them referred to as “fibroids” or by several other names, including leiomyoma, leiomyomata, myoma and fibromyoma. Fibroid tumors of the uterus are very common, but for most women, they either do not cause symptoms or cause only minor symptoms.

Determining the symptoms:  Is Uterine Fibroid Embolization right for you?

Most fibroids don’t cause symptoms—only 10 to 20 percent of women who have fibroids require treatment. Depending on size, location and number of fibroids, they may cause:

• Heavy, prolonged menstrual periods and unusual monthly bleeding, sometimes with clots. This can lead to anemia.
• Abnormally enlarged abdomen
• Bladder pressure leading to a frequent urge to urinate
• Pelvic pain and pressure

For more information about uterine fibroids, or to find out if Uterine Fibroid Embolization is right for you, visit Vascluar Access Centers at http://www.vascularaccesscenters.com.