Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. While they’re common during the reproductive years, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, bladder and bowel changes, and sometimes fertility challenges. At Care for Womens Medical Group, our OB/GYN team provides thorough evaluation and personalized treatment across Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, and Eastvale to help you feel like yourself again.

What Are Fibroids

Fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are growths made of muscle and connective tissue. They range from very small nodules to larger masses that can distort the uterus. Fibroids may occur in different locations:

• Intramural: within the uterine wall
• Submucosal: just beneath the uterine lining
• Subserosal: on the outer surface of the uterus
• Pedunculated: attached by a stem-like stalk

You may have a single fibroid or many, and sizes can vary.

Common Symptoms of Fibroids

Not all fibroids cause symptoms. When they do, patients often report:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pain or pressure; bloating or a sense of fullness
• Distended abdomen
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation or lower back pain
• Pain with intercourse
• Difficulty getting pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy

If fibroids are interfering with your routine, work, sleep, or fertility plans, it’s time to get evaluated.

What Causes Fibroids

The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but several factors contribute:

• Hormones: estrogen and progesterone influence growth
• Genetics: family history increases risk
• Age: most common between 30 and 50
• Race: more common and often more severe in Black women
• Weight, lifestyle, and environmental factors may play a role

Fibroids often shrink after menopause as hormone levels decline.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed history and pelvic exam. Depending on symptoms, your OB/GYN may recommend:

• Pelvic ultrasound to confirm size, number, and location
• Saline infusion sonogram (SIS) for a clearer view of the uterine cavity
• MRI for detailed mapping (helpful before surgery)
• Hysteroscopy to directly visualize the uterine lining

Accurate mapping helps tailor treatment to your symptoms, goals, and overall health.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Your plan will reflect your symptoms, size and location of fibroids, and whether you want future pregnancies.

Medications

• Hormonal birth control to reduce bleeding and cramping
• Tranexamic acid or NSAIDs to lower menstrual blood loss
• GnRH agonists for temporary shrinkage (often before surgery)
• Iron supplements and nutrition guidance for anemia

Minimally Invasive Procedures

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: removes fibroids within the uterine cavity without abdominal incisions
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply
• Endometrial ablation: reduces or stops bleeding for select candidates not planning pregnancy

Surgical Options

• Myomectomy: removes fibroids while preserving the uterus (fertility-sparing)
• Hysterectomy: definitive option when childbearing is complete or symptoms are severe

When appropriate, our surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques—including laparoscopic and robotic approaches—to promote faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort for conditions such as fibroids.

Fibroids and Fertility

Fibroids don’t always affect conception or pregnancy. However, certain types—especially submucosal fibroids—can lower implantation rates or increase miscarriage risk. If you’re trying to conceive now or in the future, we’ll prioritize fertility-preserving options and coordinate a plan that supports your reproductive goals.

Take Control of Your Health

Fibroids are common, but you don’t have to live with disruptive symptoms. Care for Womens Medical Group offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment options for women throughout the Inland Empire, with convenient appointments in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, and Eastvale.

Schedule an appointment with Care for Womens Medical Group today to explore your fibroid treatment options and find a path forward that fits your life.