Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses and Risk FactorsSymptomsTreatmentsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes and Risk Factors
Symptoms
Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Pedunculated fibroids are any fibroids that have a peduncle, or stem. However, these fibroids are further broken down intotypes of fibroidsbased on where around the uterus they occur:
This article focuses on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of pedunculated fibroids.
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Healthcare providers aren’t sure what causes fibroids to develop or why some fibroids develop on a peduncle. It’s believed that the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone play a role since most people don’t experience fibroids after they enter menopause. However, the exact cause of fibroids isn’t understood.
Healthcare providers do know about certain risk factors that will make it more likely that a person will experience fibroids. However, in most cases, they don’t know why these factors increase risk—just that they do.
The risk factors for fibroids are:
Black people with a uterus have a two to three times increased occurrence of fibroids, but the reason is currently unknown.
On the other hand, fibroids are less common in people who have had several pregnancies, or those who have been on birth control pills.This suggests that there is a hormonal factor at play in the development of fibroids.
In most cases, uterine fibroids don’t cause symptoms. However, for some people, they can become problematic. If you experience symptoms of fibroids, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Pedunculated Fibroids
Other symptoms of pedunculated fibroids include:
Fibroids and Fertility
Many people are concerned about whether fibroids will affectfertility. It’s estimated that only 1% to 2% of infertility cases can be blamed on fibroids.
In particular, submucosal fibroids can affect fertility, since they can change the space within the womb and could prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. If you have a pedunculated submucosal fibroid and would like to become pregnant, you should speak with a healthcare provider about the best course of action.
Fibroids and Cancer
Fibroids are not linked tocancer. Healthcare providers used to think they might increase the risk of cancer, but there is no evidence for this, and scientists now agree that they are not a risk factor for cancer.
Thetreatment for fibroidsvaries, so it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider about what treatment options are best for you.
Some treatments control the symptoms of fibroids, such as heavy periods. Others—like surgery—address the fibroids themselves, reducing the size or removing them. There are two common treatments for pedunculated fibroids, which are explained below.
Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine artery embolization (UAE)is a process that cuts off blood flow to fibroids. This is done using a catheter, and the person is usually awake for the procedure but doesn’t feel it due to local anesthesia. Once the blood flow to the fibroid has been cut off, the fibroid shrinks.
This procedure is most often used with fibroids that are 2 centimeters or wider, and it’s most effective for subserosal fibroids (those that grow outside the womb).
A downside of this procedure is that 10% of people have fibroids that will regrow within two years, and the procedure will have to be repeated.
Myomectomy
Those who wish to become pregnant after having a myomectomy should speak with a healthcare provider about the benefits and risks.
What might cause a pedunculated fibroid to twist?
Sudden movements like jumping, flipping, or twisting can cause a pedunculated fibroid to twist or flip. This can be quite painful. As a fibroid grows, it’s more likely to twist.
How fast do fibroids grow?
The rate of fibroid growth is unpredictable, even within one person. On average, fibroids increase 89% in 18 months.Research has found that fibroids larger than 2 centimeters usually grow more slowly than fibroids that are smaller than 1 centimeter. That means that a 2-centimeter fibroid would take roughly four years to double in size.
Why do fibroids cause heavy bleeding?
Fibroids, especially those that are within the uterus, can increase menstrual bleeding because they put pressure on the uterine walls.These fibroids originate in the lining of the uterus, which is shed during a period, and thus are more likely to cause heavier periods.
If you’re experiencing heavy periods, speak with a healthcare provider, since this can increase your risk ofanemia.
How do you deal with fibroids during pregnancy?
In most cases, fibroids do not cause pregnancy complications.However, fibroids within the womb can slightly increase your risk of miscarriage.
In rare cases, the position of a fibroid might interfere with a vaginal delivery and mean that a pregnant person needs a cesarean section.
A Word From Verywell
Learning that you have uterine fibroids can be scary. In addition, pedunculated fibroids can be painful. However, there are treatments available that can help keep fibroids from interfering with your life. Fibroids are almost never cancerous, and they’re unlikely to interfere with fertility.
Still, it’s important to find a trusted healthcare provider who can answer your questions about pedunculated fibroids. That way, you can feel empowered to select a treatment option that is right for you.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.Fibroid Treatment Collective.Pedunculated fibroids and the benefit of UAE.Baird DD, Patchel SA, Saldana TM, et al.Uterine fibroid incidence and growth in an ultrasound-based, prospective study of young African Americans.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020;223(3):402.e1-402.e18. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.016
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.Fibroid Treatment Collective.Pedunculated fibroids and the benefit of UAE.Baird DD, Patchel SA, Saldana TM, et al.Uterine fibroid incidence and growth in an ultrasound-based, prospective study of young African Americans.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020;223(3):402.e1-402.e18. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.016
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.Fibroid Treatment Collective.Pedunculated fibroids and the benefit of UAE.Baird DD, Patchel SA, Saldana TM, et al.Uterine fibroid incidence and growth in an ultrasound-based, prospective study of young African Americans.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020;223(3):402.e1-402.e18. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.016
MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.
Fibroid Treatment Collective.Pedunculated fibroids and the benefit of UAE.
Baird DD, Patchel SA, Saldana TM, et al.Uterine fibroid incidence and growth in an ultrasound-based, prospective study of young African Americans.American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2020;223(3):402.e1-402.e18. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2020.02.016
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