Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
Also called just fibroidsorleiomyomas, uterine fibroids in general are fairly common, affecting 50% to 80% of people who have uteruses at some point in their lives. They do not always cause symptoms, so it is possible to have them and not be aware of them.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Fibroids can develop as a single nodule (one growth) or in a cluster (a group of growths). Clusters can range in size from as small as 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) to as large as 20 centimeters (8 inches) in diameter or more. Uterine fibroids can grow as large as a watermelon.
This article covers the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of subserosal uterine fibroids.
Because of their location attached to the outer wall of the uterus, subserosal fibroids tend to interfere less with the functions of the uterus itself and more with neighboring organs, such as the bladder.
While heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding is acommon symptom of uterine fibroids, it is less common with subserosal fibroids.
Some symptoms of subserosal fibroids include:
An exact cause of fibroids hasn’t been pinpointed, but some risk factors have been identified.
Age
The risk of fibroids increases with age, particularly from age 30 through menopause. Fibroids often shrink aftermenopause.
It is rare for fibroids to develop before a person has begun menstruating for the first time.
Beginning menstruation at an early age (younger than age 10) has been associated with a higher risk of fibroids later on, while late menstruation (older than age 16) has been associated with a decreased risk.
Family History
Having another family member or members who have experienced fibroids increases a person’s risk of developing uterine fibroids. The risk is about three times higher than average if the family member gave birth to the person.
Ethnicity
Black people with uterusesare two to three times more likely than White people with uteruses to develop uterine fibroids.
Black People and FibroidsBlack people are also more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications from fibroids.
Black People and Fibroids
Black people are also more likely to have more severe symptoms and complications from fibroids.
Black people also respond differently than White people to standard medical treatment for fibroids. This is likely due tohealth disparitieslinked to medical racism.
More studies into the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of fibroids in Black people with uteruses need to be conducted, and medical protocols for uterine fibroids need to be adjusted to be more inclusive and effective for Black people.
Hormones
The use of artificial hormones, such as those used inbirth control pills, often slows down fibroid growth.
Body Size/Shape
It is believed that people with uteruses who are overweight are at higher risk of fibroids, particularly those who are very overweight.
A 2014 study yielded results that showed that the following were positively associated with uterine fibroids:
According to the study, those who showed the highest risk were those with a higher:
Diet
An increased incidence of uterine fibroids has been associated with eating a diet high in red meats (such as beef and ham).
The consumption of alcohol may also increase the risk of fibroids.
A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been associated with an increased risk of developing fibroids, while consuming dairy and citrus fruits appears to decrease the risk of fibroids.
Vitamin D deficiency, consumption of food additives, and the use of soybean milk may also increase the risk of uterine fibroids.
Childbirth
Never having given birth appears to increase the risk of developing fibroids in people who have uteruses, while those who have had multiple births tend to have a lower risk of fibroids.
A primary healthcare provider may discover auterine fibroidor fibroid cluster during a routine pelvic exam, which usually involves feeling the pelvic structures, including the uterus, from the outside with their fingers.
To give an idea of the size of the fibroid or fibroid cluster, a healthcare provider may compare it to common objects such as:
The healthcare provider will likely also run imaging tests to get a better view of the fibroid(s) and the pelvis.
These might include:
Though not always necessary, surgery may be performed to make a conclusive diagnosis of fibroids. Most commonly, one of the following will be done:
Treatment for uterine fibroids is not always necessary and is usually given only if the fibroids are causing problematic symptoms. Sometimes healthcare providers take a “watchful waiting” approach, in which the fibroids are monitored for changes, instead of undertaking immediate treatment.
Several treatments are available for fibroids. Which one is used depends on factors such as:
Hysterectomy
Hysterectomyis a surgery that removes the uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen, through the vagina, or laparoscopically (using small incisions and a camera).
Some benefits of having a hysterectomy for fibroids include:
Some potential disadvantages of having a hysterectomy can include:
Types of hysterectomies include:
Surgeries that may be performed along with a hysterectomy include:
These secondary surgeries are not always necessary. Removal of the ovaries along with the uterus causesmenopause to begin immediately.
While hysterectomy is extremely effective, because of its physical and psychological risks, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that it should be considered only when:
Myomectomy
Amyomectomyis a procedure that removes uterine fibroids but leaves the uterus intact.
Benefits of a myomectomy include:
Potential disadvantages of amyomectomycan include:
The three main types of myomectomy are:
A Warning About One Type of SurgeryLaparoscopic power morcellation is a procedure that uses a medical device to break uterine fibroids into small pieces, which allows them to be removed through a small incision in the abdomen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about it because if the person also has uterine cancer, this procedure can risk spreading cancer within the abdomen and pelvis. This can make cancer harder to treat.
A Warning About One Type of Surgery
Laparoscopic power morcellation is a procedure that uses a medical device to break uterine fibroids into small pieces, which allows them to be removed through a small incision in the abdomen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about it because if the person also has uterine cancer, this procedure can risk spreading cancer within the abdomen and pelvis. This can make cancer harder to treat.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
During UFE, a thin catheter is inserted into the artery at the groin or wrist through an incision that is about the size of a pencil tip.
Small particles (about the size of grains of sand) are released through the catheter into the fibroid’s blood supply. These particles float downstream and block the small blood vessels. This deprives the fibroid of nutrients.
The procedure causes the fibroid to soften, bleed less, and shrink in size. About 90% of people who have UFE experience significant improvement in their symptoms, or the symptoms go away completely.
UFE is nonsurgical and minimally invasive, with a lower complication rate, less pain, less blood loss, and a shorter recovery time than surgical treatments for fibroids.
UFE is not recommended for people who:
Ultrasound Guided Radiofrequency Ablation
With this procedure, high-energy waves are used to generate heat that destroys fibroids.
The procedure is considered safe and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS)
MRgFUS is a relatively new, noninvasive procedure that takes about three hours to complete.
The person with fibroids lies in amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)machine, which a radiologist uses to identify and target the fibroids.
High-intensity ultrasound waves are then used while the person is in the MRI to heat and destroy the uterine fibroids. The procedure uses a device called the ExAblate.
MRgFUS has a low risk of complications and a short recovery time.
MRgFUS has some limitations, including:
Medications
While medications don’t cure fibroids, they can help manage fibroids and the symptoms that come with them.
Hormone Therapy
Nonhormonal Medications
Oriahnn: A New MedicationIn May 2020, the FDA approved a medication called Oriahnn for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding in premenopausal people with uterine fibroids. The capsule contains:Elagolix: An oral, nonpeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist that suppresses ovarian sex hormonesCombining it with the sex hormones estradiol and norethindrone acetate helps to mitigate side effects associated with estrogen deficiency that are similar to those of menopause.
Oriahnn: A New Medication
In May 2020, the FDA approved a medication called Oriahnn for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding in premenopausal people with uterine fibroids. The capsule contains:Elagolix: An oral, nonpeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist that suppresses ovarian sex hormonesCombining it with the sex hormones estradiol and norethindrone acetate helps to mitigate side effects associated with estrogen deficiency that are similar to those of menopause.
In May 2020, the FDA approved a medication called Oriahnn for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding in premenopausal people with uterine fibroids. The capsule contains:
Combining it with the sex hormones estradiol and norethindrone acetate helps to mitigate side effects associated with estrogen deficiency that are similar to those of menopause.
Possible complications of fibroids include:
There is a small risk that fibroids may cause complications in pregnancy, depending on factors such as the size of the fibroid or fibroid cluster. These complications may include:
Fibroids often cause no symptoms at all and require no treatment or management.
If you have symptomatic fibroids, you should speak with a healthcare provider about treatment plans, as symptom management may not be enough.
To help cope with fibroid symptoms while waiting for treatment, you can:
Resources for FibroidsSome resources for more information about uterine fibroids include:The White Dress ProjectThe Fibroid FoundationCARE About FibroidsUterine Fibroids Removal Support GroupUterine Fibroid Support and Resource Group
Resources for Fibroids
Some resources for more information about uterine fibroids include:The White Dress ProjectThe Fibroid FoundationCARE About FibroidsUterine Fibroids Removal Support GroupUterine Fibroid Support and Resource Group
Some resources for more information about uterine fibroids include:
How do you shrink fibroids naturally with herbs?
As with any type of medication, always consult with a healthcare provider before using herbs or supplements.
Drinking green tea could be helpful in relieving fibroid symptoms. A 2013 study suggests that the flavanol EGCG, found in green tea, may reduce the size of uterine fibroids and improve symptoms of anemia and blood loss.
How fast do fibroids grow?
Thegrowth of fibroidscan vary and be difficult to predict.
One study indicated that average fibroid growth is 89% per 18 months. This means that a 2 centimeter fibroid (about the size of a blueberry) is likely to take about four to five years to double its diameter.
The study also found that very small fibroids tend to grow more quickly than larger ones.
Why do fibroids cause heavy bleeding?
The pressure of the fibroid(s) against the uterine wall can cause the endometrial tissue whose lining is shed during menstruation to bleed more than usual.
Another factor may be that fibroids don’t allow the uterus to contract well enough to effectively stop menstrual bleeding.
Fibroids also produce growth factors (proteins) that stimulate the blood vessels of the uterus. This causes more blood in the uterine cavity, leading to heavier periods.
How do you deal with fibroids during pregnancy?
Although rare, there may be a higher risk of a complications such as preterm delivery or a cesarean section.
If fibroids are discovered before or during pregnancy, the healthcare provider will monitor the fibroids for changes and complications.
A Word From Verywell
Uterine fibroids are common, and subserosal fibroids are the most common type of uterine fibroids. While they are often asymptomatic, subserosal fibroids can cause pain, discomfort, and other bothersome symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms of fibroids, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider, especially if you are or plan to become pregnant.
There are several effective treatments for subserosal fibroids that can get rid of fibroids for good or help manage their symptoms.
24 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.Dalton-Brewer N.The role of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of fibroids and associated symptomatology.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep; 5(2):110-118.Cleveland Clinic.Uterine fibroids.University of California San Francisco Health.Fibroids.USA Fibroid Centers.Subserosal fibroid.Office On Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.Cruz MSDDL, Buchanan EM.Uterine fibroids: diagnosis and treatment. AFP.; 95(2):100-107.Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Uterine fibroids: overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017.Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey.Journal of Women’s Health. 2013;22(10):807-816. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S.Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women.Journal of Women’s Health. 2014;23(7):619-626. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?Harvard Health Publishing.What to do about fibroids.Mount Sinai.Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy.Khan A, Shehmar M, Gupta J.Uterine fibroids: current perspectives.IJWH. Published online January 2014:95. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S51083Cleveland Clinic.Myomectomy.Saridogan E.Surgical treatment of fibroids in heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016;12(1):53-62.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Laparoscopic power morcellators.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) the right treatment for you?UCLA Health.Medications for fibroids.Cleveland Clinic.New medication gets FDA approval for fibroid-associated menstrual bleeding.MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.USA Fibroid Centers.Tips for managing fibroid symptoms before treatment.Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah AS, Al-hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-86. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021Baird 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.2020.02.016USA Fibroid Centers.Uterine fibroid bleeding: causes and symptoms.
24 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.Dalton-Brewer N.The role of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of fibroids and associated symptomatology.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep; 5(2):110-118.Cleveland Clinic.Uterine fibroids.University of California San Francisco Health.Fibroids.USA Fibroid Centers.Subserosal fibroid.Office On Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.Cruz MSDDL, Buchanan EM.Uterine fibroids: diagnosis and treatment. AFP.; 95(2):100-107.Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Uterine fibroids: overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017.Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey.Journal of Women’s Health. 2013;22(10):807-816. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S.Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women.Journal of Women’s Health. 2014;23(7):619-626. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?Harvard Health Publishing.What to do about fibroids.Mount Sinai.Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy.Khan A, Shehmar M, Gupta J.Uterine fibroids: current perspectives.IJWH. Published online January 2014:95. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S51083Cleveland Clinic.Myomectomy.Saridogan E.Surgical treatment of fibroids in heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016;12(1):53-62.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Laparoscopic power morcellators.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) the right treatment for you?UCLA Health.Medications for fibroids.Cleveland Clinic.New medication gets FDA approval for fibroid-associated menstrual bleeding.MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.USA Fibroid Centers.Tips for managing fibroid symptoms before treatment.Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah AS, Al-hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-86. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021Baird 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.2020.02.016USA Fibroid Centers.Uterine fibroid bleeding: causes and symptoms.
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.
Dalton-Brewer N.The role of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of fibroids and associated symptomatology.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep; 5(2):110-118.Cleveland Clinic.Uterine fibroids.University of California San Francisco Health.Fibroids.USA Fibroid Centers.Subserosal fibroid.Office On Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.Cruz MSDDL, Buchanan EM.Uterine fibroids: diagnosis and treatment. AFP.; 95(2):100-107.Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Uterine fibroids: overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017.Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey.Journal of Women’s Health. 2013;22(10):807-816. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S.Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women.Journal of Women’s Health. 2014;23(7):619-626. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?Harvard Health Publishing.What to do about fibroids.Mount Sinai.Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy.Khan A, Shehmar M, Gupta J.Uterine fibroids: current perspectives.IJWH. Published online January 2014:95. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S51083Cleveland Clinic.Myomectomy.Saridogan E.Surgical treatment of fibroids in heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016;12(1):53-62.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Laparoscopic power morcellators.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) the right treatment for you?UCLA Health.Medications for fibroids.Cleveland Clinic.New medication gets FDA approval for fibroid-associated menstrual bleeding.MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.USA Fibroid Centers.Tips for managing fibroid symptoms before treatment.Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah AS, Al-hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-86. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021Baird 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.2020.02.016USA Fibroid Centers.Uterine fibroid bleeding: causes and symptoms.
Dalton-Brewer N.The role of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of fibroids and associated symptomatology.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep; 5(2):110-118.
Cleveland Clinic.Uterine fibroids.
University of California San Francisco Health.Fibroids.
USA Fibroid Centers.Subserosal fibroid.
Office On Women’s Health.Uterine fibroids.
Cruz MSDDL, Buchanan EM.Uterine fibroids: diagnosis and treatment. AFP.; 95(2):100-107.
Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894.Uterine fibroids: overview. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2017.
Stewart EA, Nicholson WK, Bradley L, Borah BJ.The burden of uterine fibroids for African-American women: results of a national survey.Journal of Women’s Health. 2013;22(10):807-816. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4334
Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S.Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women.Journal of Women’s Health. 2014;23(7):619-626. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?
Harvard Health Publishing.What to do about fibroids.
Mount Sinai.Uterine fibroids and hysterectomy.
Khan A, Shehmar M, Gupta J.Uterine fibroids: current perspectives.IJWH. Published online January 2014:95. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S51083
Cleveland Clinic.Myomectomy.
Saridogan E.Surgical treatment of fibroids in heavy menstrual bleeding. Womens Health (Lond). 2016;12(1):53-62.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Laparoscopic power morcellators.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) the right treatment for you?
UCLA Health.Medications for fibroids.
Cleveland Clinic.New medication gets FDA approval for fibroid-associated menstrual bleeding.
MedlinePlus.Uterine fibroids.
USA Fibroid Centers.Tips for managing fibroid symptoms before treatment.
Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah AS, Al-hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-86. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021
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
USA Fibroid Centers.Uterine fibroid bleeding: causes and symptoms.
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