Fibroid Quiz and Fibroids: What to Know

Fibroid Quiz and Fibroids: What to Know

Uterine fibroids are common, benign growths of the uterus that can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, and other symptoms that affect daily life. If you’ve wondered whether your symptoms could be fibroids—or you’re looking to understand screening, diagnosis, and treatment—this guide brings together expert information from trusted health sources to help you take the next step with confidence.

Quick Fibroid Self‑Check Quiz (Not a Diagnosis)

Answer yes or no to each question. This quiz cannot diagnose fibroids, but it can help you decide whether to speak with a clinician.

  1. Do your periods last longer than 7 days, or do you soak through a pad/tampon every 1–2 hours on your heaviest days?
  2. Have you been told you’re anemic, or do you often feel unusually tired, dizzy, or short of breath during your period?
  3. Do you feel pelvic pressure, fullness, or abdominal bloating that isn’t explained by other conditions?
  4. Do you urinate frequently or feel you can’t fully empty your bladder?
  5. Do you have constipation, back pain, or leg pain that worsens during your cycle?
  6. Is sex often painful (dyspareunia)?
  7. Have you had difficulty getting pregnant or experienced miscarriages?
  8. Do you have a family history of fibroids (mother, sister, aunt)?
  9. Are you between ages 30 and 50, or did your periods start at an early age?
  10. Have you noticed a firm or enlarged lower abdomen?

What your responses may mean: If you answered yes to 3 or more questions—especially if heavy bleeding or anemia is involved—consider making an appointment with a clinician. If you are soaking through protection hourly for more than two hours, feel faint, or have severe pain, seek care promptly. Only an exam and appropriate imaging can confirm fibroids.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are noncancerous tumors of the uterine muscle. They can vary in number and size—from a single seed-sized nodule to multiple growths that enlarge the uterus. Fibroids are categorized by location:

  • Submucosal: bulge into the uterine cavity
  • Intramural: grow within the uterine wall
  • Subserosal: project to the outside of the uterus

Fibroids are very common—most people with a uterus will develop them by age 50. They are especially prevalent and often more severe in Black women. Fibroids are almost always benign; transformation to cancer (leiomyosarcoma) is very rare.

Symptoms and Impact

Many fibroids cause no symptoms and are found incidentally. When symptoms occur, they can include:

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, sometimes with clots
  • Anemia (fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath)
  • Pelvic pressure or pain; abdominal enlargement/bloating
  • Frequent urination, urinary urgency, or constipation
  • Pain with sex
  • Fertility challenges or pregnancy complications (depending on size and location)

Symptoms often improve after menopause as estrogen levels fall, but this varies by individual.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Factors linked with a higher likelihood of fibroids include increasing age through the 40s, a family history of fibroids, early onset of menstruation, and being of African ancestry. Body weight and certain lifestyle factors may also play a role. Having risk factors does not mean you will develop symptoms, and people without these factors can still develop fibroids.

How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

A clinician will start with your history and a pelvic exam. Imaging confirms the diagnosis and guides treatment:

  • Pelvic ultrasound (transvaginal and/or transabdominal) is first-line.
  • Saline infusion sonography (sonohysterography) better visualizes the uterine cavity for submucosal fibroids.
  • MRI can map number, size, and location for complex cases or surgical planning.
  • Hysteroscopy allows direct visualization and treatment of cavity-distorting fibroids.

Blood tests may check for anemia or other causes of heavy bleeding.

Treatment Options: From Watchful Waiting to Surgery

The best plan depends on your symptoms, fibroid size/location, age, preferences, and goals for future pregnancy. Many people choose a stepwise approach, starting with the least invasive option that addresses their priorities.

Watchful Waiting

If fibroids are small and not bothersome, monitoring with periodic exams and imaging is reasonable—especially nearing menopause.

Medications

  • NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can ease cramps and pain but typically don’t reduce bleeding volume.
  • Tranexamic acid (non-hormonal) can significantly reduce menstrual blood loss on heavy days.
  • Hormonal contraception (pills, patch, ring) may lighten and regulate periods; effects on fibroid size are variable.
  • Levonorgestrel‑releasing IUD can markedly reduce bleeding, particularly if the uterine cavity is not severely distorted by fibroids.
  • GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide) temporarily shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding; often used short-term or before surgery due to side effects like hot flashes and bone density loss (sometimes with “add‑back” hormones).
  • Oral GnRH antagonist combination therapies are FDA‑approved to manage heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids. These medicines reduce estrogen to control bleeding and may modestly shrink fibroids; they are typically limited in duration and often include low‑dose “add‑back” hormones to protect bones and manage side effects. Your clinician can discuss eligibility, risks, and monitoring.

Medication choices depend on your health history and whether you are trying to conceive.

Uterus‑Preserving Procedures

  • Uterine artery embolization (UAE): A radiologist blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Most people go home the same day. Cramping and low‑grade fever can occur temporarily. Discuss future pregnancy plans with your clinician, as data on fertility after UAE are mixed.
  • Radiofrequency ablation (laparoscopic or transcervical): Heat is applied to fibroids to shrink them. Recovery is usually quick, and the uterus is preserved.
  • MRI‑guided focused ultrasound: Uses high‑intensity ultrasound to ablate fibroids without incisions; available at select centers for appropriately located fibroids.
  • Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. Approaches include hysteroscopic (for submucosal), laparoscopic/robotic, or open surgery, depending on size and number. Fibroids can recur, so some people may need additional treatment later.

Definitive Surgery

  • Hysterectomy removes the uterus and eliminates fibroids permanently. It is appropriate for those who do not desire future pregnancy. Ovaries may be preserved depending on age and preference.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Ask these questions during your visit:

  • Which fibroids are causing my symptoms, and how do their size and location influence treatment?
  • What are the likely benefits, risks, and recovery times of each option?
  • How might treatment affect my fertility or future pregnancy?
  • What should I expect over time—will symptoms come back?

When to See a Clinician

  • You have very heavy periods, anemia symptoms, or bleeding between periods.
  • You feel persistent pelvic pressure or pain.
  • You are trying to conceive or have had recurrent pregnancy loss.
  • You have rapid abdominal growth or new severe symptoms.

Seek urgent care if you are soaking through protection hourly for more than two hours, feel faint, or have severe pain with fever.

Bottom Line

Fibroids are common and treatable. A short self‑check can highlight symptoms worth discussing, but only a clinician can make a diagnosis. With today’s medical and minimally invasive options, most people can find relief that fits their goals—whether that’s lighter periods, pain control, preserving fertility, or a definitive cure.

Sources and Further Reading

This article is for education only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

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