Fibroid FAQs

If you’ve been diagnosed with or suspect you might have fibroids, you’re probably wondering what a fibroid is and how they might impact your life. We asked our expert Rochester Regional Health interventional radiologists common questions about fibroids and treatment options.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are common, benign tumors that develop in a variety of sizes in the uterus. It is very rare (less than 1% chance in a patient’s lifetime) that they turn into cancer.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Fibroids?

Up to 50-70% of women aged over 35 have uterine fibroids. Women at risk for developing fibroids typically have:

• A family history of fibroids
• Are black or Hispanic
• An elevated Body Mass Index (BMI)

What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

The most common symptoms of fibroids are:

• Heavy bleeding or prolonged monthly periods
• Pelvic pain, back pain or severe cramps
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• An urge to urinate frequent
• Constipation or bloating

What Are the Common Treatments for Fibroids?

Fibroids are diagnosed using a pelvic exam and a pelvic sonogram. If you are diagnosed with a fibroid, there are a number of treatment options beyond a hysterectomy, including:

• Using birth control, which suppresses bleeding and the hormones that control the growth of the fibroid
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a non-surgical procedure that stops the blood flow to the fibroid, causing them to shrink
• Surgery

If you think you might have a fibroid or want to learn more, call the Interventional Radiology team at Rochester Regional Health at 585-922-5UFE.