How are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?
Receiving an accurate diagnosis is critical to finding the proper uterine fibroids treatment to improve your overall quality of life. One of the most common questions women ask is how do they know if they have fibroids? Uterine fibroids are typically found during a routine pelvic exam or well-woman exam during an annual visit to your gynecologist. If your physician has diagnosed you with uterine fibroids, American Fibroid Centers can help. Our affiliated physicians are highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids. During a thorough consultation at one of our facilities, we will order diagnostic tests to determine if uterine fibroids are in fact present and the best course of action moving forward.
Tests to Diagnose Uterine Fibroids
Our team of affiliated physicians diagnoses uterine fibroids using various methods. Typically, the first step is an ultrasound. For more complex cases, an MRI and other tests may be used. If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, your doctor may suggest the following diagnostic tests to confirm fibroids and determine their size and location:
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe and effective way to look for fibroids. During this exam, ultrasonic waves are used to create a picture of the uterus and ovaries. Depending on the size of the uterus, the ultrasound may be performed by the transvaginal or transabdominal route. The entire procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and it does not involve radiation.
MRI
In some cases, an ultrasound does not provide enough information. An MRI gives your doctor a detailed picture of the number, size, and exact location of the fibroids. All patients that are being evaluated for Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) will receive an MRI. This test takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and it does not involve radiation.
Find out if you are at risk for uterine fibroids.
What to Do After You Are Diagnosed
Once your test results come back, we’ll discuss our findings with you and determine if treatment is necessary. In many cases, uterine fibroids don’t actually require medical intervention. However, treatment may be needed if your pain and symptoms are severe or based on the size, location, and number of fibroids. Your doctor may recommend certain medications and several lifestyle changes to help control your symptoms.
- Monitor your symptoms
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Lower your blood pressure
- Take prescribed medication
- Discuss your options with your doctor if symptoms get worse
Treatment for Fibroids
If you have been diagnosed with fibroids and your symptoms get more severe, you may need further treatment. Women diagnosed with uterine fibroids often believe that a hysterectomy is their only option. However, recent medical advancements and more powerful imaging technology allow doctors to safely and effectively treat fibroids without the need for surgery. Uterine Fibroid Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that only requires a small incision. UFE offers the following benefits:
- Less invasive than surgery
- No hospital stay
- No scarring
- Fewer complications
- Quicker recovery time
- Effective relief from symptomatic fibroids
Our Fibroid Specialists
The American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physicians are among the nation’s most experienced at treating patients with uterine fibroids. You can rely on them for high-quality, compassionate care before, during, and after your UFE procedure. Schedule an appointment with one of our affiliated physicians today.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Learn more about our patient’s experiences at American Fibroid Centers.
From the Experts
Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.