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How Many Types of Fibroids Are There?

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, it is important to know that there are four different types of fibroids. Uterine fibroids are generally classified by location and can vary in size and number. These factors tend to impact the severity of a woman’s fibroid symptoms. At American Fibroid Centers, our affiliated fibroid specialists use the most advanced technology and techniques to diagnose and treat all types of uterine fibroids. They perform Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasiveimage-guided procedure, to shrink and eliminate fibroids in a safe and effective manner. UFE allows patients to get back to their normal routine and can significantly improve common fibroid symptoms.

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The Four Types of Fibroids

The location of your fibroids in the uterus is what determines the type of fibroids you have. During a regular pelvic exam, your OBGYN can feel the size and shape of your uterus. If the uterus is enlarged or irregularly shaped, this is a strong indication that fibroids are present. Our affiliated physicians will then conduct a variety of tests to accurately diagnose which type of fibroid you have.

Intramural Fibroids

Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular walls of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroid. Due to their location, intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch in the womb. Common symptoms include heavy periods that last 10 days or more, irregular bleeding between periods, and pelvic or lower back pain.

Subserosal Fibroids

Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus, bulging into the pelvic or abdominal cavity. They can be attached to the uterus directly or via a thin stalk called a peduncle. Women with subserosal fibroids often experience more issues with neighboring organs like the bladder, rectum, or intestines.

Submucosal Fibroids

Submucosal fibroids grow into the inner  layer of the uterus, the endometrium, . This type of fibroid can develop individually or in clusters, and it is most likely to cause heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, dizziness, and faint. Other common symptoms of submucosal fibroids include bleeding between periods and passing frequent or large blood clots, pelvic and back pain. Those that bulge significantly into the uterine cavity may be treated by removal through the vagina using a hysterscope by your OBGYN.

Pedunculated Fibroids

Pedunculated fibroids are considered to be a variation of subserosal or submucosal fibroids. They grow on a stalk, or peduncle, outside of the uterine walls. Pedunculated fibroids can cause sharp stabbing pains when the fibroid rotates on the peduncle, interfering with the blood flow to the fibroid. They may be treated with camera from the outside (laparoscopy) or inside (hysteroscopy) depending on where they are located.

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How are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?

Many types of fibroids can be diagnosed by your OBGYN through a routine pelvic exam. You may also suspect that you have fibroids based on certain symptoms. Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but some will cause pain, discomfort, and other problems, especially if they are larger. The American Fibroid Centers’ affiliated physicians use several imaging tests for fibroid diagnosis. To get a clear picture of your fibroids and their severity, your physician may order the following tests:

  • Ultrasound
  • MRI with contrast

How are Uterine Fibroids Treated?

If left untreated, fibroids can severely impact your quality of life with symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and fibroid pain. Your gynecologist may recommend certain lifestyle changes or prescribe you medications or hormone therapies to help relieve your symptoms and shrink the size of your fibroids. However, if your symptoms get worse you may need a procedure. Our affiliated physicians specialize in Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which is a less invasive alternative to a hysterectomy and treats all types of fibroids. However, your fibroid treatment depends on the following factors:

  • Age
  • Fertility goals
  • Extent of fibroid symptoms
  • Number and size of fibroids
  • Type of fibroids you have
  • Previous uterine fibroids treatments
  • Other health conditions present

Our Fibroid Specialists

Our board-certified affiliated physicians at American Fibroid Centers are among the nation’s most respected interventional radiologists and fibroid specialists. They will work closely with you to understand your unique situation, address any questions or concerns, and provide a personalized fibroid treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

American Fibroid Centers has state-of-the-art outpatient facilities across New York and New Jersey. Most of our offices are accredited by the Joint Commission and run by a team of highly trained affiliated physicians and critical care-trained nursing staff. Visit your nearest location today to experience best-in-class uterine fibroid treatment.

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

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