Uterine fibroids are often found incidentally during a routine rectal examination. We might sense irregularities in the form of your uterus, indicating the existence of fibroids.
In Case You Have symptoms of uterine fibroids, we may order these tests:
- Ultrasound. If confirmation is necessary, your physician may order an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to receive an image of your uterus to confirm the diagnosis and to map and quantify fibroids. Our technician moves the ultrasound device (transducer) on your abdomen (transabdominal) or puts it within your vagina (transvaginal) to capture pictures of your uterus).
- Laboratory evaluations. When you’ve got abnormal menstrual bleeding, your physician may order other tests to explore potential triggers. These may include a full blood count (CBC) to determine if you have anemia due to chronic blood loss as well as other blood tests to rule out bleeding disorders or thyroid issues.
If conventional ultrasound does not supply enough info, your Physician may order other imaging studies, for example:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging test can reveal in more detail the dimensions and location of fibroids, identify several kinds of tumors and also help determine proper treatment choices. An MRI is often utilized in women having a bigger uterus or in women approaching menopause (perimenopause).
- Hysterosonography (his-tur-o-Suh-NOG-ruh-fee), also referred to as a saline infusion sonogram, utilizes sterile saline to enlarge the uterine cavity, which makes it much easier to get pictures of submucosal fibroids and also the lining of the uterus in women attempting pregnancy or who have heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Hysterosalpingography. We can recommend it if puberty is an issue. This evaluation can help us determine if your fallopian tubes are available or are obstructed and can demonstrate a few submucosal fibroids.
- Hysteroscopy. We inject saline in your uterus, extending the uterine cavity and enabling your physician to inspect the walls of your uterus as well as the openings of your fallopian tubes.
Choices for conventional surgical procedures include:
- Abdominal myomectomy. In case you’ve got several fibroids, quite large fibroids or quite heavy fibroids, your physician may utilize an open abdominal surgical procedure to remove the fibroids. Lots of women that are advised that hysterectomy is that their sole alternative can have an abdominal myomectomy instead. But, scarring following surgery can affect fertility.
- Hysterectomy. Hysterectomy finishes your capacity to bear children. Should you elect to have your ovaries removed, the operation brings on menopause and also the question of if you will take hormone replacement treatment. Most women with uterine fibroids could have the ability to decide to maintain their ovaries.