For many women, fibroids don’t appear suddenly. Symptoms often start quietly—heavier periods that feel manageable at first, pelvic pressure that comes and goes, or fatigue that’s easy to blame on a busy life. Over time, those small changes can grow into symptoms that affect comfort, confidence, work, and overall quality of life.
At Innovative Minimally Invasive Imaging & Therapeutics (IMIIT), we meet women from across Los Angeles and surrounding communities who have been living with fibroids for years before realizing that their symptoms are not something they simply have to “push through.” Understanding what fibroids are, why they cause symptoms, and what treatment options exist can be the first step toward feeling like yourself again.
This guide explains what fibroids are, common causes and symptoms, and both traditional and minimally invasive treatment options, with a focus on safe, uterus-sparing care.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids—also called leiomyomas—are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are extremely common, especially among women in their 30s, 40s, and early 50s.
Fibroids vary in:
- Size – from very small to large enough to distort the uterus
- Location – within the uterine wall, inside the uterine cavity, or on the outer surface
- Number – some women have one fibroid, while others have several
While fibroids are benign, they can still cause significant symptoms depending on their size and location.
What Causes Fibroids?
While fibroids don’t have one single cause, their growth is influenced by several well-understood factors.
Hormonal Influence
Fibroids are sensitive to estrogen and progesterone, hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This is why fibroids often grow during reproductive years and may shrink after menopause.
Genetics
Fibroids tend to run in families. Women with a close relative who has fibroids are more likely to develop them.
Blood Supply to the Uterus
Fibroids rely on an increased blood supply to grow. This abnormal blood flow is also what drives many fibroid-related symptoms, including heavy bleeding and pelvic pressure.
Common Fibroid Symptoms
Fibroids affect women differently. While some have few or no noticeable symptoms, others experience symptoms that gradually worsen over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Passing large blood clots during menstruation
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Abdominal bloating or visible enlargement
- Pelvic or lower back pain
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Fatigue or anemia related to blood loss
When symptoms begin interfering with daily life, work, intimacy, or energy levels, it’s often a sign that fibroids need targeted evaluation.
Why Fibroid Symptoms Often Get Worse Over Time
Fibroids don’t usually resolve on their own. As they grow, they can increase pressure on surrounding organs, disrupt normal uterine contractions, cause ongoing inflammation, and lead to chronic heavy bleeding and anemia.
Some women are told that a hysterectomy is the only way to fully resolve fibroid symptoms. Others try medications or hormone therapies that offer temporary relief but don’t address the underlying cause. Understanding why symptoms persist opens the door to more effective, less invasive options.
How Fibroids Are Diagnosed
Diagnosing fibroids begins with a detailed conversation about symptoms, including menstrual changes, pelvic discomfort, and how those symptoms affect daily life. A pelvic exam may help identify uterine enlargement or irregularities, but imaging is essential for confirming the diagnosis.
Ultrasound or MRI allows physicians to clearly see the size, location, and blood supply of fibroids—key factors in understanding which fibroids are most likely responsible for symptoms and which treatment options may be effective.
Advanced imaging plays a key role at IMIIT in identifying which fibroids are most likely driving symptoms, and which treatments are appropriate.
Fibroid Treatment Options
The right treatment approach varies based on symptoms, fibroid characteristics, age, fertility goals, and personal preferences.
Watchful Waiting
For small fibroids without significant symptoms, monitoring may be appropriate.
Medications
Hormonal therapies may help manage bleeding or pain temporarily, but fibroids often return once medication is stopped.
Surgical Options
Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, but it involves surgery and recovery time.
Hysterectomy permanently removes the uterus and ends fertility.
While surgery may be appropriate for some, many women seek alternatives that are less invasive and uterus-sparing.
A Minimally Invasive Option: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure offered at IMIIT that treats fibroids without surgery.
How UFE Works
Fibroids depend on abnormal blood vessels for growth. During UFE:
- A specialist guides a small catheter through a blood vessel
- Tiny particles are delivered to block blood flow to the fibroids
- Fibroids shrink over time as their blood supply is reduced
The uterus itself remains healthy, while fibroids gradually decrease in size and symptoms improve.
Benefits of UFE at IMIIT
Women across Los Angeles choose IMIIT for fibroid care because of the clinic’s focus on comfort, safety, and personalized treatment.
Benefits include:
- No large incisions
- No hospital stay
- Same-day outpatient procedure
- Faster recovery than surgery
- Uterus-sparing approach
- Symptom improvement without hormonal disruption
Most patients return home the same day and resume light activities within days.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for UFE?
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can be a strong option for women whose fibroids are causing real, ongoing disruption—but who want to avoid major surgery.
Many women who consider UFE are dealing with heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain, or pressure that makes daily activities uncomfortable. Others have been told that a hysterectomy is their next step and are looking for an option that allows them to treat fibroids while preserving the uterus.
UFE is often appealing to women who prefer a minimally invasive approach, with no large incisions, no hospital stay, and a faster recovery. For women who are not planning a future pregnancy, UFE can offer meaningful symptom relief without the physical and emotional impact of surgery. That said, every woman’s situation is different, and fertility goals should always be discussed in detail.
At IMIIT, candidacy for UFE is never assumed. Each patient receives a personalized consultation that considers symptoms, imaging findings, medical history, and long-term goals to determine whether UFE is the right fit.
When to Seek Care
It may be worth exploring treatment options if you’re experiencing:
- Periods that interfere with daily life
- Chronic fatigue or anemia
- Pelvic pressure or pain that continues to worsen
- Symptoms that persist despite medication
- Feeling limited by your body or schedule
Fibroid symptoms are not something you have to “just live with.”
Compassionate Fibroid Care Across Los Angeles
At Innovative Minimally Invasive Imaging & Therapeutics (IMIIT), fibroid care begins with listening. No two women experience fibroids the same way, and treatment should never feel rushed or one-size-fits-all. IMIIT’s approach is centered on education, clear communication, and helping each patient understand her options before making any decisions.
Care is led by Dr. Singha, a board-certified physician with extensive experience in minimally invasive, image-guided treatments for fibroids. Women throughout the Los Angeles area seek out IMIIT because they want alternatives to major surgery—and a care team that focuses on relieving symptoms while preserving the uterus whenever possible. Treatments like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) allow many patients to address fibroids without large incisions, long hospital stays, or lengthy recovery.
If fibroid symptoms are affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Call IMIIT today to schedule a consultation and learn more about minimally invasive treatment options for fibroids.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibroids
Are fibroids cancerous?
Fibroids are almost always benign (noncancerous). In very rare cases, a cancerous tumor called a leiomyosarcoma can be present, but these are uncommon and not believed to develop from typical fibroids. Imaging and clinical evaluation help physicians identify concerning features when needed.
Can fibroids shrink without treatment?
They may shrink after menopause, but most do not resolve on their own during reproductive years.
Is UFE safe?
Yes. When performed by experienced specialists, UFE has a strong safety record and has been used for decades.
Will fibroids come back after UFE?
Most treated fibroids continue to shrink. New fibroids can develop over time, but many women experience lasting symptom relief.