What are the tests for uterine fibroids?

Ultrasound &/or exam: Ultrasound can determine if there are fibroids, so can a pelvic exam in many cases. A better question is: why is this an issue? Some studies show that by a certain age most women have fibroids. So having a fibroid is common. Are they causing problems of bleeding, pain, size or pressure? Those questions are important when deciding if treatment is needed.

MRI: While ultrasound is fairly good at showing fibroids exist, MRI is excellent for localizing them and telling you whether or not they are "alive". Some fibroids die on their own (infarct) and these cannot be treated with uterine fibroid embolization (ufe). "alive" fibroids can be treated with ufe or surgical techniques if symptoms warrant it.

Ultrasound usually: Fibroids can be detected on physical exam or imaging or both. Pelvic ultrasound is the most common imaging tool used to detect fibroids, although MRI has much better resolution and higher cost. MRI is used to determine if a patient is a candidate for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) a non-surgical treatment option for uterine fibroids.

Tests: Initially your gynecologist may do an ultrasound. Also an MRI maybe done to better characterize your fibroids prior to treatment.