How do you tell if you have a uterine fibroid?

Pain, bleeding: Uterine fibroids can result in many different symptoms, but the most common are irregular menstrual-type bleeding or spotting, and pain. The pain may or may not be related to menstruation.

Excessive bleedinf: Excessive bleeding and increased pain during menses are most common depending on the location of the fibroid. Other causes of the above symptoms are endo polyp and adenomyosis. An ultrasound is a first line study followed by an MRI with contrast to better evaluate . If positive they may be amenable to uterine fibroid embolization. Family history is important.

Fibroids: Fibroids can cause symptoms of bleeding or pain. Often times your provider can feel a fibroid on examination and confirm it with ultrasound.

On exam or US: Anyone can get a uterine fibroid, which is an overgrowth of muscle cells in the shape of a ball. Like moles on the skin, they come in different sizes/shapes; RARELY cancerous. You only need surgery if you have symptoms like pain/pressure/incontinence/bleeding/bloating. Size/location don't matter. Lupron (leuprolide) or embolization are ways to control w/out surgery. US follow up is very important.