Painful periods, bloating, pelvic pressure, cramps, pain with sex, or fertility concerns can make it hard to know what is happening in your body. Uterine fibroids are common, and many women have them without symptoms, but some fibroids can cause pain and daily disruption. Understanding the difference between fibroids, endometriosis, and other pelvic conditions can help you get the right diagnosis and care.
The Endometriosis Treatment Center of America provides uterine fibroid evaluation and treatment in Lake Orion and Bloomfield Hills, MI. Led by Dr. Jonathan Zaidan, MD, FACOG, the team focuses on complex pelvic pain, endometriosis care, robotic surgery, fertility preservation, and minimally invasive treatment options.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are benign, noncancerous tumors made of smooth muscle tissue that grow in or around the uterus. They may be very small, grow in clusters, or become large enough to create visible abdominal swelling.
Fibroids are very common and affect many women during their reproductive years. In many cases, they do not cause symptoms and may only be found during a pelvic exam or imaging test. When fibroids do cause symptoms, treatment may help reduce pain, bleeding, pressure, and other concerns.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroid symptoms can vary based on the size, number, and location of the growths. Some patients experience only mild discomfort, while others experience symptoms that affect work, sleep, intimacy, and daily routines.
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Painful periods
- Menstrual cramps
- Bloating or abdominal swelling
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Painful intercourse
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Frequent urination or bladder pressure
- Constipation or bowel pressure
- Infertility or pregnancy concerns
Because these symptoms can overlap with endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, and other pelvic conditions, a careful evaluation is important.
Are Uterine Fibroids and Endometriosis the Same?
Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are different conditions, even though they can cause similar symptoms. Fibroids are noncancerous muscle tumors that develop in or around the uterus. Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, or pelvic tissue.
Both conditions may cause pelvic pain, painful periods, pain with sex, and fertility concerns. They can also occur simultaneously, which may make symptoms more complex. A specialist can help determine whether your pain is caused by fibroids, endometriosis, or another pelvic health issue.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are often classified by where they grow in relation to the uterus. Their location can affect symptoms and treatment options.
Common types include:
- Intramural fibroids, which grow within the muscular wall of the uterus
- Submucosal fibroids, which grow toward the uterine lining and may cause heavy bleeding
- Subserosal fibroids, which grow on the outer surface of the uterus and may cause pressure
- Pedunculated fibroids, which grow on a stalk-like attachment
A patient may have one fibroid or several fibroids at the same time. Imaging can help show the size, number, and location of the fibroids.
How Uterine Fibroids Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a detailed review of your symptoms, menstrual cycle, pelvic pain patterns, pregnancy goals, and medical history. Your provider may perform a pelvic exam to check for uterine enlargement or tenderness.
Testing may include ultrasound, MRI, and lab work to check for anemia from heavy bleeding, or additional evaluation if symptoms suggest endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, or another condition. Getting the right diagnosis matters because treatment for fibroids may differ from that for endometriosis.
Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your symptoms, age, fibroid size, fibroid location, health history, and whether you want to become pregnant in the future. Some fibroids only need monitoring, while others may need medication or surgery.
Treatment options may include:
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication
- Hormonal medication to help manage bleeding or cramps
- Monitoring with repeat imaging
- Minimally invasive fibroid removal
- Robotic excision of uterine fibroids
- Fertility-focused planning when pregnancy is desired
Robotic excision of uterine fibroids is a minimally invasive method for removing fibroids from the pelvic cavity. This approach may be considered when fibroids are causing symptoms and surgical treatment is appropriate.
Why Choose the Endometriosis Treatment Center of America for Uterine Fibroids in Lake Orion, MI?
The Endometriosis Treatment Center of America focuses on complex pelvic pain and gynecologic conditions that can overlap, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, painful intercourse, and infertility. Dr. Jonathan Zaidan, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified OB/GYN and President and Founder of ETCA. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery and focuses on robotic excision of endometriosis and pelvic pain concerns.
ETCA is known for its detailed, transparent approach to pelvic health. When endometriosis tissue is removed, specimens may be sent to pathology so patients receive documentation of disease removal. This focus on clarity is especially valuable for patients who have been told their symptoms are “normal” or who may have more than one condition contributing to pain.
Get Care for Uterine Fibroids in Lake Orion, MI
Uterine fibroids are common, but painful periods, bloating, pelvic pressure, painful intercourse, heavy bleeding, and fertility concerns deserve careful attention. A clear diagnosis can help determine whether fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, or another condition is causing your symptoms.
To request a consultation for uterine fibroids in Lake Orion, MI, call The Endometriosis Treatment Center of America at (248) 731-2141. The practice serves patients in Lake Orion, Bloomfield Hills, and beyond through in-person visits and specialty virtual care.
