Fibroids treatment

Uterine fibroids often are found by chance during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor may feel irregular changes in the shape of your uterus, suggesting the presence of fibroids.

If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids, you may need these tests:

Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to get a picture of your uterus. It can confirm that you have fibroids, and map and measure them.

A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound device, called a transducer, over your stomach area. This is called a transabdominal ultrasound. Or the device is placed inside your vagina to get images of your uterus. This is called a transvaginal ultrasound.

Lab tests. If you have irregular menstrual bleeding, you may need blood tests to look for possible causes of it. These might include a complete blood count to check for anemia due to ongoing blood loss. Other blood tests can search for bleeding disorders or thyroid problems.

If an ultrasound doesn't provide enough information, you may need other imaging studies, such as:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test can show in more detail the size and location of fibroids. It also can identify different types of tumors and help determine treatment options. Most often, an MRI is used in people with a larger uterus or in those who are nearing menopause, also called perimenopause.

Hysterosonography. Hysterosonography (his-tur-o-suh-NOG-ruh-fee) uses sterile salt water called saline to expand the space inside the uterus, called the uterine cavity. This makes it easier to get images of submucosal fibroids and the lining of the uterus if you're trying to get pregnant or if you have heavy menstrual bleeding. Another name for hysterosonography is a saline infusion sonogram.

Hysterosalpingography. Hysterosalpingography (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fee) uses a dye to highlight the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes on X-ray images. Your doctor may recommend it if infertility is a concern. This test can help find out if your fallopian tubes are open or are blocked, and it can show some submucosal fibroids.

Hysteroscopy. For this exam, your doctor inserts a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope through your cervix into your uterus. Then saline is injected into your uterus. This expands the uterine cavity and lets your doctor check the walls of your uterus and the openings of your fallopian tubes.