3 Unique Facts About Intramural Fibroids

Non-cancerous tumors found in the uterus or cervix are known as fibroids or myomas. Intramural fibroids grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus and are the most common type of fibroids. They can be asymptomatic or cause a woman extreme pain and other symptoms. If you have discovered you have this condition, let’s review 3 unique facts about intramural fibroids.

Intramural Fibroids Are Found in 3 Places

All fibroids are classified according to their location in the uterus. Intramural fibroids develop inside the cavity of the uterus and may be found in 3 different areas:

1. Anterior intramural fibroids are located in front of the uterus.
2. Posterior intramural fibroids are found in the back of the uterus.
3. Fundal intramural fibroids are found in the upper part of the uterus.

Intramural Fibroids Can Cause Many Symptoms

Women who suffer from intramural symptoms can find their symptoms to range from mild to absolutely excruciating. These effects can include lower back pain, heavy periods lasting more than 10 days, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and fatigue. Anemia and iron deficiency from the loss of blood during the woman’s menstrual cycle can be another consequence of intramural fibroids. If you are having abnormal bleeding or severe pain during periods, contact Interventional Radiology at University of Kansas for an evaluation.

Depending on how large the fibroids are, they may also put significant pressure on nearby organs like the bladder and bowel. This can lead to constipation, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder.

Uterine fibroids can also make the uterus feel larger or heavier and cause a protruding abdomen. In several cases, women may believe themselves to be pregnant as a result of their distended stomach.

Intramural Fibroids Can Affect Fertility

Because of their location directly inside the uterine cavity, if intramural fibroids grow too large (more than 6 cm in diameter) they start to take over the space typically designated for an embryo to grow, which can trigger multiple complications.

Other ways that intramural fibroids can affect fertility include:

• A fibroid can prevent the egg and sperm from connecting
• A fibroid can affect the implantation of the egg
• Fibroids can prevent the pregnancy from continuing to full term
• Fibroids can affect the positioning and growth of the fetus

If you are considering becoming pregnant, find out about the size or position of any intramural fibroids you may have. Contact Interventional Radiology at The University of Kansas and ask if fibroid treatment offered at our offices can help to improve your chances of having a normal pregnancy and birth.