Intramural Fibroids

Intramural Fibroids

Uterine fibroids affect millions of women each year. Each woman’s fibroid journey is unique, from symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

These extremely common uterine growths can range in size, number, and location depending on the woman affected. Uterine fibroids are categorized by location into four different types. One of the most common types is an intramural fibroid.

If you’ve been diagnosed with an intramural fibroid, you’re not alone. At Houston Fibroids, we understand that this diagnosis and its accompanying symptoms can significantly affect more than just your physical health if they negatively impact your daily life or fertility.

The good news is that advanced uterine fibroids treatment options are available to end symptoms without the need for extensive surgeries or long-term recovery timelines.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have recently been diagnosed with intramural fibroids, our team is here to help.

Let’s discuss intramural fibroids in more detail, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and their link to fertility. 

What Are Intramural Fibroids?

Intramural fibroids are common, noncancerous tumors found between the uterus muscles.

While intramural fibroids are a type of uterine fibroid, they’re broken down even further into three subcategories, which include

• anterior intramural fibroid, found in the front muscle walls of the uterus
• posterior intramural fibroid, found in the back muscle walls of the uterus
• fundal intramural fibroid, found in the muscle located in the upper part of the uterus

They can vary in size from as small as a grape to as large as a grapefruit or more, measuring between 1 mm to over 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter.

Women can have just one intramural fibroid, several, or a mix of different fibroid types on and in their uterus. Fibroid types can be discerned during an ultrasound evaluation.

It is important to note that although intramural fibroids directly impact the uterus, they have not been linked to an increased risk of developing uterine cancer.

Intramural Fibroid Causes

The exact cause of intramural fibroids remains largely unknown, although many medical professionals speculate that they develop from an abnormal muscle cell in the middle layer of the uterine wall.

Under the influence of estrogen, the abnormally developed cell can rapidly multiply and form a fibroid tumor.

However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes contributing to intramural fibroids’ development.

The following may increase your risk of developing intramural fibroids:

• A family history of fibroids
• Your age, especially for women between the ages of 30 and 40.
• Your race, especially if you are African American or Hispanic
• Obesity
• The age that you started your period
• Vitamin D deficiency
• A diet high in red meat
• Regular alcohol consumption

Intramural Fibroid Symptoms

Intramural fibroid symptoms are similar to other fibroid types and can include the following:

• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Prolonged periods
• Urinary incontinence, frequency, and urgency
• Anemia
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Constipation
• Bloating
• An enlarged abdomen
• Weight gain

Symptoms that seem to be more prevalent from intramural fibroids include:

• Pelvic pain and pressure
• Lower back pain
• Pain in the back of the legs

Depending on the exact location and size, there may be a tie between your intramural fibroid and fertility. If you’re having trouble getting pregnant or maintaining a healthy pregnancy, intramural fibroids may be to blame.

It is important to note that although most women experience intramural fibroid symptoms, some women may not have any symptoms at all.

Intramural Fibroid Treatment

Various treatment options are available to treat intramural fibroids.

The most effective minimally invasive treatment option for uterine fibroid is uterine fibroid embolization.

Other less common treatment options include

• Hormone-based medications
• Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound
• Endometrial ablation
• Myomectomy

A hysterectomy may be recommended for rare and severe cases but is often considered a last resort.

For women who do not experience symptoms, a “wait and watch” approach will be taken to see if intrarmural fibroids shrink independently.

Effective Intramural Fibroid Treatment in Houston

If you have been diagnosed with intramural fibroids or are experiencing symptoms that are impacting your daily activities and quality of life, you should consider uterine fibroid treatment right away.

Many minimally invasive options are available to help you effectively eliminate symptoms of your intramural fibroids for good.

Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment.