​Diagnosing uterine fibroids

By age 50, 8 out of 10 women will develop uterine fibroids. However, unless you have symptoms, you may not even know you have them. Often, irregularities suggesting fibroids are found by your doctor during a routine pelvic exam.

Many women with fibroids go years without seeking medical care. Changes to look for include abnormal uterine bleeding, changes in menstrual periods, pain during sex and other symptoms.

Leading-edge diagnostic tools

The Christ Hospital Health Network offers advanced diagnostics and imaging. In addition to a complete medical history and a pelvic and/or abdominal examination, diagnostic procedures for uterine fibroids may include:

• Biopsy—a tissue sample for testing

• Blood test—examination of a small amount of your blood

• X-ray—a form of electromagnetic radiation imaging
  

• Ultrasound—an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images
  

• Hysterosonography—uses sterile saline to expand the uterine cavity, making it easier to get images fibroids

• Hysterosalpingography—an imaging test using dye to show clear images of the uterus and fallopian tubes

• Hysteroscopy – uses of a small, lighted scope to view the cervix and uterus
  

Next Steps

If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, your doctor will discuss your medical and surgical treatment options.

Think you have uterine fibroids? Make an appointment with one of our Women’s Health experts