Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus, or womb, that often appear during a woman's childbearing years. They develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A single cell divides over and over, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass. They may grow slowly or rapidly, or remain the same size. They often shrink or disappear after pregnancy, when the uterus goes back to a normal size, and they often go away after menopause. Uterine fibroids range in size from tiny to bulky masses that can enlarge the uterus. Rarely, a fibroid can cause pain and abnormal bleeding. There are three different types of fibroids, defined by where they grow in the uterus.

Why UAB

The care at UAB Medicine for women experiencing symptoms from uterine fibroids is provided through a collaboration between UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology and UAB Interventional Radiology, which ensures that the patient will hear all of her options. Using the latest technology and innovations in therapy, the physicians at UAB Medicine can assist the patient in choosing the most appropriate treatments. Because UAB Medicine is an academic medical center, patients may be offered participation in clinical research trials, which can give them access to new techniques and treatments not available elsewhere in the area.

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers comprehensive women's health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses who are dedicated to delivering excellent care. Because our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available. UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology is consistently ranked among the best programs of its kind in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The UAB Medicine Interventional Radiology (IR) team includes nationally and internationally recognized IR physicians, along with physician assistants, who strive to make excellence in patient care their highest priority. Each of the IR physicians at UAB Medicine is highly skilled, fellowship-trained, and board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Images and Videos

Patient finds relief from abnormal menstrual cycles with minimally invasive hysterectomy alternative

Warner Huh, MD discusses using robot-assisted surgery at UAB.

PHYSICIANS

Ahmed M. Kamel Abdel Aal, MD, MSc, PhD

Janeen Arbuckle, MD

Margaret M. Boozer, MD

Nathan W. Ertel, MD

Brian P. Gleason, MD

Andrew J. Gunn, MD

Jacqueline P. Hancock, MD

Kimberly Hoover, MD

Thomas H. Howard, MD

Todd Jenkins, MD

Sara E. Mazzoni, MD

Rachel F. Oser, MD

Chere' M.L. Stewart, MD

Rakesh K. Varma, MD

Audra Williams, MD

Ashley D. Wright, MD

RELATED SERVICES

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials