Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors in the uterus that often appear during a woman’s childbearing years. They develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus (womb) and occur when a single cell divides over and over, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass. They may grow slowly or quickly or remain the same size. They often shrink or disappear after pregnancy, when the uterus goes back to a normal size, and they tend go away after menopause.

Uterine fibroids range in size from tiny to bulky masses that can enlarge the uterus. In rare cases, they can cause pain and abnormal bleeding. There are three different types of fibroids, defined by where they grow in the uterus.

Why choose UAB Medicine

At UAB Medicine, care for women with symptoms from uterine fibroids is provided through a collaboration between UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology and UAB lnterventional Radiology. This helps ensure that patients have access to the full range of treatment options, using the latest technology and therapies. UAB Medicine is an academic medical center that conducts clinical research trials, so patients may have access to promising new treatments not available elsewhere.

UAB Obstetrics and Gynecology offers complete women’s health care in a private, personal environment, with physicians and nurses dedicated to delivering excellent care. Our physicians are nationally recognized specialists in their fields, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the most advanced care available.

The UAB lnterventional Radiology (IR) team includes nationally and internationally recognized IR physicians, supported by physician assistants. Each of the IR physicians at UAB Medicine is highly skilled, fellowship-trained, and board-certified by the American Board of Radiology.

Care Providers

Janeen Arbuckle, MD, PhD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Rebecca Arend, MD Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Ricardo Azziz, MD Endocrinology, Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Margaret Boozer, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Fran Burgan, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Sukhkamal Campbell, MD Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Theresa Caridi, MD Interventional Radiology Bethany Fees, CRNP Gynecologic Oncology Brian Gleason, MD Gynecology Courtney Gregory, CRNP Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility AJ Gunn, MD Interventional Radiology Samantha Harris, CRNP Gynecologic Oncology Warner Huh, MD, FACOG, FACS Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Todd Jenkins, MD Gynecology Peter Kolettis, MD Urology Trey Leath, III, MD Gynecologic Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Kathryn Lyle, CRNP Gynecologic Oncology Rachel Oser, MD Interventional Radiology Shweta Patel, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology Haller Smith, MD Gynecologic Oncology, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Videos

Resources

• UAB Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
• UAB Department of Radiology
• Uterine Fibroids Fact Sheet
• National Institutes of Health – Uterine Fibroids

Related Specialties

• Amniocentesis
  Cesarean Section
  Cystectomy
  Cystoscopy
  Hysterectomy
  Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
  Hysteroscopic Sterilization
  Laparoscopic Sterilization
  OBGYN Services
  Pap Smear
  Pregnancy and Heart Disease
  Robotic Hysterectomy
  Suction dilation and curettage (D&C)
  Supracervical Hysterectomy
  Uterine Fibroid Embolization
  Women & Infants Services