Fibroids: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Fibroids?
An OB/GYN usually treats fibroids. This is a doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health and pregnancy. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can often handle watchful waiting, order ultrasounds, and manage medicines for mild symptoms, and will refer to an OB/GYN or surgeon when needed.
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are growths made of muscle tissue that form in or around the uterus. The uterus is the organ in a woman's body where a baby grows during pregnancy. They are almost always not cancer. Many women have them at some point, and some never notice them at all.
What it is
Fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, are lumps of muscle and fibrous tissue that grow in the wall of the uterus. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit.
Symptoms
Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do happen, they can include heavy or long menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, pain or pressure in the belly or lower back, and a feeling of fullness in the pelvis.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes fibroids, but genes and hormones like estrogen seem to play a role. Fibroids tend to grow during the childbearing years and often shrink after menopause. Risk goes up with age, and having a mother or sister with fibroids raises the chance.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors often find fibroids during a regular pelvic exam and usually order an ultrasound to confirm. An MRI can help if more detail is needed. Blood tests may be done if heavy bleeding has caused low iron.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the size of the fibroids, the symptoms, and whether a woman wants to become pregnant. Medicines such as birth control pills can lighten heavy bleeding, and certain prescription drugs can shrink fibroids for a time. Doctors may suggest uterine artery embolization, which blocks blood supply to the fibroid, or a myomectomy, which removes the fibroids while keeping the uterus. A hysterectomy is the only option that fully prevents fibroids from coming back.
When to see a doctor
Talk to a doctor if periods are very heavy, last longer than usual, or come with strong pain. Other warning signs include bleeding between periods, trouble urinating, or a belly that feels full or swollen. Anyone with severe bleeding or sharp pelvic pain should get medical care quickly.
Common questions
Are fibroids cancer?
Almost never. Fibroids are benign, which means they are not cancer and do not spread. A rare cancerous tumor can look like a fibroid, so doctors monitor growths that grow quickly.
Can fibroids go away on their own?
They often shrink after menopause because hormone levels drop. Some fibroids also stay the same size for years. Doctors may simply watch them with regular exams.
Can I get pregnant if I have fibroids?
Many women with fibroids get pregnant and have healthy babies. Some fibroids can make pregnancy harder or raise the risk of problems, so it is worth talking with a doctor if pregnancy is planned.
Do fibroids always need surgery?
No. Fibroids without symptoms often need nothing more than regular checkups. Surgery is usually considered only when symptoms are hard to control or the fibroids are very large.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
