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.

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.

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 William Hurd, MD Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility 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 Dilation and Curettage
  Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
  Hysteroscopic Sterilization
  Laparoscopic Sterilization
  OBGYN Services
  Pap Smear
  Pregnancy and Heart Disease
  Robotic Hysterectomy
  Supracervical Hysterectomy
  Uterine Fibroid Embolization
  Women & Infants Services