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Types of fibroids
Fibroids are classified according to their location within the uterus. It is common for a woman to have multiple fibroids and it may be difficult to understand which fibroid is causing your symptoms. Fibroids may also be referred to as myoma, leiomyoma, leiomyomata, and fibromyoma. There are four primary types of fibroids:
- Subserosal fibroids develop in the outside of the uterus and continue to grow outward. These typically do not affect a woman’s menstrual flow, but can cause pain due to their size and pressure on other organs.
- Intramural fibroids are the most common type and develop inside the uterine wall and expand, which makes the uterus feel larger than normal (and may cause “bulk symptoms”). Symptoms associated with intramural fibroids are heavy menstrual flow, pelvic pain, back pain, frequent urination and pressure.
- Submucosal fibroids develop just under the inner lining of the uterus. The least common type of fibroid, they often cause symptoms such as very heavy prolonged menstrual periods.
- Pedunculated fibroids occur when the fibroid grows on a stalk. Pedunculated fibroids can grow into or out of the uterus.