If you are among the 80 to 90 percent of women who will develop fibroids, it’s crucial to understand that there are treatment options available. These options not only provide relief from painful symptoms but also offer the possibility of preserving your uterus.
Before deciding on a treatment for uterine fibroids, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different types of fibroids. Having this knowledge enables you to make the most informed decision about fibroid treatment.
Uterine fibroids have the potential to calcify at the end of their lifecycle. A calcified fibroid is typically benign and may not cause symptoms. However, depending on its location and size, it can exert pressure on surrounding organs, leading to discomfort.
If you experience symptoms of fibroids or are concerned about a calcified fibroid, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with a specialist. They can assess whether you have calcified fibroids and recommend the most suitable treatment for your individual needs.
What Are Calcified Fibroids?
Calcified fibroids are hardened, non-cancerous tumors that develop on the uterus.
Normally, uterine fibroids manifest as soft and fleshy masses comprised of smooth muscle cells and varying degrees of fibrous connective tissue.
When fibroids outgrow their blood supply, they undergo degeneration, which can manifest in various ways. The most prevalent form of uterine degeneration is known as hyaline degeneration — 63% of degenerative cases are hyaline. In this case, the smooth muscle of the fibroid is replaced by connective tissue.
Calcification occurs in about 8% of cases. With calcified degeneration, the fibroid hardens and develops a bone-like consistency. Calcification starts when calcium deposits harden the outer edges of the fibroid. In certain instances, the entire fibroid may calcify.
Symptoms of Calcified Uterine Fibroids
Calcified fibroids can cause symptoms that are common with normal uterine fibroids. These include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful periods
- Pain during sex
- Frequent urination
- Abdominal bloating
- Lower back pain
Not all women with calcified fibroids in the uterus will have symptoms. If the fibroids are small and don’t impact surrounding organs or blood vessels, they might go unnoticed until you have an MRI or an ultrasound.
Side Effects of Calcified Fibroids
Calcified fibroids can lead to significant side effects in addition to the typical symptoms associated with fibroids. If the hardened tissue compresses other structures in the abdominal or pelvic area, such as nearby organs or blood vessels, it can be a cause for concern.
Possible complications from calcified fibroids include:
- Miscarriage or infertility
- Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
- Anemia
- Uterine prolapse
- Compression of pelvic veins and increased risk of venous thromboembolism (a blood clot in a deep vein)
Who Is at Risk for Calcified Fibroids in the Uterus?
Calcified fibroids usually occur after menopause. The calcification occurs at the end of the fibroid’s lifecycle, so it can take years for the fibroid to degenerate and harden. As such, calcified fibroids are uncommon in younger women. However, it is possible to have a calcified tumor during your child-bearing years if the fibroid started developing when you were young.
Treatment for Calcified Fibroids
If you have a calcified fibroid in your uterus that’s causing symptoms or puts you at risk for serious complications, your doctor will likely recommend fibroid treatment.
Fibroids can be treated non-surgically with an outpatient procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is a safe and effective fibroid treatment that can be performed in less than an hour, and it may help with fibroids in the earlier stages of calcification.
Another treatment option is fibroid surgery, where a doctor removes either the calcified fibroid or the uterus, either partially or fully. However, surgery carries more risk and requires a longer recovery period compared to UFE. Additionally, it may impact your ability to conceive and bear children.
Get the Care You Need for Fibroids
If you have fibroid symptoms and are wondering if you could have a calcified fibroid, schedule a consultation with a fibroid specialist at USA Fibroid Centers. Our doctors can diagnose and treat your fibroids in our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling you to get the care you need in a comfortable environment. e specialize in treating fibroids using UFE, offering women seeking an alternative to surgery a solution for alleviating fibroid symptoms
With over 40 locations across the country, finding a fibroid center near you is convenient. Start your journey toward fibroid relief today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a calcified fibroid natural treatment?
Currently, there are no natural treatments that effectively eliminate calcified fibroids. However, you can support your body and alleviate symptoms both before and after fibroid treatment by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle habits. Learn more about natural remedies for managing fibroids.
What happens if you leave a calcified fibroid untreated?
A calcified fibroid is already at the end of its lifecycle, so it is unlikely to continue growing. As such, if it is not causing symptoms, it might not require treatment.
However, if the fibroid is causing symptoms following the onset of calcification, your doctor will likely recommend treatment to alleviate your discomfort, as it may not resolve on its own. Untreated calcified fibroids can lead to serious issues such as chronic pain, heavy bleeding, and difficulty with bowel movements. Therefore, it is crucial to see a fibroid specialist if you are experiencing symptoms.
How are calcified fibroids diagnosed?
Doctors can identify a calcified fibroid using medical imaging tests, such as MRIs and ultrasound exams. Your doctor will also discuss your symptoms and health history.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have fibroid symptoms, make an appointment with a fibroid specialist as soon as possible. Whether you have a calcifying or normal uterine fibroid, an experienced fibroid doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.