Fibroids are common benign growths in the uterus. Many women in their childbearing years might develop fibroids. Some fibroids are small and asymptomatic, requiring no medical intervention. Others, however, grow large in size and interfere with your life. Knowing which size, type, and location of fibroids is dangerous is important to stay aware and seek medical treatment promptly.

A gynaecologist in Thane will order ultrasounds and other tests to check the growth and location of fibroids to recommend an appropriate treatment. In the meantime, here’s a look at types of fibroids and when they require surgical removal.

Types of Fibroids

Here are the different types of fibroids based on their location:

  • Intramural Fibroids: These fibroids grow inside the muscular wall of your uterus. They happen to be the most common types of fibroids, which can expand your uterus and cause a feeling of heaviness and pressure.
  • Subserosal Fibroids: Located on the outside of your uterus, subserosal fibroids can put pressure on the surrounding structures, such as your bladder and bowel. 
  • Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow inside the uterus, where the embryo attaches itself during pregnancy. Because of their location, submucosal fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, irregular periods, and difficulty getting pregnant.
  • Pedunculated Fibroids: These fibroids grow on a thin stem instead of attaching to the uterine wall. They can grow inside or outside your uterus, and can twist, leading to sharp pain.

Which Fibroid Size is Normal

There’s no normal size for fibroids. Some younger women have 1-2 cm fibroids, which remain unchanged for years, sometimes decades. Since they don’t cause any symptoms, they are caught accidentally on ultrasounds. 

What actually matters is the location of the fibroid and if it causes any symptoms. A small fibroid that causes heavy bleeding or makes it difficult for you to conceive is important to treat compared to a larger fibroid that’s located deep in the uterine wall, but is asymptomatic. 

What Is an Abnormal Fibroid Size?

A fibroid between 2 and 5 cms may or may not cause symptoms. In fact, a fibroid growing up to 5 cm in diameter may not require invasive treatment unless it is symptomatic. That said, any fibroid that grows larger than 5 cm requires medical evaluation. 

Fibroids between 5 and 10 cm can cause pelvic pressure, pain, heavy bleeding, and bladder and bowel issues if they press these organs. A fibroid growing beyond 10 cm is called a giant fibroid that can cause significant issues, such as a distorted uterus shape, abdominal swelling, heavy bleeding, fertility issues, and organ compression. 

Note that sometimes, multiple small fibroids can put more pressure on the uterus than a single large fibroid. What matters is the pressure on the uterus and how it’s affecting your reproductive health, rather than the fibroid’s size.

Can You Stop Fibroids from Growing?

No, there’s no proven method to stop fibroids from growing, but certain steps can help manage the symptoms. Smaller fibroids can be monitored regularly with imaging tests to ensure they don’t grow bigger. Hormone-based treatments can be used to control heavy bleeding and pain. Sometimes, fibroid removal surgery in Thane becomes necessary if the fibroids are too big or are causing medical problems.