Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Believe it or not, there are many different types of uterine fibroid.  I’ve already created articles on the main types of fibroid, but I’ll summarize them here:

• Subserosal fibroids – these grow on the outside wall of the uterus and can compress nerves and other organs

• Intramural fibroids – these are fibroids which grow inside the uterine wall, and are responsible for making the uterus appear and feel large

• Submucosal fibroids – these grow below the uterine lining and cause heavy bleeding, cramps and spasms

• Pedunculated fibroids – these are fibroids that grow from a stalk, and can be very painful if the stalk is twisted

• Intracavitary fibroids – these fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity, cause heavy bleeding, cramping and affect the fertility
• Calcified fibroids – these are fibroids that have developed calcium deposits, and become hard like bone (or teeth)

• Cervical fibroids – these fibroids grow on or near the cervix and can cause painful intercourse

While there are only these few types of uterine fibroids, it is important to note that a women diagnosed with fibroids usually have more than one fibroid, and more than one type of fibroid.

Intra means inside, so intramural fibroids are those that are found inside the uterine wall. These are the most common type of fibroid tumor.

Since they develop and grow inside the uterine wall, the result is that they make the uterus feel as if it is larger.

Their growth can cause pressure both on the bladder as well as the uterus. Other symptoms include:

• Pelvic and back pain
• Excessive bleeding
• Frequent urination
• They may also be responsible for miscarriages and infertility issues.

Because intramural fibroids are those that develop within the uterine wall, depending on wherether they are close to the endometrium or close to the outside of the uterus, the symptoms will be similar to submucosal or subserous fibroids.