Fibroids: What Are They? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options in New York

By Walk In GYN Care | Women’s Health NYC

Fibroids are one of the most common gynecologic conditions affecting women today—yet many patients in New York still ask: “What exactly are fibroids?”

At Walk In GYN Care, we see this every day. The good news? Fibroids are usually benign (noncancerous) and often manageable with the right guidance.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths of muscle tissue within the uterus.

Think of them like moles on your skin—clusters of muscle fibers that form solid clumps within the uterine wall.

They can vary significantly in size:

As small as a walnut
As large as a football (rare cases)

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are classified based on where they grow in the uterus:

Intramural Fibroids (Most Common)

Develop within the muscular wall of the uterus
Can enlarge the uterus and cause pressure symptoms

Subserosal Fibroids

Grow on the outer surface of the uterus
May press on surrounding organs like the bladder

Submucosal Fibroids

Develop inside the uterine cavity
Most likely to cause heavy or prolonged bleeding

How Common Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are extremely common:

Up to 80% of women develop fibroids by age 50
Many women in New York may have fibroids without knowing it
Higher prevalence is seen in certain ethnic groups

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is still unclear, but several factors are strongly associated:

Hormonal Imbalance (Estrogen Dominance)

Recent research suggests fibroids may be linked to estrogen overactivity, which can stimulate growth.

Lifestyle Factors

Obesity
Poor diet
Lack of exercise

These factors can create a vicious cycle of hormonal imbalance, contributing to fibroid growth.

Symptoms of Fibroids

Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged periods
Pelvic pain or pressure
Frequent urination
Bloating or abdominal fullness

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

At Walk In GYN Care, fibroids are often detected during a routine pelvic exam. If needed, further imaging is recommended:

Ultrasound

First-line diagnostic tool
Uses sound waves to visualize the uterus
Can be abdominal or transvaginal

Pelvic MRI

Provides a detailed map of fibroid size and location
Helps guide treatment decisions

Are Fibroids Dangerous?

There are many myths about fibroids—let’s clarify:

Pain: Fibroids are usually painless unless they degenerate or press on nerves
Weight Gain: Rare, unless fibroids grow very large
Heavy Periods: Only about 30% of heavy bleeding cases are due to fibroids
Cancer Risk: Less than 1% become cancerous

How often should Fibroids be checked?

At Walk In GYN Care, we recommend:

Monitoring by ultrasound at least every six months
Sooner if the Fibroids have increased in size or if you have excessive bleeding, pain or pressure symptoms.

Treatment Options for Fibroids in NYC

Most fibroids do not require treatment. However, treatment may be recommended if symptoms affect your quality of life.

When Treatment Is Needed

Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Rapid growth
Pelvic pain
Urinary symptoms

Treatment Options Include

1. Medical Management

Hormonal therapy
Symptom control medications

2. Minimally Invasive Options

Uterine-sparing procedures

3. Surgical Removal

Myomectomy (removal of fibroids)
Reserved for more severe cases

⚠️ Important: Fibroids often recur, which is why we emphasize conservative and preventive approaches first.

Functional & Preventive Approach to Fibroids

At Walk In GYN Care, we focus on root-cause and lifestyle strategies, including:

Hormonal balance optimization
Anti-inflammatory nutrition
Weight management
Regular physical activity

These strategies can help slow fibroid growth and reduce symptoms.

When Should You See a Gynecologist?

You should seek evaluation if you experience:

Heavy or irregular bleeding
Pelvic pain or pressure
Sudden increase in abdominal size
Urinary or bowel changes

Fibroid Care in New York – Walk In GYN Care

We provide same-day and walk-in gynecology services across New York, along with virtual consultations for convenience.

✔ No long wait times
✔ In-person & telehealth visits
✔ Personalized treatment plans
✔ Affordable care options available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do fibroids go away on their own?

Sometimes they shrink, especially after menopause, but many remain stable.

Can fibroids affect fertility?

Perhaps, if they are submucosal fibroids that affect the uterine cavity.

Do all fibroids need surgery?

No. Most are managed without surgery.

Can lifestyle changes help?

Yes. Diet, weight, and hormone balance play a role in fibroid growth.

Are there any supplements I can take?

Yes, we have compiled a list for ease of use. We, at Walk In GYN care go above and beyond traditional care.

Take the Next Step

If you have symptoms or questions about fibroids, our team is here to help.

📧 Contact us: contact@walkingyn.com
🌐 Visit: https://walkingyn.com/

Be safe, be strong, and be prepared.
Dr. Adeeti Gupta

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Here is a poem, I wrote for Timmy, the Fibroid

Timmy – the fibroid

Hanging out there I was

No boundary did I cross

Then one day I was awash

With water and camera and people!

No longer was I alone

In the cozy bed that was my own

In a flash they were gone

Not a loss I was going to bemoan

I figured I will rest a little

After all I so quiet in the middle

I said it too soon

The knife took me out of my cocoon

I didn’t get a chance to plead my case

Because you just wanted me out of the vase

I didn’t mean you any harm

I was a part of you

I thought you would love me so

But you chose to let me go

Adios my friend

I will live elsewhere

Know the truth hope you do

If not me, my siblings will

Come back soon

Live with me

Or die with me

I am here to stay

If you will let me