Intramural fibroids are the most common kind of uterine fibroid.
Intramural fibroids are usually harmless and do not always cause symptoms.
Intramural fibroids can also sometimes cause reproductive challenges.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
This article discusses intramural fibroids types and possible symptoms.
It also explains what causes intramural fibroids and how to treat them.
For example, a large intramural fibroid at the bottom of the uterus could impact vaginal childbirth.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Symptoms
Many people with intramural fibroids and other types of uterine fibroids have no symptoms.
Black women are more likely than other women to experience uterine fibroids, although researchers aren’t sure why.
Intramural Fibroids and Pregnancy
Intramural fibroids can also cause reproductive problems.
Whether or not a fibroid impacts fertility depends on various things such as its size and location.
Some intramural fibroids can block the fallopian tubes, making it very difficult to getpregnant.
Very large fibroids can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.
If you are planning to get pregnant, your healthcare provider may recommend removing intramural fibroids.
Ask your healthcare provider how long you should wait after the procedure before attempting to get pregnant.
If you have symptoms like heavy periods, your healthcare provider might perform a physical examination of your uterus.
To do this, theyll press on your abdomen while inserting two fingers into your vagina.
Sometimes, providers can feel fibroids during this process.
The images produced during these procedures will help determine the location and size of fibroids.
How Are Intramural Fibroids Treated?
Many people who have uterine fibroids do not need treatment.
Fibroids are non-cancerous, and if theyre not causing symptoms, theres no need to treat them.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Some treatments focus on controlling the symptoms of fibroids.
This can include going on hormonalbirth controlto alleviate heavy or painful periods.
They are often given prior to surgery to help reduce the length of the procedure and the hospital stay.
Lifestyle Changes
Certainlifestyle adjustmentsmay help.
Reducing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting red meat can help keep fibroids at bay.
Because of that, surgery is the best option for some patients.
One procedure is amyomectomy.
Its meant to be an alternative to ahysterectomy, which removes the uterus.
A hysterectomy is another treatment for fibroids.
At What Size Should an Intramural Fibroid Be Removed?
Not all studies agree on the size that warrants removal.
If you plan to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about what’s best for your situation.
Prognosis
People with uterine fibroids have a good prognosis.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which of the many available treatment options is best for you.
Summary
Intramural fibroids are non-cancerous growths within the walls of the uterus.
These fibroids are often harmless but can cause symptoms including heavy periods or trouble conceiving.
If you dont have symptoms, intramural fibroids dont require treatment, just monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intramural fibroids can be very large.
Acalcified fibroidis one that has died or degenerated.
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