Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecologic conditions affecting women of reproductive age. If you’re experiencing heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or unexplained anemia, fibroids may be the cause.
At Viva Eve, we provide advanced fibroid treatment in NYC through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. This guide outlines common fibroid symptoms, how diagnosis works, and the minimally invasive and surgical treatment options available through our specialized fibroid care team.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
“Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the muscular wall of the uterus,” says Dr. Courtney Alexander. “They are also called leiomyomas or myomas.”
Fibroids can vary in:
- Size (from small, seed-like nodules to large masses)
- Number (single or multiple)
- Location (inside the cavity, within the muscle wall, or on the outer surface of the uterus)
Fibroids are extremely common, particularly in women in their 30s and 40s.
What Are the Most Common Fibroid Symptoms?
Fibroid symptoms depend on size, number, and location.
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Passing blood clots
- Pelvic pressure or fullness
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Iron-deficiency anemia
Some women have no symptoms at all. Others experience symptoms severe enough to disrupt work, relationships, and daily life.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most frequent reasons women seek evaluation.
Are Fibroids More Common in Certain Women?
Yes. Research shows that fibroids are more common in Black women, often developing at a younger age and growing larger before diagnosis.
Risk factors may include:
- Family history
- Hormonal factors
- Age (30–50 years old)
- Obesity
- Vitamin D deficiency (under study)
Early evaluation is important, especially if symptoms are present.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are typically diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging. Accurate imaging is essential for selecting the most appropriate treatment plan.
1. Pelvic Exam
During a pelvic exam, a physician may feel an enlarged or irregularly shaped uterus. While a pelvic exam alone cannot confirm fibroids, it can raise suspicion and guide further testing.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound is the most common and widely used imaging tool to diagnose fibroids. It helps identify:
- Fibroid size
- Number of fibroids
- Location within the uterus
As part of the Fibroid 360 Journey at Viva Eve, your first appointment includes a comprehensive screening with a pelvic exam and on-site transvaginal ultrasound — eliminating the need to schedule imaging at a separate facility. Immediate imaging allows for faster answers and more informed next steps.
3. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
In more complex cases, an MRI may be recommended to provide detailed fibroid mapping. MRI helps clarify:
- Exact fibroid positioning
- Depth within the uterine wall
- Relationship to surrounding anatomy
- Suitability for specific treatment options
MRI is coordinated through referral when indicated and is used to tailor treatment planning to your specific anatomy and clinical goals.
Do Fibroids Affect Fertility or Pregnancy?
Fibroids can affect fertility depending on their location.
Submucosal fibroids (those inside the uterine cavity) are more likely to interfere with:
- Implantation
- Pregnancy progression
- Miscarriage risk
Many women with fibroids still conceive successfully. Treatment decisions should be individualized based on fertility goals.
What Are the Treatment Options for Fibroids?
Fibroid treatment depends on:
- Symptom severity
- Age
- Fertility goals
- Fibroid size and location
Treatment options fall into three main categories: medical management, non-surgical procedural treatments, and surgical interventions.
Can Fibroids Be Treated Without Surgery?
Yes. Some patients manage fibroid-related symptoms with medical therapy, particularly when symptoms are mild or when monitoring is appropriate.
Common options include:
- NSAIDs for pain
- Hormonal therapy
- Birth control pills
- Hormonal IUD
These treatments can help reduce heavy bleeding and manage discomfort.
However, medical therapy does not eliminate fibroids. These approaches manage symptoms but do not remove or shrink the underlying growth in most cases.
Because fibroids may continue to grow over time, ongoing monitoring and imaging are important when managing symptoms conservatively.
What Are Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment Options?
Some fibroid treatments are procedural but do not involve surgical removal of fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
UFE is a non-surgical, image-guided procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It works by blocking the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink.
UFE preserves the uterus and typically involves:
- Small incision access
- Short recovery time
- No abdominal surgery
This option may be appropriate for women seeking durable symptom relief without surgical removal of the uterus.
What Are Surgical Treatment Options for Fibroids?
When symptoms are severe or fibroids significantly affect quality of life, surgical options may be considered.
Myomectomy (Uterus-Preserving Surgery)
Myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus.
It may be performed using:
- Hysteroscopic (through the cervix)
- Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques
- Open abdominal surgery (in complex cases)
The approach depends on fibroid size, number, and location.
Hysterectomy (Definitive Treatment)
Hysterectomy removes the uterus and permanently eliminates fibroids.
It may be performed through:
- Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques
- Vaginal approach
- Open abdominal surgery
While some hysterectomies are performed using minimally invasive techniques, it remains a definitive surgical procedure and is typically considered when childbearing is complete or other treatments are not appropriate.
Choosing the right treatment requires detailed imaging, symptom assessment, and a discussion of fertility goals.
When Should You See a Fibroid Specialist?
“Many women normalize heavy bleeding or pelvic pressure for years,” says Dr. James Gohar, Co-Founder and Head OB/GYN at Viva Eve.
“If your period is disrupting your daily life or energy levels, it’s time to seek evaluation. Early imaging gives us more options and helps prevent symptoms from worsening.”
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience heavy bleeding lasting more than 7 days, bleeding between periods, severe pelvic pressure, symptoms of anemia, and difficulty conceiving.
Why Is Coordinated Fibroid Care Important?
Fibroid management often involves multiple steps:
- Imaging
- Lab work
- Treatment consultation
- Follow-up care
A coordinated team approach ensures that:
- No appointments are missed
- Imaging is reviewed thoroughly
- Treatment options are clearly explained
- Recovery is monitored appropriately
Structured care improves outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fibroids
Are fibroids cancer?
No. Fibroids are benign growths.
Can fibroids shrink on their own?
Fibroids may shrink after menopause due to hormonal changes.
Do fibroids always require surgery?
No. Many women manage fibroids medically or with minimally invasive procedures.
How common are fibroids?
Up to 70–80% of women develop fibroids by age 50.
What is the best treatment for fibroids?
The best treatment depends on symptoms, fibroid characteristics, and reproductive goals.
Fibroid Treatment in NYC: What Patients Should Know
If you are seeking fibroid treatment in NYC, it is important to choose a practice that offers:
- Advanced imaging
- Minimally invasive options
- Fertility-preserving treatments
- Multidisciplinary evaluation
A personalized approach ensures that treatment aligns with your health goals.
Take Back Control in 2026
Living with heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or ongoing fatigue can be overwhelming — especially when symptoms disrupt daily life.
Fibroids are common. Suffering in silence shouldn’t be.
Today, diagnosis is more precise and treatment options are more advanced. Care does not have to feel fragmented or confusing.
At Viva Eve, fibroid treatment is structured as a coordinated journey — not a series of disconnected appointments.
Through the Fibroid 360 Journey, patients receive:
- On-site imaging for faster answers
- Access to OB/GYN specialists and interventional radiologists
- Minimally invasive treatment options
- Dedicated Fibroid Patient Concierges
- Personalized Fibroid Navigators guiding each step
From diagnosis to recovery, every stage is organized and supported.
If you’re experiencing symptoms, 2026 can be the year you move from uncertainty to clarity.
Comprehensive fibroid care in NYC isn’t just about treatment — it’s about restoring control and improving quality of life.ported at every stage of your journey.
