How to find out if you have fibroids?

Because there are often no symptoms, you may only find out you have fibroids when you go for an internal examination. If you have symptoms and think you might have fibroids, see your doctor. You may be referred to a gynaecologist who should be able to diagnose whether you have fibroids or another condition. The doctor will give you a vaginal examination to feel your uterus for lumps or bulges.

If your doctor says you do have fibroids, ask if there is more than one, where they are and how large they are. This will help you better understand your symptoms and decide what action to take, if any. Your doctor may want to confirm a fibroid diagnosis with additional tests:

Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound uses sound waves to get an image of your internal organs. This can help determine if the lumps are fibroids or another type of tumour. It can also provide more detailed information about the size and location of fibroids.

You may be given an abdominal ultrasound, a vaginal ultrasound or both. An abdominal ultrasound is best at finding large fibroids. Before your appointment you will be asked to drink up to a litre of liquid so that you have a full bladder for the test. The scan itself is not painful (the doctor simply moves the probe over your belly), but waiting for your appointment with a full bladder may be uncomfortable.

A vaginal ultrasound is used to find small fibroids. The scanner (probe) will be put into your vagina and may be a little uncomfortable. You do not need to have a full bladder for this scan and it should not be painful.
If the ultrasound results are unclear, your doctor may suggest a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy examines the inside of your womb by using a small telescope (hysteroscope) which is inserted into your womb through your vagina. Hysteroscopy can also be used to take a biopsy (tissue sample) of the lining of the womb. You may be given a local anaesthetic, general anaesthetic or in some cases, neither. If you do not have an anaesthetic, the procedure may be slightly painful. Hysteroscopy is done in hospital and you can usually go home the same day.

Laparoscopy
Where a hysteroscopy (see above) looks at the inside of the womb, a laparoscopy looks at the size and shape of the outside of the womb. It can also be used to take tissue samples. The procedure involves making a small cut (about 1cm wide) in the lower abdomen, just below the belly button, and inserting a thin telescope (the laparoscope). You may also have a probe inserted into your vagina to help move your womb so the laparoscope can see it from different angles.

The operation usually takes about 30 minutes and is done in hospital. You will be given a general anaesthetic before the procedure and will have a few stitches afterwards. Sometimes air is pumped into the abdomen as part of the procedure and this may leave you feeling bloated.Living with fibroids
The most common approach to fibroids that are causing heavy bleeding is to monitor rather than treat them. You will probably be asked to have regular check-ups, but you may still want help with your symptoms.

Self-help
Although a healthy diet may not reduce your fibroids, it may help reduce some of the symptoms:
Avoid alcohol, sugar and saturated fats. They make it difficult for your body to regulate hormones. This can increase cramps and bloating. Eat fruits and vegetables, particularly broccoli and spinach – they also may help your body regulate its oestrogen levels.

Get plenty of B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and potassium – thought to help reduce cramps and bloating.