Pedunculated subserosal fibroids grow outward from the uterine wall and remain attached by narrow stalks, which are called pedicles. These fibroids cause relatively fewer symptoms when small. But as they enlarge, they lead to the following symptoms:
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Pelvic heaviness
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Severe pain, fever, or nausea when the stalk twists
Sudden abdominal or pelvic pain, or any of these fibroid symptoms, should not be ignored. Book a consultation with Treatment Range Hospitals for a timely assessment.
Symptoms To Watch For
Most subserosal fibroids are linked to pressure rather than bleeding. When the fibroid presses on surrounding tissues or organs, you might experience the following symptoms:
Lower abdominal bloating; your clothes may feel tighter
- Pelvic pressure: a dragging or heaviness in your lower stomach
- Frequent urination; urge to urinate more
- Back pain; dull ache in the lower back from pressure
- Abdominal swelling; large fibroids might make the abdomen look enlarged
- Constipation; bowel movements become less regular
- Discomfort during intercourse; pain depends on the location of the fibroid
- Prolonged or heavy periods, especially when the fibroid is large
Not all symptoms appear at once. So the doctor recommends period monitoring in such cases.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, such as pelvic pain, urinary discomfort, or abdominal pain, book a consultation with our expert gynecology team.
Is Subserosal Fibroid Dangerous?
Subserosal fibroids are not dangerous, as they are non-cancerous tumors. But they need medical attention in case of severe pain, pressure, anemia, heavy bleeding, and difficulty with everyday activities.
Your doctor will check:
- Fibroid’s growth pattern and size
- If it is a pedunculated or broad-based fibroid
- Number of fibroids
- Position of the fibroids
- Symptoms and blood tests
- If you are pregnant or planning to conceive
Rapid growth of fibroids does not mean cancer; however, you should immediately check with a doctor rather than ignoring them.
Diagnosed with subserosal fibroids and concerned if they are affecting your health? Contact Treatment Range Hospitals for proper medical guidance.
Subserosal Fibroids During Pregnancy
Usually, women diagnosed with subserosal fibroids have uncomplicated pregnancies. As fibroids develop on the uterine wall, they do not affect the uterus. They are less likely to interfere with implantation and pregnancy.
In some cases, pregnancy can lead to some noticeable symptoms of subserosal fibroids. They include:
- Pressure on the bowel or bladder
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Preterm birth or preterm contractions
- Abnormal fetal position
- Need for C-section
- Difficulty in labor if a fibroid obstructs the birth canal
If a pedunculated subserosal fibroid might twist in pregnancy, it might cause severe pain. Fibroids may also cause pain when they degenerate as their blood supply becomes insufficient.
Fibroids during pregnancy can be managed with observation and medical advice. Surgical intervention is not common. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids in pregnancy and are experiencing vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, contractions, reduced fetal movements, or leaking fluid, you should seek immediate medical care.
If you are already pregnant or planning for conception, book a consultation with our gynecology specialists for guidance.
Subserosal Fibroids Treatment Options
Treatment for fibroids depends on their size, growth pattern, your age, symptoms, and overall health condition. If a fibroid causes no symptoms, no treatment is required.
Wait and watch: If fibroids are small, symptoms are mild or absent, and there are no significant symptoms, observation is key. Your doctor might recommend periodic examinations and scanning.
Medical treatment: Medications might help treat symptoms but cannot remove a fibroid. Based on the symptoms, your doctor will recommend medicine for heavy bleeding, pain or inflammation, anemia, or hormonal control. You should be careful not to take any painkillers, supplements, or hormonal medicines without your doctor’s consent.
Minimally invasive treatments: For small fibroids, treatments such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is carried out. It involves a small incision in the groin or wrist to alter the blood supply to fibroids, causing their shrinkage and destruction. Your specialist will explain the benefits and limitations of the treatment.
Surgical options: Myomectomy (fibroid removal) is considered when fibroids become large and press nearby organs. This can also affect pregnancies. Hysterectomy (uterus removal) is considered when no other options are effective.
Do not delay in booking a consultation with our experts at Treatment Range Hospitals for a treatment option based on your fibroid condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a subserosal fibroid need to be removed?
It is not always necessary to be removed. A stable and tiny subserosal fibroid that causes no symptoms might need only observation. Removal is considered when the fibroid causes extreme pain, heavy bleeding, pressure, fertility concerns, or anemia.
2. Can subserosal fibroids affect pregnancy?
In most cases, subserosal fibroids will not affect pregnancy or cause complications. However, large or multiple fibroids can lead to complications in delivery or preterm symptoms.
3. Can a small subserosal fibroid shrink on its own?
Fibroids may shrink after menopause as estrogen and progesterone levels decline, but spontaneous shrinkage before menopause is less predictable. A small fibroid may remain stable for years, so follow-up recommendations should be based on your symptoms and scan findings.
Book an appointment at Treatment Range Hospitals to check the size and position of your subserosal fibroid and discuss safe, personalized treatment options with our gynecology specialists.
