Uterine Fibroids: What You Need to Know

 

 

If you’ve recently been told that you have uterine fibroids, or you’ve been experiencing pelvic pain or unusual bleeding, you’re not alone — and you're not without options. Uterine fibroids are a common condition among women, and while they are not cancerous or life-threatening, they can still affect your daily life. The good news is that help is available, and understanding what fibroids are is the first step toward managing your symptoms and improving your well-being.

 

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths or tumors that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary greatly in size and location. It’s important to know that fibroids are not malignant, and they do not turn into cancer. However, they can still cause significant discomfort depending on their size, location, and how many are present.

 

Some women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, while others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, pressure in the pelvis, or even fertility issues. For example, even very small fibroids can cause pain and heavy bleeding if they are pressing on or growing into the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).

 

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a leading gynecologist in NYC who specializes in fibroid care, uses advanced imaging techniques to accurately diagnose fibroids and determine the best course of treatment. One of the most effective tools is a transvaginal ultrasound, also known as a water sonogram.

 

This procedure is painless and non-invasive. It takes just a few minutes and allows Dr. Goldstein to see the uterus, uterine lining, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and surrounding pelvic area in clear, high-resolution images. With the help of Doppler color flow technology, he can also examine blood flow, which can be useful in evaluating fibroids and other uterine conditions. Importantly, Dr. Goldstein personally performs every ultrasound in his office, offering real-time explanations as he shows you the images on screen.

 

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Not all fibroids are the same. Their size and location within the uterus play a big role in how they affect your health and what treatment may be appropriate. There are four main types of uterine fibroids:

 

1.    Intramural Fibroids
These are the most common type. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can vary in size and sometimes grow large enough to distort the shape of the uterus. It’s also not unusual for several intramural fibroids to grow in one area. While they are non-cancerous, they can cause pressure, pain, and heavy bleeding.

2.    Submucosal Fibroids
These fibroids grow just underneath the inner lining of the uterus, protruding into the endometrial cavity. Even small submucosal fibroids can cause significant bleeding and interfere with fertility or the ability to carry a pregnancy to term.

3.    Subserosal Fibroids
These fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus. They may not affect menstruation as much, but because they grow outward, they can press on other nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel, causing discomfort, bloating, or frequent urination.

4.    Pedunculated Fibroids
These fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk, which can either be inside the uterine cavity or on the outer surface. Because of their shape and location, pedunculated fibroids can cause pain and potentially impact fertility or pregnancy, depending on where they are located.

Why Management Depends on You

Every woman’s experience with fibroids is unique, and so is her treatment plan. Factors such as your age, whether you're planning to have children, your symptoms, and whether you're pre- or post-menopausal all affect how fibroids are managed.

 

Some women may only need regular monitoring, especially if they’re not experiencing any symptoms. Others may need medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery to relieve pain or stop heavy bleeding. The key is having a clear diagnosis and understanding all your options.

 

Why Choose Dr. Steven R. Goldstein?

Dr. Steven R. Goldstein is a nationally recognized expert in gynecological ultrasound and imaging and a leading NYC Gyn, with decades of experience diagnosing and managing fibroids. He is a tenured Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the New York University School of Medicine and a former Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at NYU Medical Center. He is also a past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine.

 

What sets Dr. Goldstein apart is not just his credentials, but his personalized approach to patient care. He performs all ultrasounds himself, ensuring accuracy and taking the time to explain what he sees. This allows for immediate feedback and helps you better understand your condition.

If you’re dealing with unexplained pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, or have been told you have fibroids, a consultation with Dr. Goldstein in NYC could provide clarity and relief. Through painless, high-quality imaging techniques like transvaginal ultrasound and sonohysterography, he can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and work with you to develop the right treatment plan.

 

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Uterine fibroids are common, and while they’re not dangerous, they can seriously disrupt your quality of life. The important thing is that you don’t have to suffer in silence. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can take control of your health and feel like yourself again.

 

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or are just starting to look into the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a top gynecologist in NYC  is here to help. His expertise, compassion, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools make him one of the top specialists in the country for women dealing with fibroids.

 

Adenomyosis: A Common Yet Overlooked Cause of Heavy and Painful Periods

 

 

For many women, menstrual periods are uncomfortable—but for some, they are debilitating. If you suffer from unusually heavy menstrual bleeding (also known as menorrhagia) or painful periods, you may have been told it's “normal” or simply a part of womanhood. However, such symptoms could be signs of an often-misunderstood condition known as adenomyosis.

 Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a top gynecologist in Manhattan and a nationally recognized expert in gynecologic imaging, urges women not to ignore these symptoms. With over 25 years of clinical experience and a professorship at the New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Goldstein specializes in diagnosing conditions like adenomyosis using advanced, non-invasive techniques. If you are suffering from heavy or painful menstruation, timely and accurate diagnosis can dramatically improve your quality of life.

 What Is Adenomyosis?

 Adenomyosis is a benign (non-cancerous) but often painful gynecologic condition in which the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) breaks through into the muscle wall of the uterus (myometrium). This displaced tissue continues to behave as it normally would during your monthly cycle—thickening, breaking down, and bleeding. But because the blood becomes trapped within the uterine wall, it causes swelling, inflammation, and intense discomfort.

 The result? Heavy periods, prolonged bleeding, and severe cramping—often mistaken for other common conditions such as uterine fibroids. Unlike fibroids, which are distinct growths, adenomyosis causes a more diffuse thickening of the uterine walls, often making the uterus feel enlarged and tender.

 Symptoms of Adenomyosis

 Every woman experiences adenomyosis differently, but common symptoms include:

 Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Severe menstrual cramps
• A feeling of pelvic pressure or fullness
• Pain during intercourse
• An enlarged, tender uterus (often detected during a pelvic exam
  
   If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to see a gynecologist with expertise in evaluating complex bleeding disorders.

 

Why Diagnosis Matters

 Too often, adenomyosis is misdiagnosed—or missed entirely. Some women are told their symptoms are due to fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or even early menopause. Accurate diagnosis is critical, not only to relieve symptoms but also to avoid unnecessary or invasive treatments that may not address the true cause of your discomfort.

Dr. Goldstein, an obgyn in Manhattan, cautions that not all bleeding is due to a menstrual period, even if it appears to occur monthly. A true period is defined as bleeding that happens approximately 14 days after ovulation. Any bleeding outside this pattern, especially if it is heavy or painful, deserves further evaluation.

 Advanced, Non-Invasive Diagnosis with Dr. Steven R. Goldstein

 One of the distinguishing features of Dr. Goldstein’s practice is his commitment to using non-invasive, high-resolution imaging to evaluate patients. He is globally recognized as a leading specialist in transvaginal ultrasound, a safe and comfortable method for visualizing the uterus and surrounding structures.

 With transvaginal ultrasound, Dr. Goldstein is able to detect

 

• Displaced endometrial tissue
• Changes in the uterine wall consistent with adenomyosis
• Enlargement of the uterus
• Other potential causes of abnormal bleeding

 

In addition to transvaginal ultrasound, Dr. Goldstein also performs sonohysterography, a procedure in which a sterile saline solution is gently introduced into the uterus during ultrasound imaging. This technique provides even clearer images of the uterine cavity and walls, allowing for a highly accurate diagnosis. Importantly, both procedures are non-invasive, painless, and done right in the office—without the need for sedation or surgery.

 Compassionate, Expert Care

 Dr. Goldstein personally performs all ultrasounds and sonohysterograms, ensuring that each patient receives the benefit of his expertise from start to finish. His goal is to identify the precise cause of your symptoms without resorting to painful procedures like endometrial biopsies unless absolutely necessary.

 Too many women suffer in silence or undergo unnecessary treatments without ever receiving a correct diagnosis. If you are dealing with persistent heavy bleeding or painful periods, you deserve answers—and relief.

 Schedule a Consultation

 If you suspect you may have adenomyosis or are experiencing unexplained heavy or painful periods, Dr. Steven R. Goldstein, a gynecologist in Manhattan, offers comprehensive, compassionate care in the heart of New York City. As a former Director of Gynecologic Ultrasound at NYU Langone Medical Center and a professor at NYU, he brings both world-class expertise and personal attention to every patient interaction.