As fibroids often do not cause symptoms, they are usually discovered during a routine gynaecological (vaginal) examination or diagnostic test or scan.
If your GP suspects that you have fibroids, they may recommend that you have some tests to confirm a diagnosis, or to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. These tests are listed below.
Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan of the womb is often used to confirm a diagnosis of fibroids. It can also be used to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms.
Depending on the results of your ultrasound scan, your GP may refer you to a gynaecologist (a specialist in the female reproductive system). The gynaecologist will be able to investigate the problem further using a number of specialised techniques, such as those outlined below.
Transvaginal ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound scan is sometimes used to diagnose fibroids. It is a painless procedure that involves inserting a small probe into your vagina. The probe uses sound waves to create an image of your womb on a TV monitor.
Hysteroscope
It may be possible to see fibroids that are near your inner lining (intramural fibroids) and those within the cavity of your womb (submucosal fibroids) using a hysteroscope. A hysteroscope is a small telescope used to examine the inside of your womb.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscope is a small tube that contains a light source and a camera. The camera relays images of the inside of the abdomen or pelvis to a television monitor. The laparoscope can be flexible or rigid, depending on the procedure, but when diagnosing fibroids a rigid laparoscope is most often used.
The surgeon makes a minor incision in the skin, passes the laparoscope through the incision and studies the organs and tissues inside the abdomen or pelvis.
A laparoscopy can also be used to examine the size and shape of the outside of your womb.
Biopsy
A laparoscopy may be used to take a biopsy (a tissue sample) of the inside lining or the outer layer of your womb. The sample can then be sent to a laboratory for closer examination under a microscope.
