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Uterine Fibroids (Myomas): Symptoms, Checkups and Treatment
Quick answer: Uterine fibroids (myomas) are common non-cancerous growths of the uterine muscle. Many cause no symptoms, but some cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination. At Eunice Women's Clinic near Seongsu Station, Dr. Eun Mi-na, an English-speaking female OB-GYN, checks fibroids with ultrasound, monitors their size, and discusses treatment. Surgery, if needed, is by hospital referral.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called myomas or leiomyomas, are growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue in the wall of the uterus. They are not cancer, and they are very common, especially in people in their 30s and 40s. Fibroids can be as small as a seed or larger than a fist, and a person can have one or many.
Fibroids are described by location: inside the uterine cavity (submucosal), within the muscle wall (intramural), or on the outer surface (subserosal). Location often matters more than size for symptoms.
What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Many people with fibroids have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include:
- Heavy or long periods, sometimes with clots
- Tiredness from iron-deficiency anemia
- Pelvic pressure, fullness, or a visibly larger lower abdomen
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation or lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty becoming pregnant or pregnancy complications in some cases
What causes uterine fibroids?
The exact cause is unknown. Fibroids grow in response to the hormones estrogen and progesterone, so they often grow during the reproductive years and shrink after menopause. Risk factors include a family history of fibroids, starting periods at a young age, obesity, and high blood pressure.
When should I see a doctor?
See a gynecologist if you have heavy periods, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or a fibroid found during a checkup that has not been followed up. People with known fibroids often have an ultrasound every 6 to 12 months to check size, or as advised by the doctor.
Seek emergency care (call 119) if you have:
- Very heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness or fainting
- Sudden, severe pelvic pain, which can happen when a fibroid degenerates or twists
- Inability to pass urine
How are fibroids evaluated at the clinic?
Dr. Eun will ask about your periods and symptoms and may perform a pelvic exam. A transvaginal ultrasound is the standard first test to measure the number, size, and location of fibroids. A pelvic ultrasound through the abdomen is useful for large fibroids. A blood test for anemia may be recommended if periods are heavy. A fibroid that grows quickly or looks unusual may need further imaging at a hospital.
| Item | Out-of-pocket price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Gynecologic ultrasound (non-covered) | 70,000 |
Ultrasounds are often covered by NHIS when medically indicated. Prices may change; confirm with the clinic ( fee list).
What are the treatment options for fibroids?
- Watchful waiting: fibroids without symptoms usually need only regular ultrasound checks.
- Medicines for symptoms: NSAIDs for pain, tranexamic acid for heavy bleeding, and iron for anemia.
- Hormonal treatment: hormonal contraceptives or a levonorgestrel IUD can reduce bleeding for some fibroids. GnRH-based medicines can shrink fibroids for a limited time, for example before surgery.
- Procedures and surgery: myomectomy (removal of fibroids while keeping the uterus), hysteroscopic removal of fibroids inside the cavity, uterine artery embolization, focused ultrasound treatment, or hysterectomy. These are performed at a hospital. Eunice Women's Clinic does not perform surgery and refers patients when needed.
The right option depends on symptoms, fibroid location, and pregnancy plans. Individual results vary.
Getting care in English near Seongsu Station
Eunice Women's Clinic is on the 8th floor of Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. The building is across the crosswalk from Seoul Subway Line 2 Seongsu Station Exit 3, about a 1-minute walk ( directions). Dr. Eun Mi-na, a female board-certified OB-GYN, holds consultations about fibroids in English.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon, Wed, Fri | 10:00–19:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30) |
| Tue, Thu | 10:00–20:00 (lunch 13:30–14:30) |
| Sat | 10:00–14:00 (no lunch break) |
| Sun and public holidays | Closed |
Booking is recommended. You can book through Naver Booking, the KakaoTalk channel (search "유니스산부인과"), or by phone at +82-2-467-3100 ( how to book). Call or message to check same-day availability.
Book an appointment in English
Eunice Women's Clinic · 8F Bethel Place, 120 Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul · Seongsu Station (Line 2) Exit 3
Phone: +82-2-467-3100 · KakaoTalk channel · Naver Booking
Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Thu 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–14:00 · Lunch 13:30–14:30 · Closed Sundays & public holidays
Frequently asked questions
Are uterine fibroids cancer?
Fibroids are benign (not cancer). A rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma can look similar, so rapid growth, growth after menopause, or unusual ultrasound findings should be checked further. Most fibroids remain benign throughout life.
Do all fibroids need treatment?
No. Fibroids that cause no symptoms usually need only regular monitoring with ultrasound. Treatment is considered when fibroids cause heavy bleeding, anemia, pain, pressure, or fertility concerns, or when they grow quickly between checkups.
How often should fibroids be checked?
Many doctors suggest an ultrasound every 6 to 12 months for known fibroids, but the interval depends on their size, location, growth, and your symptoms. Dr. Eun will suggest a follow-up schedule based on your ultrasound findings.
Can fibroids affect pregnancy?
Most people with fibroids have normal pregnancies. Fibroids inside or near the uterine cavity may affect implantation, and large fibroids can cause pain or complications during pregnancy. A pre-pregnancy checkup helps plan ahead.
Do fibroids shrink after menopause?
Fibroids usually shrink after menopause because estrogen and progesterone levels fall, and symptoms such as heavy bleeding stop. A fibroid that grows after menopause is not expected and should be checked by a doctor.
Related pages
This page provides general health information for patients and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Individual results vary. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting or other urgent symptoms, call 119 or go to the nearest emergency room. Page updated September 2026.