Your doctor may do a routine pelvic exam. Most significant fibroids are discovered during a routine pelvic exam. If symptoms such as heavy bleeding are present, then further evaluation with imaging tests may be needed to check for fibroids.
These tests may include:
- Transvaginal ultrasound—A smooth probe inserted into the vagina produces images of pelvic structures using high frequency sound waves.
- CT Scan —This is a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body.
- MRI scan —This test uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body.
- Hysteroscopy —A thin, lighted telescope-like tube is inserted through the vagina to the cavity of the uterus.
- Laparoscopy —In this procedure, a thin tubelike instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision near the navel to view inside the abdomen.
- Hysterosalpingography —In this x-ray procedure, a dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to outline any irregularities of the uterine wall and fallopian tube passages.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Beverly Siegal, MD, FACOG
- Review Date: 11/2018 -
- Update Date: 12/20/2014 -