Uterine fibroids can often be suspected initially during a routine gynecologic examination of the uterus, ovaries, and vagina.
During a standard pelvic exam, your doctor may feel fibroids by manual palpation. They may detect irregular protrusions, nodules, or masses on the uterus, which are usually non-tender. Doctors commonly describe fibroid size by comparing it to the size of a pregnant uterus — for example, they may say your uterus is enlarged to the size of a 16-week pregnancy. Fibroids may also be compared to common fruits or spherical objects, such as grapes, oranges, walnuts, golf balls, or volleyballs.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors rely on imaging studies, including:
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the pelvic organs. The ultrasound probe may be placed on the abdomen (abdominal ultrasound) or inserted into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound).
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed cross-sectional images.
- Computed Tomography (CT): Combines multiple X‑ray images taken from different angles to create detailed structural views.