Which Size of Fibroid Is Dangerous? Understanding the Risks—and Your Options in Dallas

If you’ve recently been told you have fibroids, you’re not alone—and you’re probably full of questions. One of the most common?
“Which size of fibroid is dangerous?”

It’s a good question, and while size matters, it’s only part of the picture. The real issue is whether your fibroids are affecting your health, comfort, or quality of life—and for many women, the answer is yes.

At MTVIR in Dallas, we help women understand their diagnosis and find non-surgical solutions like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) that offer real relief. Let’s break it all down.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas) are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or on the uterus. They’re incredibly common—up to 70–80% of women will have them by the age of 50.

They can be tiny (less than a centimeter) or grow as large as a watermelon. You can have one fibroid—or dozens.

Most importantly: some cause symptoms, some don’t. That’s why the question of what’s “dangerous” isn’t so simple.

How Are Fibroid Sizes Classified?

Doctors typically classify fibroids by size:

• Small fibroids – under 1 inch (under 2.5 cm), about the size of a blueberry

• Medium fibroids – 1 to 3 inches (3–7 cm), similar to a plum or lime

• Large fibroids – over 4 inches (10 cm+), like a grapefruit or larger

But size alone doesn’t determine your treatment needs. Even small fibroids can cause major symptoms if they’re in the wrong place.

When Is a Fibroid Considered “Dangerous”?

Let’s be clear: fibroids are not cancerous, and most are not life-threatening. But they can absolutely disrupt your health and lifestyle.

Here’s when they raise red flags:

 1. Rapid Growth

Fibroids that grow quickly—especially after menopause—may need closer monitoring. Rapid growth is uncommon but can indicate a rare type of tumor.

 2. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

If you’re soaking through pads or tampons every hour, bleeding for more than a week, or dealing with anemia, that’s a serious quality-of-life issue.

 3. Pelvic Pressure or Pain

Larger fibroids can press on nearby organs like the bladder or bowel, causing discomfort, constipation, or frequent urination.

 4. Fertility Issues

Some fibroids—especially submucosal or large intramural types—can interfere with implantation, pregnancy, or delivery.

 5. Fibroid Degeneration

Sometimes, when a fibroid outgrows its blood supply, it begins to break down, causing intense pain, swelling, or even fever.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Women with fibroids often experience:

• Pelvic pressure or bloating

• Heavy or prolonged periods

• Fatigue from anemia

• Pain during sex

• Frequent urination or trouble emptying the bladder

• Lower back or leg pain

• Trouble conceiving or repeated pregnancy loss

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to talk to a specialist—no matter the size of your fibroid.

Skip the Hospital—Get UFE at MTVIR in Dallas

The good news? You don’t need major surgery to take control of fibroid symptoms.

At MTVIR, we offer Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids naturally—without cutting, stitches, or hospital stays.

And unlike many practices that send patients to a hospital or surgery center, Dr. Travis Van Meter performs UFE right here in our in-house, state-of-the-art angiosuite in North Dallas.

That means:

• No hospital check-ins or delays

• No surgical referrals

• No overnight stays

• Lower out-of-pocket costs

• Fast recovery—most women return to normal in under a week

Our patients tell us they love the personalized care, comfortable setting, and the freedom of not needing surgery.

Why Choose MTVIR?

Located in the heart of Dallas, MTVIR (Minimally Invasive Vascular & Interventional Radiology) is a trusted provider for women across the DFW metroplex, including Plano, Garland, Frisco, Mesquite, and Richardson.

Dr. Van Meter brings decades of interventional radiology experience, and our clinic is designed to provide advanced imaging, quick appointments, and compassionate care—all without the hassle of a hospital system.

The Research Backs It Up

In a clinical study published in Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, researchers found that sexual function was preserved or even improved in many men following PAE. In contrast, traditional surgeries like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) have a much higher chance of leading to complications such as retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Every patient is different. If sexual function is a top concern, don’t hesitate to talk openly with your interventional radiologist. A good provider will explain the procedure in detail and discuss all potential outcomes.

Does Size Affect UFE Eligibility?

One of the best things about UFE is that it works for fibroids of almost any size—even large ones.

Whether your fibroid is the size of a grape or a grapefruit, UFE can block its blood supply, shrink it naturally, and ease the symptoms it causes. Multiple fibroids? UFE can treat them all in one procedure.

That said, not every woman is a candidate. We offer personalized consultations and imaging to help determine the best path forward.

Ready for Relief?

If you’re tired of bleeding through clothes, canceling plans, or wondering what size is “too big” to ignore—know that help is closer than you think.

You don’t have to live with the pain, pressure, and unpredictability of fibroids. And you don’t have to choose surgery, either.

Looking for a fibroids clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.