Ultrasound of Uterine - Fibroid Index

What Is a Uterine Fibroid Index Ultrasound?

A uterine fibroid index ultrasound is a targeted, specialized ultrasound exam focused exclusively on quantifying and describing uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous smooth muscle growths that develop in, on, or around the uterine wall. The exam captures precise measurements of each individual fibroid’s volume, exact location (whether it is intracavitary, intramural, or subserosal), and proximity to surrounding pelvic structures to calculate a standardized, reproducible fibroid burden index. This index is used by care teams to objectively track changes in fibroid load over time, or in response to treatments such as hormone therapy, uterine artery embolization, or surgical removal.

Clinical Applications for Urogenital System Care

This exam is most commonly ordered for people assigned female at birth experiencing symptoms linked to uterine fibroids, including heavy or prolonged abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, urinary frequency or retention from fibroid pressure on the bladder, bowel discomfort, or unexplained infertility. It is also used to monitor fibroid growth in people with known fibroids who are not yet experiencing symptoms, to assess how well conservative or minimally invasive fibroid treatments are working, and to guide surgical planning for procedures such as myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy. As a first-line imaging option for the urogenital system, it avoids the risks of ionizing radiation associated with CT scans, making it appropriate for repeated monitoring over time.

What to Expect During Your 30-Minute Exam

No special preparation is required for this exam, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment unless your provider gives you different instructions. You will lie on a padded exam table while a registered sonographer applies a clear, water-based gel to your lower abdomen and moves a small handheld transducer across the skin; the gel helps transmit sound waves clearly, and you may feel mild, temporary pressure as the transducer is pressed against your abdomen to capture images. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes total, carries no claustrophobia risk as no enclosed scanning equipment is used, and is completely painless for most patients.

Risks and Limitations of the Exam

This exam has no known associated risks, as it uses only low-power, harmless sound waves and does not involve ionizing radiation, intravenous contrast dye, or invasive incisions. Image clarity may be reduced in people with a high body mass index, or if excess gas in the bowel blocks sound waves from reaching the uterus; in these cases, your provider may recommend a follow-up transvaginal ultrasound to get clearer, more detailed images of your fibroids.