Uterine fibroids are common. As many as 1 in 5 women may have fibroids during their childbearing years. Half of all women have fibroids by age 50.
Fibroids are rare in women under age 20. They are more common in African-Americans than Caucasians.
No one knows exactly what causes fibroids. They are thought to be caused by:
Hormones in the body
Genes (may run in families)
Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. They can also grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there are more than one.
Fibroids can grow:
In the muscle wall of the uterus (myometrial)
Just under the surface of the uterine lining (submucosal)
Just under the outside lining of the uterus (subserosal)
On a long stalk on the outside the uterus or inside the uterus (pedunculated)
Heavy bleeding during your period, sometimes with blood clots
Periods that may last longer than normal
Needing to urinate more often
Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
Feeling fullness or pressure in your lower belly
Pain during intercourse
Often, you can have fibroids and not have any symptoms. Your health care provider may find them during a physical exam or other test. Fibroids often shrink and cause no symptoms in women who have gone through menopause. A recent study also showed that some small fibroids shrink in premenopausal women.
Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:
Birth control pills to help control heavy periods
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones to help reduce heavy bleeding and pain
Iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia due to heavy periods
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naprosyn for cramps or pain
Hormone therapy shots to help shrink fibroids (done only for a short time)
Watchful waiting: You may have pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while to check the fibroid's growth
Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:
Hysteroscopy. This procedure can remove fibroids growing inside the uterus.
Uterine artery embolization.This procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die. This may be a good option if you want to have children in the future.
Myomectomy. This surgery removes the fibroids from the uterus. This also may be a good choice if you want to have children. It won't prevent fibroids from growing again.
Hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus completely. It may be an option if you don't want children, medicines do not work, and you cannot have any other procedures.
If you have fibroids without symptoms, you may not need treatment.
If you have fibroids, they may grow if you become pregnant. This is due to the increased blood flow and higher estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after your baby is born.
