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Uterine Fibroids

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop within or on the uterus, most commonly during a woman's reproductive years. Also known as leiomyomas or myomas, fibroids are not linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer and rarely become cancerous.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids can vary greatly in size, ranging from tiny growths that are invisible to the naked eye to large masses that can enlarge and distort the uterus. Some women develop a single fibroid, while others may have multiple fibroids.

Many women experience uterine fibroids without any noticeable symptoms. They are often discovered during a routine pelvic examination or prenatal ultrasound. When symptoms do occur, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help relieve discomfort and improve quality of life.

Illustration of uterine fibroids in the uterus
Symptoms

Common Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Many women with uterine fibroids experience no symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they usually depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Excessive menstrual bleeding that may interfere with daily life.

Prolonged Periods

Menstrual periods lasting longer than one week.

Pelvic Pressure or Pain

Persistent discomfort, pressure, or pain in the pelvic region.

Frequent Urination

Pressure on the bladder causing the need to urinate more often.

Difficulty Emptying the Bladder

Fibroids may press against the bladder, making urination difficult.

Constipation

Large fibroids can put pressure on the bowel, causing constipation.

Backache or Leg Pain

Fibroids may press on nearby nerves, leading to pain in the back or legs.

Sudden Severe Pain

Rarely, a fibroid may outgrow its blood supply, causing acute pain.

Types by Location

Fibroids may be intramural, submucosal, or subserosal depending on where they develop.

Medical Attention

When to See a Doctor

Although many uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms, you should consult your doctor if you experience persistent discomfort, abnormal bleeding, or other concerning symptoms.

Schedule a Medical Consultation

Consult your gynecologist if you notice these symptoms

  • Persistent Pelvic Pain: Pain or pressure that does not go away.
  • Heavy or Prolonged Periods: Excessive, painful, or long-lasting menstrual bleeding.
  • Bleeding Between Periods: Unexpected spotting or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Seek Immediate Medical Care

Do not delay treatment if you experience these conditions

  • Difficulty Emptying the Bladder: Trouble passing urine due to pressure from fibroids.
  • Unexplained Anemia: Low red blood cell count caused by heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Emergency Symptoms: Seek urgent medical attention for severe vaginal bleeding or sudden, sharp pelvic pain.
Causes

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood. However, research suggests that genetic, hormonal, and biological factors play an important role in their development and growth.

Genetic Changes

Many fibroids contain genetic changes that differ from normal uterine muscle cells.

Hormonal Influence

Estrogen and progesterone encourage fibroid growth by stimulating uterine tissue.

Increased Hormone Receptors

Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than normal uterine muscle.

Growth Factors

Natural substances such as insulin-like growth factor may contribute to fibroid development.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

Increased ECM makes fibroids firm and supports their growth by storing growth factors.

Stem Cell Development

Fibroids are believed to develop from a single stem cell in the uterine muscle (myometrium).

Variable Growth Pattern

Fibroids may grow slowly, rapidly, remain unchanged, or shrink naturally, especially after menopause.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about uterine fibroids, their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and when to seek medical care.

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are very common during the reproductive years and rarely become cancerous.

Symptoms may include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, and difficulty emptying the bladder. Some women may not experience any symptoms.

The exact cause is unknown, but genetic changes, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and certain growth factors are believed to contribute to the development and growth of fibroids.

No. Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) tumors and almost never develop into uterine cancer.

No. Small fibroids that do not cause symptoms may only require regular monitoring. Treatment is usually recommended if fibroids cause significant symptoms, infertility, or affect your quality of life.

You should consult your doctor if you experience heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, difficulty emptying your bladder, unexplained anemia, or sudden severe pelvic pain and heavy vaginal bleeding.