Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They also are called leiomyomas or myomas. The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly. They may be present inside the uterus, on its outer surface or within its wall, or attached to it by a stem-like structure. A woman may have only one fibroid or many of varying sizes. A fibroid may remain very small for a long time and suddenly grow rapidly, or grow slowly over a number of years.

Fibroids may have the following symptoms:

Changes in menstruation

  • Longer, more frequent, or heavy menstrual periods
  • Menstrual pain(cramps)
  • Vaginal bleeding at times other than menstruation
  • Anemia(from blood loss)

    • Pain

  • In the abdomen or lower back(often dull, heavy and aching, but may be sharp)
  • During sex

    • Pressure

  • Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
  • Constipation, rectal pain, or difficult bowel movements
  • Abdominal cramps

    • Enlarged uterus and abdomen
    Miscarriages
    Infertility

    Fibroids also may cause no symptoms at all. Fibroids may be found during a routine pelvic exam or during tests for other problems.
    Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms or just mild symptoms and do not need treatment. In one study, almost 80% of women who chose “watchful waiting” for their fibroids had no major changes in their bleeding, pain, bothersome symptoms, mental health, general health or activity after one year.

    Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

    Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms or just mild symptoms and do not need treatment. In one study, almost 80% of women who chose “watchful waiting” for their fibroids had no major changes in their bleeding, pain, bothersome symptoms, mental health, general health or activity after one year.

    Bleeding Problems

    Women with fibroids may have an increased amount of menstrual bleeding, although many women with fibroids do not have this problem.

    Women with fibroids may have an increased amount of menstrual bleeding, although many women with fibroids do not have this problem.
    A normal size uterus lies below the pubic bone, well down in the pelvis. It is just under the bladder, just above the rectum, and surrounded by the intestines. Since it is so near to these other organs, growth of the uterus from fibroids may cause pressure or, rarely, pain in the pelvis.The uterus is normally about the size of a small pear and weighs less than one-quarter of a pound.

    Pain or Pressure

    A normal size uterus lies below the pubic bone, well down in the pelvis. It is just under the bladder, just above the rectum, and surrounded by the intestines. Since it is so near to these other organs, growth of the uterus from fibroids may cause pressure or, rarely, pain in the pelvis.The uterus is normally about the size of a small pear and weighs less than one-quarter of a pound.

    Hysterectomy

    Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. The ovaries may or may not be removed. Hysterectomy is done when other treatments have not worked or are not possible or the fibroids are very large. A woman is no longer able to have children after having a hysterectomy.

    Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus. The ovaries may or may not be removed. Hysterectomy is done when other treatments have not worked or are not possible or the fibroids are very large. A woman is no longer able to have children after having a hysterectomy.


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