Uterine Fibroids Overview
Uterine fibroids, also known as myomas or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They usually appear during childbearing years. Uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer, and almost never develop into cancer.
Black women are more likely to have fibroids than women of other racial groups. They also have fibroids at a young age, are more likely to have more or larger fibroids and suffer with more severe symptoms.
Uterine fibroids may cause debilitating symptoms such as heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, anemia, and pelvic pain. Heavy menstrual bleeding is the most common symptom of uterine fibroids. Many women go undiagnosed.For women who have symptoms, the most common signs andsymptomsinclude:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Periods lasting more than a week
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation, rectal pain
- Backache or leg pains
- Heavy, prolonged or painful periods
- Spotting or bleeding between periods
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Pain during sex
- Enlarged uterus and abdomen
- Miscarriages
- Infertility
Seek prompt medical attention if you have severe vaginal bleeding or sharp pelvic pain that comes on suddenly.
Fibroids usually do not interfere with getting pregnant, however, it is possible that fibroids could cause infertility or even pregnancy loss. Fibroids may also raise the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery.
Treatments for fibroids include medications, ablation and surgery. These are just some of the methods used to help control fibroid growth and symptoms.
