Uterine fibroids are a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on your uterus. They often appear during the years you’re usually able to get pregnant and give birth. They aren’t linked with a higher risk of other types of cancer in the uterus either. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas.
Fibroids vary in number and size. You can have a single fibroid or more than one. Some grow too small to see and others grow to the size of a grapefruit. A large fibroid can distort the inside and outside of the uterus. In extreme cases, some fibroids grow large enough to fill the pelvis or stomach area, making a person look pregnant.
Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods
- Longer or more frequent periods
- Pelvic pressure
- Frequent urination
- A growing stomach area
- Constipation
- Pain in the stomach area or lower back, or pain during sex
In rare cases, a fibroid can cause sudden, serious pain when it outgrows its blood supply and starts to die. Fibroids are often grouped by their location. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of the uterus.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t clear. But factors that may cause fibroids include:
- Gene changes
- Hormones
- Other growth factors
Race and family history are two of the few known risk factors for uterine fibroids, other than being a person of reproductive age.
Uterine fibroids often aren’t dangerous. However, they can cause pain and may lead to complications, including anemia, which can cause fatigue from heavy blood loss. If you bleed heavily during your period, your doctor may prescribe you iron supplements to prevent or help manage anemia. You may also need a blood transfusion.
Fibroids don’t often interfere with getting pregnant. But some, especially the submucosal fibroid could cause infertility or pregnancy loss. Fibroids can also raise the risk of certain pregnancy complications, including:
- Placental abruption
- Fetal growth restriction
- Preterm delivery
Researchers continue to study the causes of fibroid tumors. However, more research is needed on how to prevent them. It might be possible to prevent uterine fibroids. But only a small percentage of these tumors need treatment. You might be able to lower your risk of fibroids with healthy lifestyle changes, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
Uterine fibroids are often found by chance during a routine pelvic exam. Your doctor may feel irregular changes in the shape of your uterus, suggesting the presence of fibroids. If you have symptoms of uterine fibroids diagnostic tests can include the following:
- Ultrasound
- Lab tests
- MRI
- Hysterosonography
- Hysterosalpingography
- Hysteroscopy
There is no single best treatment for uterine fibroids, though many treatment choices exist. If you have symptoms, talk with your healthcare team about ways to get relief. Treatments can include:
- Medicines
- Noninvasive procedures
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Traditional surgical procedures
At Jamaica Hospital's Department of Women's Health Services, we are passionate about meeting the various needs of women in our community. We proudly treat women from all walks of life and provide a warm and welcoming environment.
To learn more about our OB/GYN services or to make an appointment, contact us at 718-291-3276.
