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They are also called leiomyomas or myomas, and their exact cause, despite how common they are, is unknown. It's believed their growth is linked to the hormone estrogen.
Fibroids are common growths that occur on the uterus. Many fibroids don't cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can be very painful.
Fibroids can be as small in size as a seed, or as large in size as a watermelon. They can grow alone or in clusters, within the wall, the main cavity, or on the outer surface of the uterus.
There are different types of fibroids. Some hang inside or outside of the uterus via a stem of tissue.
The location, size, type, and number of fibroids you have will influence the symptoms experienced, ranging from none at all to more severe.
Intramural fibroids are the most common form of fibroid. They grow and develop in the muscular wall of the uterus, becoming embedded.
Fibroids generally appear in women between the ages of 30-40. They are believed to be present in around 70% of white women and more than 80% of black women by age 50.
Fibroids can cause a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, that leads to bloating or even an enlarged belly that looks pregnant.
If you experience a sharp pain that comes on quickly, or you experience extremely heavy bleeding from the vagina, see a doctor immediately.
Fibroids are made of muscle and tissue, and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, the need to pee frequently, pain during intercourse, and back pain.
On average, it takes around four years after the onset of symptoms to receive a diagnosis. Several years more might pass between diagnosis and treatment.
A submucosal fibroid develops in the muscle layer beneath the womb's inner lining. They can grow into the cavity of the womb.
A subserosal fibroid grows under the lining of the outer surface of the uterus, which can become quite large and extend into the pelvis.
Obese women tend to have more frequent occurrences of uterine fibroids. When someone is overweight, there are higher levels of estrogen in the body.
Pedunculated fibroids are complex, and the least common type. They are connected to the womb with a stalk, and are sometimes known as mushroom fibroids.
An inability to completely empty the bladder, constipation, and chronic vaginal discharge are also symptoms associated with fibroids.
Other signs that you have a fibroid include bleeding between periods, excessive bleeding during your period, painful bleeding, and lower back pain.
The pain caused by fibroids can seriously impact a woman's quality of life, and affect fertility. Fibroids are the most common reason for hysterectomies in the US.
If a fibroid outgrows its own blood supply and begins to die inside the body, it can cause the onset of sudden, severe pain.
The heavy or excessive bleeding caused by large fibroids can lead to anemia, with symptoms of extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, and cold hands and feet.
Having a family history of fibroids, early onset periods, a late age of menopause, not having children, being low in vitamin D, drinking alcohol, and having a diet rich in red meat are risk factors. Black people have more fibroids, and tend to develop them at a younger age, than white people.
Fibroids are typically diagnosed by pelvic or vaginal ultrasound scan. You could need a hysteroscopy, where a thin telescope examines inside the uterus, or laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), where a thin telescope is inserted to look at the reproductive organs.
An approach of "watchful waiting" is usually advised where symptoms aren't bothersome, and the patient is not suffering other complications due to the presence of a fibroid(s).
Medicine and hormone treatments can be administered to patients to help shrink the size of their fibroid, to treat symptoms.
These treatments can include the use of targeted medicines, implants, or the insertion of intra-uterine devices. The types of treatments offered will vary depending on the age of the patient, their desire to get pregnant in the future, and the size and number of fibroids present.
Surgical removal of fibroids is called a myomectomy. A hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be an option for those who don't want children, or others who have completed their family.
Procedures such as high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment use ultrasound waves to shrink fibroids. Uterine artery embolization reduces the size of the fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
There is no known way to prevent uterine fibroids. Certain lifestyle factors have been suggested to help with prevention though, such as eating a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, exercising, and not consuming too much sugar. However, more research is needed.
Sources: (National Geographic) (NHS) (WebMD) (Cleveland Clinic) (Healthline) (Healthdirect) (Mayo Clinic)
See also: From sclerosis to appendicitis—Diseases doctors often get wrong
It's unlikely one will develop fibroids after menopause. This is because the levels of hormones believed to be responsible for fibroid growth (estrogen and progesterone) drop. Existing fibroids may shrink upon menopause.
Although non-cancerous, uterine fibroids can cause many women concern. These tumors grow in and on the womb, and while many smaller ones don't cause symptoms, larger fibroids often cause severe pain and discomfort, requiring treatment. There are numerous risk factors for developing fibroids, and in truth not a lot is understood about why they appear in the first place. However, there are also a number of ways to treat them, if you have one (or more) that's disrupting your life.
Curious? Click on to discover what exactly uterine fibroids are, and how they can be treated.
What are uterine fibroids, and how are they treated?
Around one in three women are estimated to have them
HEALTH Women's health
Although non-cancerous, uterine fibroids can cause many women concern. These tumors grow in and on the womb, and while many smaller ones don't cause symptoms, larger fibroids often cause severe pain and discomfort, requiring treatment. There are numerous risk factors for developing fibroids, and in truth not a lot is understood about why they appear in the first place. However, there are also a number of ways to treat them, if you have one (or more) that's disrupting your life.
Curious? Click on to discover what exactly uterine fibroids are, and how they can be treated.