uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are noncancerous growths of the uterus. They are very common and may be present in up to 80% of women at some point in their lifetimes. 

Fibroids range in size from the very small (millimeters!) to huge (grapefruit size or even bigger). Women may have a single fibroid or multiple fibroids of different sizes. 

Many women do not know they have fibroids because they usually do not cause symptoms. They may find out only when they have an ultrasound performed or are experiencing problems. If a woman is having trouble, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size, and number of fibroids.

1) Submucosal fibroids: these fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Women with submucosal fibroids commonly experience heavy period bleeding, which will improve if the fibroid is removed. Submucosal fibroids may also impact fertility.

2) Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle of the uterus. If very large, these fibroids can contribute to symptoms of pelvic pressure or cramping.

3) Subserosal fibroids grow from the muscle of the uterus outwards. If very large, these fibroids may compress other areas of the body, like the bladder or rectum. This can contribute to symptoms like frequent urination, constipation, pelvic pressure, or back pain.

Fibroids are hormonally sensitive, which means they may grow over time, or during pregnancy. Some fibroids have “growth spurts” but others may stay the same size. Generally speaking, after menopause, fibroids tend to shrink. 

Fibroids rarely transform or develop into cancer. Approximately 1 in 1000 women with fibroids and risk factors may be at risk for a cancer called uterine leiomyosarcoma. Your risk can be assessed with imaging, blood tests, and careful monitoring.