Uterine fibroids
A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the uterus is a growth that doesn't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Non-cancerous tumours are not usually life-threatening.
Uterine fibroids are a common non-cancerous tumour of the uterus. They are growths that develop in the connective tissues of the uterus.
Uterine fibroids may grow in different parts of the uterus, but they most often
develop in the uterine wall. High levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone
increase their growth, so they tend to get bigger during the reproductive years when
these hormone levels are high. Uterine fibroids shrink after menopause, when
estrogen and progesterone levels are lower. Some fibroids can be very small or some
can grow to be very large. Uterine fibroids may increase the risk of
About 70% of all people with a uterus will develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50. They rarely develop under the age of 20. The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. A family history of uterine fibroids can increase your risk of having them.
Uterine fibroids may also be called leiomyomas.
Symptoms
Uterine fibroids may not cause any signs or symptoms. Whether or not you have signs and symptoms and which ones you have will depend on the number of fibroids, their size and their location in the uterus. The signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding, including heavier and longer periods, painful periods or bleeding between periods
- having to urinate more often
- constipation
- pain, pressure or cramps in the abdomen, pelvis or lower back
- pain during sexual intercourse
- problems related to pregnancy, including problems getting pregnant, having the baby early or heavy bleeding right after giving birth
Diagnosis
If you have symptoms or your doctor thinks you might have uterine fibroids, you will be sent for tests. Tests used to diagnose or rule out uterine fibroids include:
- a pelvic exam
-
a pelvic or
transvaginal ultrasound - a biopsy of the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium)
Treatment
Uterine fibroids usually don’t need to be treated unless they cause symptoms. Treatment options include:
- medicines to lower hormone levels and shrink fibroids
- pain medicines
- surgery to remove the fibroids but not the uterus (called myomectomy)
-
embolization to stop the blood flow to the fibroid to shrink it - surgery to remove the uterus (called hysterectomy)
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