209917
Ariana Stein:
Wife, Mother, Author
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Another medical term for fibroids is "leiomyoma" (leye-oh-meye-OH-muh) or just "myoma". Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. In unusual cases they can become very large.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some women with fibroids can have:
• Heavy bleeding (which can be heavy enough to cause anemia) or painful periods
• Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)
• Enlargement of the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section
• Reproductive problems, such as infertility, which is very rare
How are fibroids treated?
Most women with fibroids do not have any symptoms. For women who do have symptoms, there are treatments that can help. Talk with your doctor about the best way to treat your fibroids. She or he will consider many things before helping you choose a treatment. Some of these things include:
• Whether or not you are having symptoms from the fibroids
• If you might want to become pregnant in the future
• The size of the fibroids
• The location of the fibroids
• Your age and how close to menopause you might be
If you have fibroids but do not have any symptoms, you may not need treatment. Your doctor will check during your regular exams to see if they have grown.
For more information please make an appointment with your OBG/YN.
Or for more information go to womenshealth.gov or contact the following organization:
Center for Uterine Fibroids
Phone: 800-722-5520