Fibroids

What Is It?

A fibroid is a lump or growth in the uterus that is not cancerous. Fibroids can be as small as a pea to as large as a basketball. They are usually round and pinkish in color, and they can grow anywhere inside or on the uterus.

About 30% of women older than 30 years have fibroids, and they usually appear between the ages of 35 and 45. Some women are more likely to get fibroids, including black women, women who have never been pregnant and women who have a mother or sister with fibroids.

The cause of fibroids is unknown. However, the female hormone estrogen seems to play a role in stimulating the growth of some fibroids.

Symptoms

Some women never realize that they have fibroids because they don't have any symptoms. In other women, uterine fibroids are discovered either during a routine gynecologic exam or during prenatal care.

When symptoms of fibroids occur, they can include:

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods

• Unusually frequent urination

• Abdominal swelling

• Low back pain during intercourse or during menstrual periods

• Fatigue or low energy from heavy periods and excessive bleeding

• Infertility, if the fibroids are blocking the fallopian tubes

• Constipation

• Repeated miscarriages