Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They are the most common type of benign tumor in women of reproductive age. Fibroids can vary in size, number, and location within the uterus, and they may or may not cause symptoms.

 

Here are some key points about uterine fibroids:

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Causes:

• ​ The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not fully understood, but they are believed to develop from abnormal muscle cells in the uterine wall. Hormonal factors, such as estrogen and progesterone, play a role in their growth, which is why fibroids tend to grow during the reproductive years when hormone levels are highest.

 

Symptoms: 

• Many women with uterine fibroids do not experience any symptoms and may be unaware of their presence. Fibroids are often discovered incidentally during a pelvic examination or imaging test.

• When symptoms do occur, they may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, pelvic discomfort or fullness, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, backache, and pain during intercourse.

• The severity and type of symptoms can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids within the uterus.

 

Diagnosis: 

• ​Typically diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms, and imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or hysterosonography (ultrasound with saline infusion) to help  determine the size, number, and location of the fibroids and rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

 

Treatment:

• Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, the woman's age and reproductive plans, and her overall health.

• Do not require treatment if no symptoms or are mild and manageable.

• Treatment options may include medication to help manage symptoms (such as pain relievers or hormonal medications), minimally invasive procedures to shrink or remove the fibroids (such as uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, or endometrial ablation), or surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) in severe cases.

 

While uterine fibroids are generally benign, they can sometimes cause complications such as anemia (due to heavy menstrual bleeding), urinary tract infections, infertility or pregnancy complications, or complications during labor and delivery.