Gynecology » Healthy Women » Fibroids Mammography Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Abnormal Pap Smear Breast Self Examination Depression Endometriosis Exercise Fibriods Hormone Replacement Therapy Incontinence Osteoporosis Menopause Perimenopause Premenstrual Syndrome Bone Density Testing Sexually Transmitted Diseases AIDS Domestic Violence Smoking Cessation   » go to Healthy Teens Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterus. They occur in about 20 to 25% of women. Many women do not realize they have fibroids because often they remain small and are asymptomatic. Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the cells that make up the muscle of the uterus. They can vary in size, shape and location. They may appear inside the uterus or on its outer surface. They can range in size from a small pea-sized growth to a large round growth 5 to 6 inches wide. A woman may have only one fibroid or several of varying sizes. Sometimes they appear by themselves or in groups or clusters. They may remain very small for a long time and suddenly begin to grow rapidly. Because fibroids are hard to predict, sometimes it is difficult in deciding treatment options. CAUSES Found most often in women age 30 to 40 but can occur at any age More commonly found in black women Estrogen seems to increase their growth SYMPTOMS Change in menstruation Longer or more frequent periods Menstrual pain or cramping Vaginal bleeding at other times than menstruation Anemia (from loss of blood) Pain- in abdomen or lower back Pain during intercourse Increased pelvic pressure Miscarriages and infertility DIAGNOSIS Routine pelvic exam, ultrasound, hysteroscopy, HSG, Laparoscopy TREATMENT Myomectomy-(removal of fibroids) can be done in several different ways: Laparotomy, Laparoscopy, Hysterectomy

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