What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, is a common condition in which noncancerous growths develop on the uterus. These growths normally appear during childbearing years.

Fibroids grow from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A cell repeatedly divides, ultimately creating a firm, rubbery mass. The fibroids can range in size, anywhere from microscopic to large enough to distort the uterus. More often than not, multiple fibroids form, but it is possible for a singular growth.

There are four different areas of the uterus in which fibroids can grow. These areas include:

On a long stalk on the outside or inside of the uterus, known as pedunculated fibroids;
The muscle wall of the uterus, known as myometrial fibroids;
Under the outside lining of the uterus, known as subserosal fibroids; and
Under the surface of the uterine lining, known as submucosal fibroids.

Uterine fibroids are more common amongst black women, with between 80% and 90% of women having them by age 50, as opposed to 70% of white women by the same age. Black women are also more likely to develop fibroids at an earlier age, have them grow larger and have more severe symptoms. Other factors that can increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids include, age over 40 years, obesity, family history of fibroids, high blood pressure, no history of pregnancy and low levels of vitamin D.

Even though a great number of women have fibroids, often times they are unaware because they show no symptoms of the condition. In women who do experience symptoms, they could include:

Bleeding between periods;
Constipation;
Difficulty emptying the bladder;
Longer than normal menstrual periods;
Frequent urination;
Heavy menstrual bleeding;
Pain during intercourse;
Pelvic cramping; and
Pelvic pain or pressure.

Uterine fibroids are not normal for most women. Some may experience discomfort and a small percentage could develop more severe complications. Complications include intense pain or heavy bleeding that may require emergency surgery, anemia, urinary tract infections, infertility, pregnancy loss or early delivery in pregnant women.

Treatment for uterine fibroids is dependent on a few different factors, such as the patient’s age, overall health, type of fibroids, symptoms, pregnancy status and their desire for children. For women who are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain or irregular cycles, a doctor may recommend birth control pills, an intrauterine device, iron supplements, pain relievers or hormone therapy shots. None of these treatments will remove the fibroids.

For more extreme cases that involve removal of uterine fibroids, there are several treatment options. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)–guided focused ultrasound surgery is a noninvasive treatment in which the doctor uses an MRI to locate and remove fibroids. Uterine artery embolization is a procedure in which blood supply to the fibroids is cut off and they shrink and die. Myomectomy involves surgically removing fibroids from the uterus. Hysterectomy — surgical removal of the entire uterus — remains the only way to ensure fibroids will not return, but this option is not recommended for women who want to have children.

Additional information may be found at these websites:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/basics/definition/con-20037901?p=1

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000914.htm

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/uterine/conditioninfo/pages/people-affected.aspx

http://report.nih.gov/nihfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=50