Fibroids: Understanding Non-Cancerous Uterine Growth

Image credit: usafibroidcenters.com

What are the different types of fibroids?

Intramural fibroids: Intramural fibroids are the most common type. They appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch your uterus. Subserosal fibroids: Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa.

What are the symptoms of a fibroid?

Larger fibroids can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms, including: Excessive or painful bleeding during your period. Bleeding between your periods. A feeling of fullness in your lower belly (abdomen)/bloating. Frequent urination (this can happen when a fibroid puts pressure on your bladder). Pain during sex. Low back pain.

What is a fibroid uterus?

A fibroid is an overgrowth of smooth muscle cells, and other cells from the lining of the womb (uterus). The womb is mainly made of smooth muscle. It is not clear why fibroids develop. Fibroids are sensitive to oestrogen and progesterone, the female hormones that are made in the ovary.

Where do fibroids grow?

This is the most common place for fibroids to form. These grow from the outside wall of the uterus (womb) into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids grow from the inner wall into the cavity of the uterus. These grow from the wall of the uterus and are attached to it by a narrow stalk. What do fibroids look like? Are fibroids cancerous?

What is a fibroid in the uterus?

Fibroids are also called leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids in the uterus are the most common noncancerous tumor (mass) of the female reproductive tract. By age 45, about 70% of women develop at least one fibroid. Many fibroids are small and cause no symptoms.

Where can I find information about fibroid?

The British Fibroid Trust ( www.britishfibroidtrust.org.uk) which has several leaflets on symptoms, types of fibroid, and frequently asked questions. The patient.info leaflet Fibroids. The NHS information Fibroids. See the CKS topic on Menorrhagia for more information on assessment and management options in primary care.

Do fibroids cause symptoms?

Many fibroids do not cause symptoms. The larger the fibroid, the more likely it is to cause symptoms. A common symptom of fibroids is abnormal uterine bleeding. This can be heavy menstrual periods or periods that last longer than usual (more than 8 days in a cycle). Sometimes fibroids cause bleeding between periods.

What Is Fibroids

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
3. https://patient.info/womens-health/periods-and-period-problems/fibroids
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/uterine-fibroids
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids
6. https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/fibroids
7. https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/fibroids/uterine-fibroids
8. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/uterine-fibroids