Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms and Treatments

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What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are a common type of noncancerous tumor that can grow in and on your uterus. Not all fibroids cause symptoms, but when they do, symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination and pain during sex. Small fibroids often don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids can be treated with medications or surgery.

Are uterine fibroids cancerous?

These growths are usually not cancerous (benign) and are the most common noncancerous tumor in women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB). Uterine fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms like pain and heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding. Sometimes, a person has no symptoms and is unaware they have fibroids.

Do uterine fibroids need treatment?

Small fibroids often don’t need treatment, but larger fibroids can be treated with medications or surgery. Uterine fibroids are growths made up of muscle and connective tissue. Symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, back pain, frequent urination and pain during sex. What are uterine fibroids?

How do uterine fibroids grow?

Doctors believe that uterine fibroids may develop from a stem cell in the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A single cell divides over and over. In time it turns into a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary. They may grow slowly or fast.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Many people who have uterine fibroids don't have any symptoms. In those who do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids. Heavy menstrual bleeding or painful periods. Longer or more frequent periods. Pelvic pressure or pain. Frequent urination or trouble urinating. Growing stomach area. Constipation.

Can uterine fibroids cause bleeding?

Uterine fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms like pain and heavy, irregular vaginal bleeding. Sometimes, a person has no symptoms and is unaware they have fibroids. Treatment for fibroids typically depends on your symptoms. Where do fibroids grow? Fibroids can grow as a single nodule (one growth) or in a cluster.

What Is Uterine Fibroids

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9130-uterine-fibroids
4. https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/fibroids
5. https://www.webmd.com/women/uterine-fibroids/uterine-fibroids
6. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/uterine-fibroids-qa-with-an-expert
7. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/women-s-health-issues/fibroids/uterine-fibroids

Uterine Fibroids Information

1. https://patient.info/womens-health/periods-and-period-problems/fibroids
2. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fibroids/