What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus).

Fibroids are tumors made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus. It is estimated that 70 to 80 percent of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime — however, not everyone will develop symptoms or require treatment.

The most important characteristic of fibroids is that they’re almost always benign, or noncancerous. That said, some fibroids begin as cancer — but benign fibroids can’t become cancer.

Cancerous fibroids are very rare. Because of this fact, it’s reasonable for women without symptoms to opt for observation rather than treatment.

Studies show that fibroids grow at different rates, even when a woman has more than one. They can range from the size of a pea to (occasionally) the size of a watermelon. Even if fibroids grow that large, we offer timely and effective treatment to provide relief.

The growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and vary in size. They're sometimes known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas. Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms.

Women who do have symptoms (around 1 in 3) may experience:

1.Heavy periods or painful periods

2.Tommy (abdominal) pain

3.Lower back pain

4.A frequent need to urinate

5.Constipation

6.Pain or discomfort during sex

7.Difficulty getting pregnant

In rare cases, further complications caused by fibroids can affect pregnancy or cause infertility.

Types of fibroids

Along with the size and number of fibroids, the type can also affect treatment recommendations. The three main types of fibroids include:

Subserosal fibroids: These are the most common fibroids. They can push outside of the uterus into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids can grow large at times and sometimes have a stalk that attaches to the uterus (pedunculated fibroid). Intramural fibroids: These fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. Submucosal fibroids: These fibroids are uncommon. They can grow into the open space inside the uterus and may also include a stalk.

What causes fibroids?

The cause of uterine fibroids is not known, although studies demonstrate there may be a genetic component. There is no definite external exposure that a woman can have that causes her to develop fibroids.

Seeing a GP

As fibroids do not often cause symptoms, they are sometimes diagnosed by chance during while doing the routine gynaecological examination, test or scan.

See a GP if you have persistent symptoms of fibroids so they can investigate possible causes.

If the GP thinks you may have fibroids, they will usually refer you for an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.

What are the complications of uterine fibroids?

It is uncommon for fibroids to cause severe health consequences. However, women can have heavy bleeding that can lead to dangerous anemia, or lack of red blood cells.

Rarely, large fibroids can press on the bladder and the channel (ureter) that sends urine there from the kidney. This pressure can lead to kidney damage. Other complications include infertility and repeated pregnancy loss.

Treating fibroids

Fibroids do not need to be treated if they are not causing symptoms. Over time, they'll often shrink and disappear without treatment, particularly after the menopause.

If you do have symptoms caused by fibroids, medicine to help relieve the symptoms will usually be recommended first.

There are also medications available to help shrink fibroids. If these prove ineffective, surgery or other, less invasive procedures may be recommended.