Fibroids | The Class We Missed

Fibroids

What it is

Fibroids are growths that form from the muscle of the uterus. They are benign, which means not cancer, and they are the most common kind of growth in a woman's pelvis.¹ They can grow inside the uterus, within its wall, on its outer surface, or hang from it on a stalk. They range from the size of a pea to more than 13 to 15 cm (5 to 6 inches) across, and there can be one or many.¹

Who gets them

are most common between ages 30 and 40, but can happen at any age.¹ They are more common in Black women, and in Black women they tend to start younger and grow faster. ACOG says these differences may be due to racism and inequities in society, which raise the risk of health problems.¹ A family history of fibroids also raises the risk, and the NHS lists being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes and never having had a full-term pregnancy as risk factors too.^1,2

Estrogen and progesterone appear to help them grow, which is why fibroids often shrink after menopause.¹

The signs

Many cause no symptoms at all and are found during a routine exam or a scan for something else.¹ When they do cause symptoms, these can include:¹

longer, more frequent or heavy periods
period pain
bleeding between periods
from losing blood
pain in the belly or lower back, or during sex
pressure: needing to pee often, trouble peeing, or constipation
a bigger belly
miscarriage or trouble getting pregnant

How they're found

A doctor may feel them during a pelvic exam, and an ultrasound usually shows how many there are, where and how big.^1,2

Treatment

Small that cause no symptoms, or fibroids in someone close to menopause, often need no treatment.¹ When symptoms do need treatment, there are many options, from medicines to procedures to surgery, and the choice depends on symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, and whether someone wants to get pregnant.¹ See ACOG's guide to fibroids for the options.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have heavy or painful periods that affect daily life, bleeding between periods, pelvic pressure or pain, or painkillers aren't helping.^1,2

Recap

Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterine muscle, from the size of a pea to more than 13 cm (5 inches) across.
They are most common between 30 and 40, and more common in Black women, who also tend to get them younger.
Many cause no symptoms. Others cause heavy or long periods, pain, pressure on the bladder or bowel, and trouble getting pregnant.
They usually shrink after menopause. Small fibroids without symptoms often need no treatment.

Words to know 2

anemia	Too few healthy red blood cells, often from losing blood.
fibroids	Noncancerous growths that form from the muscle of the uterus. Doctors also call them leiomyomas or myomas.