What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous, benign growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years, usually between 20-55 years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.

What Causes Myomas to Grow?

So, what causes uterine fibroids to grow? Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The types of fibroids and growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary — they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size.

Will Uterine Fibroid affect pregnancy?

Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to a normal size. Treating fibroids can help if they become symptomatic, offering relief and control over these unpredictable growths.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

The various types of fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, in extreme cases expanding the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.Depending on the case, treatment options can include shrinking fibroids or, if necessary, opting to remove the fibroid through surgical or non-surgical procedures.

Who gets Fibroids?

As many as 3 out of 4 women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives, but most are unaware of them because often there are no symptoms of fibroids. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. Most fibroids cause few problems and do not require treatment, but they may become progressively symptomatic. When symptoms are severe, procedures like uterine fibroid embolization may offer a minimally invasive solution for shrinking fibroids without surgery.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

The most common symptoms include:
• Heavy menstrual bleeding, passing clots
• Prolonged menstrual periods
• Pelvic pressure or pain, bloating
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains

Other symptoms include:
• Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away
• Heavy bleeding or painful periods
• Spotting or bleeding between periods
• Pain with intercourse
• Enlarged uterus and abdomen
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Back or leg pain, constipation

Rarely, a fibroid can cause acute pain when it outgrows its blood supply. Deprived of nutrients, the fibroid begins to die. Byproducts from a degenerating fibroid can seep into surrounding tissue, causing pain and, rarely, fever. A fibroid that hangs by a stalk inside or outside the uterus (pedunculated fibroid) can trigger pain by twisting on its stalk and cutting off its blood supply.

Learn more about Uterine Fibroid Treatment options

What is Uterine Fibroid Treatment?

If you have possible symptoms of uterine fibroids, fill in our form and book a consultation with our uterine fibroid specialists, or call +27 79 810 9423 to make an appointment.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Where are Uterine Fibroids located?

Fibroid location, size, and number influence signs and symptoms:

Submucosal fibroids. Fibroids that grow into the inner cavity of the uterus (submucosal fibroids) are more likely to cause prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding and are sometimes a problem for women attempting pregnancy.

Subserosal fibroids. Fibroids that project to the outside of the uterus (subserosal fibroids) can sometimes press on your bladder, causing you to experience urinary symptoms. If fibroids bulge from the back of your uterus, they occasionally can press either on your rectum, causing a pressure sensation, or on your spinal nerves, causing backache.

Intramural fibroids. Some fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall (intramural fibroids). If large enough, they can distort the shape of the uterus and cause prolonged, heavy periods, as well as pain and pressure.


Consultation with Fibroid Care does not require a physician referral.

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