What are Uterine Fibroids? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around your uterus. These common tumors are made of muscle and tissue, and they affect up to 80% of women by age 50.

Think of fibroids as benign lumps that can vary greatly in size and location. While the word "tumor" might sound scary, fibroids are almost never cancerous and many women live with them without even knowing they're there.

What are uterine fibroids exactly?

Uterine fibroids are smooth muscle tumors that grow from the wall of your uterus. They're also called leiomyomas or myomas by doctors, but these terms all describe the same thing.

These growths can be as small as a seed or as large as a melon. Some women have just one fibroid, while others might have several. The good news is that fibroids are benign, meaning they won't spread to other parts of your body like cancer would.

Fibroids can grow in different parts of your uterus. They might develop inside the uterine wall, on the outer surface, or even hang from the uterus on a stalk-like structure.

What are the types of uterine fibroids?

Doctors classify fibroids based on where they grow in your uterus. The location affects what symptoms you might experience and how they're treated.

Here are the main types you should know about:

• Intramural fibroids: These grow within the muscle wall of your uterus and are the most common type
• Subserosal fibroids: These develop on the outer wall of your uterus and can grow quite large
• Submucosal fibroids: These grow just under the lining of your uterus and often cause heavy bleeding
• Pedunculated fibroids: These hang from your uterus on a thin stalk and can twist, causing sudden pain

Each type can cause different symptoms, which helps your doctor determine the best treatment approach for your specific situation.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

Many women with fibroids don't experience any symptoms at all. However, when symptoms do occur, they're often related to the size and location of the fibroids.

Let's walk through the symptoms you might notice, keeping in mind that your experience could be different from another woman's:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding: Your periods might be unusually heavy or last longer than seven days
• Pelvic pressure or pain: You might feel fullness or aching in your lower abdomen or pelvis
• Frequent urination: Large fibroids can press on your bladder, making you need to urinate more often
• Difficulty emptying your bladder: Some women find it hard to completely empty their bladder
• Constipation: Fibroids pressing on your rectum can make bowel movements difficult
• Back or leg pain: Large fibroids can press on nerves, causing pain that radiates down your back or legs

Less common symptoms might include pain during intercourse or an enlarged abdomen that makes you look pregnant. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's worth discussing them with your healthcare provider.

What causes uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn't fully understood, but researchers believe hormones and genetics play important roles. Your body's estrogen and progesterone levels seem to fuel fibroid growth.

Several factors appear to contribute to fibroid development:

• Hormonal fluctuations: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate fibroid growth, which is why they often shrink after menopause
• Genetic factors: If your mother or sister had fibroids, you're more likely to develop them too
• Growth factors: Substances that help your body maintain tissues may also promote fibroid growth
• Extracellular matrix: This is the material that makes cells stick together, and it's increased in fibroids

Researchers are still studying why some women develop fibroids while others don't. What we do know is that fibroids are incredibly common and nothing you did or didn't do caused them to develop.

What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing fibroids, though having risk factors doesn't guarantee you'll get them. Understanding these factors can help you stay informed about your health.

Here are the main risk factors that healthcare providers have identified:

• Age: Fibroids are most common during your reproductive years, especially in your 30s and 40s
• Race: African American women are more likely to develop fibroids and tend to get them at younger ages
• Family history: Having a mother or sister with fibroids increases your risk
• Obesity: Being overweight can increase your risk, possibly due to higher estrogen levels
• Diet: Eating lots of red meat and ham may increase risk, while green vegetables might be protective
• Early menstruation: Starting your period before age 10 may increase your risk

Some factors might actually lower your risk, including having children, using birth control pills, and consuming dairy products. Remember, these are just statistical associations, and every woman's experience is unique.

When should you see a doctor for uterine fibroids?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you're experiencing symptoms that interfere with your daily life or cause you concern. Don't wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help.

Here are specific situations where you should schedule an appointment:

• Heavy bleeding: If you're soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours
• Prolonged periods: Menstrual periods lasting more than seven days
• Severe pain: Pelvic pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain relievers
• Bladder problems: Frequent urination that disrupts your sleep or daily activities
• Fertility concerns: If you're having trouble getting pregnant

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pelvic pain or heavy bleeding that makes you feel weak or dizzy. These could be signs of complications that need prompt treatment.

What are the possible complications of uterine fibroids?

Most fibroids don't cause serious complications, but it's important to be aware of potential issues. Early recognition and treatment can prevent most complications from becoming serious.

Here are the complications that can occur, though they're relatively uncommon:

• Anemia: Heavy bleeding can lead to iron deficiency, causing fatigue and weakness
• Fertility problems: Some fibroids can interfere with implantation or block fallopian tubes
• Pregnancy complications: Fibroids might increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor
• Fibroid degeneration: When fibroids outgrow their blood supply, they can cause severe pain
• Urinary tract infections: Difficulty emptying your bladder completely can lead to infections

Very rarely, a fibroid might undergo malignant transformation, but this happens in less than 1% of cases. Your doctor will monitor your fibroids during regular checkups to catch any changes early.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Your doctor will start with a pelvic exam to check for irregularities in your uterus. They might feel enlarged areas or unusual shapes that suggest fibroids are present.

Several imaging tests can confirm the diagnosis and provide details about your fibroids:

• Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to create pictures of your uterus
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed images and helps plan treatment
• Hysterosonography: Sterile water is injected into your uterus to get clearer ultrasound images
• Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted scope is inserted through your cervix to view inside your uterus
• Laparoscopy: A small camera inserted through a tiny incision can detect fibroids on the outside of your uterus

Your doctor might also order blood tests to check for anemia if you're experiencing heavy bleeding. These tests help create a complete picture of how fibroids are affecting your health.

What is the treatment for uterine fibroids?

Treatment for fibroids depends on your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and your future pregnancy plans. Many women with small, symptom-free fibroids don't need any treatment at all.

Let's explore the treatment options your doctor might recommend:

Medications

• Hormonal birth control: Pills, patches, or IUDs can help control heavy bleeding
• GnRH agonists: These medications shrink fibroids by blocking hormone production
• Tranexamic acid: This medication helps reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
• Iron supplements: These help treat anemia caused by heavy bleeding

Non-surgical procedures

• Uterine artery embolization: Tiny particles block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink
• MRI-guided focused ultrasound: High-intensity ultrasound waves destroy fibroid tissue

Surgical options

• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving your uterus
• Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus, which permanently eliminates fibroids
• Endometrial ablation: Destruction of the uterine lining to reduce heavy bleeding

Your healthcare provider will work with you to choose the best treatment based on your individual situation and preferences.

How can you manage uterine fibroids at home?

While home remedies can't cure fibroids, certain lifestyle changes and self-care measures can help you manage symptoms and feel more comfortable. These approaches work best alongside medical treatment.

Here are ways you can support your health at home:

• Heat therapy: A heating pad or warm bath can help ease pelvic pain and cramping
• Regular exercise: Physical activity can help reduce pain and improve your overall well-being
• Stress management: Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation may help with pain management
• Dietary changes: Eating more fruits and vegetables while limiting red meat might be beneficial
• Iron-rich foods: Include foods like spinach, beans, and lean meats to combat anemia

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with pain and may even reduce heavy bleeding slightly. However, always check with your doctor before starting any new supplements or making significant dietary changes.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Preparing for your appointment can help you make the most of your time with your healthcare provider. Good preparation ensures you get all your questions answered and receive the best possible care.

Here's how to get ready for your visit:

• Track your symptoms: Keep a diary of your menstrual cycle, pain levels, and other symptoms
• List your medications: Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements
• Prepare questions: Write down everything you want to ask about your condition and treatment options
• Bring support: Consider having a family member or friend accompany you to the appointment
• Gather medical records: Bring any previous test results or imaging studies related to your fibroids

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand. Your healthcare provider wants to help you make informed decisions about your care.

Can uterine fibroids be prevented?

There's no guaranteed way to prevent uterine fibroids since we don't fully understand what causes them. However, certain lifestyle choices might help reduce your risk or slow their growth.

Here are strategies that may be helpful:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to increased fibroid risk
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity may help regulate hormones and reduce risk
• Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting processed foods
• Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption may increase fibroid risk
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone levels

Remember, even women who live healthy lifestyles can develop fibroids. If you do get them, it's not because you did anything wrong, and effective treatments are available to help you feel better.

What's the key takeaway about uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are incredibly common and usually manageable. While they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, they're almost never dangerous and many effective treatment options are available.

The most important thing to remember is that you don't have tough it out alone. If fibroids are affecting your quality of life, your healthcare provider can help you find relief.

Every woman's experience with fibroids is different, so what works for someone else might not be right for you. Work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan that fits your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.