Uterine Fibroids
If you have uterine fibroids, you may never even notice that they are there. Ranging from the size of a small seed to grapefruit-sized, fibroids are tumors on the uterus that rarely cause harm. Some women have true discomfort with fibroids, including pain in the abdomen or low back, or pain during sex. Sometimes, uterine fibroids can cause miscarriage, preterm labor, or even lead to infertility. Women in their 40s and 50s, women of African-American descent and women that are overweight are at higher risk of developing fibroids, although an estimated 20-80% of women will have them at some point before they turn 50. If your doctor notices fibroids during an ultrasound or pelvic exam, he or she may want to treat them with medication or surgery.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids?
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Uterine fibroids are familial and more common in African American women. Since fibroids tend to grow under the influence of estrogen, it is possible that they may grow more quickly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Full Answer
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- Q What are uterine fibroids?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFibroids are noncancerous growths of cells that start in the muscular layer of the uterine wall. There are different types. Watch the animation to learn more about uterine fibroids. Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyUterine fibroids can cause symptoms ranging from heavy bleeding to leg pain. Watch the animation to learn more about symptoms of fibroids. Full Answer
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- Q How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyBecause uterine fibroids often cause no symptoms, they are often only discovered because of a pelvic exam or ultrasound for another reason. Watch the animation to learn more about fibroids. Full Answer
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- Q What causes uterine fibroids?
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Dr. Kevin Windom, Obstetrics & GynecologyThe cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Most fibroids occur in women of reproductive age, and it is thought that hormones play a role in the growth of these benign tumors of the uterus. Genetics definitely plays a role in the cause of... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk for uterine fibroids?
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Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, there are several factors that may affect your risk. Most uterine fibroids develop in women of reproductive age - that is, women who have undergone puberty but have not yet gone through menopause -... Full Answer
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- Q How do uterine fibroids affect the body?
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Uterine fibroids begin in cells in the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. When these cells reproduce, they form growths that may develop in almost any area of the uterus. Many times, these growths don't cause noticeable symptoms. However, sometimes they... Full Answer
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- Q Does diet affect the risk of fibroids?
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Dr. Rovenia Brock, Nutrition & DieteticsFoods may be key in the treatment and prevention of fibroids. Since excessively high estrogen levels seem to play a role in fibroid development, research suggests that cutting down on red meat, which is believed to boost estrogen levels, could... Full Answer
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- Q Can a uterine fibroid cause leg pain?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologySymptoms of fibroids depend on its location. A uterine fibroid pressing on a spinal nerve can cause leg pain. Watch the animation to learn more about symptoms of fibroids. Full Answer
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- Q Is back pain a symptom of fibroids?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyAmong many other symptoms, a uterine fibroid can cause back pain. Watch the animation to learn more about symptoms of fibroids. Full Answer
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