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 Can children get uterine fibroids?
-
Fibroids usually develop during childbearing years - that is, after you go through puberty and before you go through menopause - so children who have not yet gone through puberty don't develop fibroids. In fact, they're quite rare among women younger... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Are uterine fibroids cancer?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFibroids are noncancerous growths of cells that start in the muscular layer of the uterine wall. Watch the animation to learn more about uterine fibroids. Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q How do you treat bleeding that is related to uterine fibroids?
-
Dr. John Lipman, RadiologyBleeding related to fibroids should first be treated medically. In the past non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAID, ex. ibuprofen) or oral contraceptive pills have been the most commonly used. More recently, tranexamic acid is a NSAID that has... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How large can a fibroid grow?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe noncancerous growths called uterine fibroids sometimes grow as large as a cantaloupe. Watch the animation to learn more about fibroids. Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q Is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) covered by insurance?
-
Dr. John Lipman, RadiologyYes. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) also known as Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) is routinely covered by insurance payors including Medicare and Medicaid. Depending on the individual plan, will determine how much the patient will be responsible... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How can fibroids be prevented?
-
Current research is focused on the cause of fibroids. Currently there is limited data available on how a woman can prevent fibroids.Weight control and diet may help to decrease the risk of fibroids. A diet that limits red meat and is rich in green, leafy... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the possible complications of uterine fibroids?
-
Usually, uterine fibroids don't cause many symptoms and often don't require treatment. However, in some cases they may cause more serious complications. If fibroids cause heavy bleeding, they may lead to anemia, or a lower-than-normal number of red blood... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q Can uterine fibroids be prevented?
-
Because so little is known about the cause of uterine fibroids, there's not really much that can be done to prevent them. Fortunately, many women with uterine fibroids don't experience any symptoms, and many don't require treatment. Even if treatment is... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q When should I call my doctor if I have uterine fibroids?
-
Call to make an appointment if you have possible symptoms of a problem from a uterine fibroid, including: Heavy menstrual bleeding. Periods that have changed from relatively pain-free to painful over the past 3 to 6 months. Frequent painful... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Where can fibroids grow?
-
Most fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus. Doctors put them into three groups based on where they grow: Submucosal (sub-myoo-KOH-zuhl) fibroids grow into the uterine cavity. Intramural (ihn-truh-MYOOR-uhl) fibroids grow within the wall of the uterus.... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
