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 How do I manage my uterine fibroids on a daily basis?
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For many women, uterine fibroids don't cause any symptoms and therefore don't really require much management on a day-to-day basis. You may need to check in with your doctor for regular pelvic exams to make sure the fibroids aren't growing. If your... Full Answer
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- Q When should I seek immediate help if I have uterine fibroids?
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Dr. John Lipman, RadiologyIf you have fibroids and no symptoms, no treatment is necessary. You should continue all routine screening examinations and check-ups. If you develop significant symptoms, you should schedule an appointment right away with your healthcare provider to... Full Answer
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- Q Can I have uterine fibroids without even realizing it?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe noncancerous uterine growths known as fibroids often cause no symptoms and are only discovered by chance. Watch the animation to learn more about fibroids. Full Answer
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- Q Why do uterine fibroids cause painful menstrual cramps?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyFibroids in a woman's uterus can make menstrual periods agonizing. Learn about medications that work as Dr. Oz and gynecologist Dr. Samantha Pfeifer discuss how to treat cramping in this video. Full Answer
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- Q Why should I know about fibroids?
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About 20 percent to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms often find fibroids hard to live... Full Answer
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- Q Are fibroids common?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyMany women have one or more of the noncancerous uterine growths called fibroids. Watch the animation to learn more about uterine fibroids. Full Answer
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- Q Can women with uterine fibroids become pregnant?
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Most women who have uterine fibroids are able to become pregnant without too many issues. In rare cases, uterine fibroids may make it more difficult to become pregnant if they block the fallopian tubes or cause the uterus to become misshapen, which may... Full Answer
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- Q Can fibroids turn into cancer?
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Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Rarely (less than one in 1,000), a cancerous fibroid will occur. This is called leiomyosarcoma (leye-oh-meye-oh-sar-KOH-muh). Doctors think that these cancers do not arise from an already-existing... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my uterine fibroid symptoms?
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If you have symptoms that you think may be caused by fibroids, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. Noticeable symptoms of fibroids may include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, persistent or sudden pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, or problems... Full Answer
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- Q Do uterine fibroids run in families?
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Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes fibroids, but there is evidence that they may run in families. The cause for fibroids may be related to certain genetic factors, so the condition may be inherited. This means that if your mother or sister has had... Full Answer
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