Uterine Fibroids

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are rubbery, non-cancerous tumors that develops within the uterine wall. They are also called leiomyomas, myomas and fibromyomas. Uterine fibroids are composed of muscle fibrous tissue.

Uterine fibroids develop from cells in the muscular wall of the uterus that grows slowly and erratically into balls of smooth muscle encased in fibrous tissue.

Uterine fibroids can be small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. After menopause, they often shrink and disappear completely.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Often, there are not symptoms of uterine fibroids. When symptoms occur, the most common ones are:

• heavy menstrual periods
• prolonged menstrual periods
• pain in the lower back
• pain in the lower abdomen
• pressure in lower back
• pressure in lower abdomen

***Sudden, sharp pain in your low abdomen is signals an emergency. If you experience this, go to the hospital immediately.

How are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?

Uterine Fibroids are usually detected during a pelvic exam. The doctor may perform a CT scan or an ultrasound to make sure they are uterine fibroids.

How serious are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are rarely serious. But they can cause your menstrual periods to become very heavy. Sometimes uterine fibroids make it difficult to conceive a child. Uterine fibroids may cause a miscarriage or interfere with the delivery.

Can Uterine Fibroids be Treated?

Uterine fibroids can be treated. The most common treatments are medication and surgery.

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