Liv Hospital health content is written by a content specialist, verified by an independent expert and medically approved by a physician in the relevant field.
- Mustafa ÇelikWriter
- Lamiya GurbanovaFact-checker
- Assoc. Prof. MD. Miraç ÖzalpMedical reviewer
Mustafa Çelik is a versatile Engineer and Content Writer who bridges the…
View author profile →
Dr. Lamiya Gurbanova is a physician who completed her specialization training in…
View profile →
Approved this content for clinical accuracy in their specialty.
View doctor profile →We review our content at regular intervals and update it whenever new research or a change in clinical guidelines requires it.
Overview
Overview
Uterine fibroids are common, noncancerous growths that develop from the muscle of the uterus. A person may have one fibroid or several, and they can vary in size and location. Some cause no symptoms, while others affect menstrual bleeding, create pressure or pain, or influence fertility and pregnancy. Fibroids are also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas.
| Fibroid type | Where it grows | Possible effects |
|---|---|---|
| Intramural fibroid | Within the muscular wall of the uterus | May enlarge the uterus and contribute to heavy bleeding or pressure |
| Subserosal fibroid | On the outer surface of the uterus | May cause pelvic pressure or affect nearby organs |
| Submucosal fibroid | Just beneath the inner uterine lining | May contribute to heavy bleeding and fertility concerns |
Symptoms
Symptoms
Many people with fibroids have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they often depend on the fibroids’ size, number and location, and may range from heavy bleeding to pressure, pain or reproductive concerns.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding between periods
- Painful periods
- Pelvic pressure
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during sex
- Lower-back pain
- Abdominal enlargement
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
Causes
Causes
The exact cause of fibroids is not fully known. They appear to begin when a muscle cell in the uterus grows abnormally and forms a mass. Estrogen and progesterone can influence fibroid growth, which is why fibroids often grow during the reproductive years and may shrink after menopause. Genetic factors and family history may also play a role in developing a fibroid leiomyoma of the uterus.
Are uterine fibroids cancerous?
Typical fibroids are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and they do not turn into cancer. Rare malignant uterine tumors are different conditions, so unexplained, rapidly changing or severe symptoms still need clinical evaluation.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Less changeable factors
Family history, reproductive age, and certain race and ethnicity patterns are associated with a higher likelihood of fibroids. Hormonal exposure and the length of time a person is exposed to reproductive hormones may also be relevant.
Associated factors
Higher body weight, early menstruation, vitamin D deficiency, and some dietary or metabolic factors have been linked with fibroids in studies. These associations do not prove that lifestyle choices directly cause fibroids.
Having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that someone will develop fibroids, and people without known risk factors can still develop them. A uterine fibroid may occur at any point during the reproductive years.
Complications
Complications
- Iron-deficiency anemia can result from ongoing heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Large fibroids can press on the bladder or bowel.
- Some fibroids can make it harder to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy.
- Certain fibroid locations may be associated with miscarriage or preterm birth.
- Fibroid degeneration can cause sudden or severe localized pain.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Initial evaluation usually includes a menstrual and pregnancy history, a review of symptoms and a pelvic examination. A clinician may also assess for anemia and other causes of abnormal bleeding. The evaluation helps determine the number, size and location of any fibroids and whether they may affect fertility or pregnancy.
- Pelvic ultrasound can identify fibroids and estimate their size and location.
- Transvaginal ultrasound provides a closer view of the uterus.
- MRI can map numerous or complex fibroids before treatment.
- Hysteroscopy can examine the inside of the uterus when a submucosal fibroid is suspected.
- Blood tests can check for anemia and other causes of heavy bleeding.
Treatment & Management
Treatment & Management
Treatment is not always needed when fibroids cause no symptoms. Decisions about uterine fibroids and treatment depend on age, symptom severity, anemia, fibroid size and location, fertility goals, overall health and proximity to menopause. The plan may involve monitoring, medication, a procedure or surgery.
| Approach | What it may help | Important considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Watchful waiting | Fibroids with no or mild symptoms | Requires follow-up if symptoms change |
| Medications | Heavy bleeding, pain or temporary symptom control | Benefits and side effects vary; some options are temporary |
| Minimally invasive procedures | Selected symptomatic fibroids | Suitability depends on size, number, location and pregnancy plans |
| Myomectomy | Removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus | Fibroids can recur and recovery depends on the surgical approach |
| Hysterectomy | Definitive treatment when the uterus is removed | Ends the ability to become pregnant and requires major-surgery counseling |
Before choosing treatment
Treatment planning
The best option depends on fibroid location, symptoms, health history and plans for pregnancy. Medication and procedure choices should be reviewed with a clinician, especially during pregnancy or when future fertility is important.
Outlook and Prognosis
Outlook and Prognosis
Fibroids are usually benign and manageable. Symptoms can remain stable, improve or change over time, and many fibroids shrink after menopause as hormone levels fall. Some people need no treatment, while others need ongoing care for bleeding, pain, pressure or fertility concerns.
Follow-up and long-term care
Follow-up may include monitoring symptoms, checking blood counts when bleeding is heavy and repeating imaging when clinically needed. Fibroids can recur after uterus-preserving treatment, although the outlook depends on symptom burden, location and size, anemia, reproductive goals and response to treatment rather than on the presence of a fibroid alone.
When Should You See a Doctor
When Should You See a Doctor?
Get urgent help
Urgent warning signs
Seek urgent or emergency care for unusually heavy bleeding, fainting, severe weakness, sudden severe pelvic pain or heavy bleeding during pregnancy. These symptoms can require prompt assessment, especially if they suggest severe anemia or another urgent condition.
- Soaking through pads or tampons rapidly
- Fainting or severe weakness
- Sudden severe pelvic pain
- Heavy bleeding during pregnancy
Schedule a clinician visit for heavy or prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, persistent pelvic pressure or pain, urinary or bowel changes, pain during sex, difficulty becoming pregnant or symptoms affecting daily life. A clinician can evaluate uterine fibroid symptoms and discuss whether testing or treatment is appropriate.
Branches
1 topic
Uterine Fibroids
Gynecology & Obstetrics
Tests & Procedure
1 topic
Uterine Fibroids
Hormone Therapy
Symptoms
1 topic
Uterine Fibroids
Irregular Periods
