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What is a Growing Fibroid?

A growing fibroid is a benign tumor that is found in a woman's uterus. The female hormone estrogen causes a uterine fibroid to grow, and the growth rate is often slow.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to the Medline Plus, uterine fibroid symptoms may include an increased frequency of urination and longer menstrual periods with bleeding that is heavy and painful, as well as bleeding that occurs between periods. Abdominal fullness, gas and pelvic cramping during menstrual periods may occur with fibroids.

    Tests

    • Doctors may find signs of a uterine fibroid, such as lumpy, enlarged or irregularly shaped uterus, during a pelvic examination. An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging test of the pelvis may be used to confirm a fibroid diagnosis.

    Risk Factors

    • Women older than 30 and African-American women have a greater risk of developing uterine fibroids.

    Treatment

    • Doctors may treat uterine fibroids with birth-control pills, intrauterine devices or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Severe fibroids may be treated with surgical removal of fibroids or removal of the uterus.

    Complications

    • Pregnant women with uterine fibroids may have an increased risk of giving birth to a premature infant, or they may require a cesarean section. Fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding after a woman gives birth.

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