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What Is a Fibroid Growth?

Fibroid growths are known medically as uterine fibroids. According to MedlinePlus, one in five women develops uterine fibroids in her reproductive years. This usually occurs over the age of 30.

  1. Uterine Fibroids

    • Uterine fibroids are benign growths that grow within the walls of the uterus. They can be microscopic in size or large enough to weigh several pounds.

    Causes

    • The causes of uterine fibroid growths are unknown although they do seem to be more prevalent among African-American women. Uterine fibroids are also estrogen sensitive so as long as a woman is menstruating the fibroid will continue to grow.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of uterine fibroid growths are abdominal fullness, gas, constipation, bleeding between periods, urinary frequency, heavy bleeding, pelvic cramping, and pain during intercourse.

    Treatments

    • Treatments for uterine fibroids depend on age, general health, fibroid types, whether you are pregnant, symptom severity, and if you want to have children. Usually the first course of action is monitoring the fibroid; other treatments include the use of oral contraceptives to lighten heavy bleeding and anti-inflammatories to relieve pain.

    Surgery

    • In certain cases you may need to have the uterine fibroid removed. This is done through a hysteroscopy, which can be performed on an outpatient basis. A hysterectomy (uterus removal) is used in cases where medicine or other surgeries are not appropriate.

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