Fibroids Condition & Symptoms

Uterine fibroids, also called fibromyoma and leiomyoma, are noncancerous tumors that often develop in the uterus during childbearing years. According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as 75 percent of females have fibroids at some point, but most women don't realize it since fibroids typically don't cause any symptoms.

Intramural Fibroids

• Intramural fibroids, the most common fibroids condition, typically grow within the uterine wall and expand out from there. Intramural fibroid tumors can enlarge the uterus and are sometimes mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy.

Submucosal Fibroids

• Submucosal fibroids grow into the lining of the uterine cavity. This fibroids condition can cause complications in women trying to get pregnant.

Subserosal Fibroids

• Subserosal fibroids generally develop on the outer uterine wall. These fibroid tumors continue to increase in size and might put pressure on the nearby organs.

Pedunculated Fibroids

• Pedunculated fibroids grow on stalks both inside and outside of the uterine wall. These tumors cause symptoms and complications if the fibroids twist on their stalks.

Symptoms

• While most fibroids don't cause any symptoms, some patients suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods and pelvic pain or pressure. Other symptoms may include backache, leg pains, constipation and frequent urination.

Treatment

• Because fibroids generally don't cause any problems, they only occasionally require treatment. Surgical procedures and medications that affect hormone levels are available for females suffering from painful symptoms.