Uterine fibroid

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma, fibroleiomyoma, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Most women have no symptoms while others may have painful or heavy periods. If they push on the bladder a frequent need to urinate may occur. They may also cause pain during sex or lower back pain. A woman can have one uterine fibroid or many of them. Occasionally fibroids may make it difficult to get pregnant although this is uncommon.

The exact cause is unclear. However, fibroids run in families and appear to be partly determined by hormone levels. Risk factors include obesity and eating a lot of red meat. Diagnosis may occur by pelvic examination or medical imaging.

Treatment is typically not needed if there are no symptoms. In those with mild symptoms, ibuprofen or paracetamol (acetaminophen) may help. Iron supplements may be needed in those with heavy periods. Medications of the gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist class may decrease the size of the fibroids but are expensive and associated with side effects. If greater symptoms are present, surgery to remove the fibroid or uterus may help. Uterine artery embolization may also help. Cancerous versions of fibroids are very rare and are known as leiomyosarcomas. They do not appear to develop from benign fibroids.