Uterine Fibroids: Benign Growths Are Common
Hearing the words “fibroid tumors” has undoubtedly caused initial panic in the thousands of women who receive that diagnosis each year. Also known as uterine fibroids, leiomyomas are the most common tumors in women. Experts estimate that three out of four women have fibroids, but most are unaware of them. The good news is that uterine fibroids aren’t associated with cancer, and may never cause a woman any problems.
According to Women’s Care physician Catherine York, MD, uterine fibroids are tumors of the uterine muscle. The fibroids may grow as a single tumor or in clusters, and vary in size from less than one inch to eight inches or more across. The exact cause of fibroids isn’t certain. They are known to run in families, and are more common in certain populations. African Americans, for example, are more likely to have fibroids than Caucasians. Unless they start to have symptoms, a majority of women with fibroids won’t even be aware of them. Dr. York says that fibroids are often detected initially during a pelvic exam performed as part of a routine gynecological check-up. The presence of fibroids can be confirmed by an ultrasound or other imaging studies.
Fibroids can grow dramatically during pregnancy, probably because of an increase in estrogen levels. After pregnancy, the fibroids typically shrink to their pre-pregnancy size. They also usually shrink after menopause as a result of decreased estrogen, although menopausal women who take hormone replacements may not experience relief of symptoms.
While most women with fibroids may not experience symptoms, an estimated one in four of them may experience any of the following:
These symptoms may also be signs of other problems, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have any of them.
In some cases, fibroids can prevent a woman from
becoming pregnant through natural methods. But advances in treatments for fibroids and infertility have greatly improved the chances of achieving pregnancy, even with fibroids.
Dr. York notes that historically, hysterectomy—removal of
the uterus—has been the first line of treatment for women suffering from symptoms of uterin fibroids. “While hysterectomy remains the definitive treatment, new technology and a greater understanding of fibroids have provided us with several alternative treatment options that aren’t as invasive. Some of these treatments are even outpatient procedures, and several preserve fertility, as well,” she explains.
“Choosing the most appropriate treatment for troublesome fibroids should always involve an honest and thorough discussion between a patient and her physician,” advises Dr. York. “It’s important to consider each woman’s particular health and life circumstances…there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all answer.”
According to Women’s Care physician Catherine York, MD, uterine fibroids are tumors of the uterine muscle. The fibroids may grow as a single tumor or in clusters, and vary in size from less than one inch to eight inches or more across. The exact cause of fibroids isn’t certain. They are known to run in families, and are more common in certain populations. African Americans, for example, are more likely to have fibroids than Caucasians. Unless they start to have symptoms, a majority of women with fibroids won’t even be aware of them. Dr. York says that fibroids are often detected initially during a pelvic exam performed as part of a routine gynecological check-up. The presence of fibroids can be confirmed by an ultrasound or other imaging studies.
Fibroids can grow dramatically during pregnancy, probably because of an increase in estrogen levels. After pregnancy, the fibroids typically shrink to their pre-pregnancy size. They also usually shrink after menopause as a result of decreased estrogen, although menopausal women who take hormone replacements may not experience relief of symptoms.
While most women with fibroids may not experience symptoms, an estimated one in four of them may experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding or painful periods
- Bleeding between periods
- A sensation of pelvic pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen caused by the bulk of the fibroids pressing on nearby structures.
- Painful intercourse
- Lower back pain as fibroids press on nerves.
- Reproductive problems, including infertility, multiple miscarriages, and early onset of labor during pregnancy.
- Abnormally enlarged abdomen.
These symptoms may also be signs of other problems, so it’s important to see your doctor if you have any of them.
In some cases, fibroids can prevent a woman from
becoming pregnant through natural methods. But advances in treatments for fibroids and infertility have greatly improved the chances of achieving pregnancy, even with fibroids.
Dr. York notes that historically, hysterectomy—removal of
the uterus—has been the first line of treatment for women suffering from symptoms of uterin fibroids. “While hysterectomy remains the definitive treatment, new technology and a greater understanding of fibroids have provided us with several alternative treatment options that aren’t as invasive. Some of these treatments are even outpatient procedures, and several preserve fertility, as well,” she explains.
“Choosing the most appropriate treatment for troublesome fibroids should always involve an honest and thorough discussion between a patient and her physician,” advises Dr. York. “It’s important to consider each woman’s particular health and life circumstances…there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all answer.”
