Fibroids are the most common
growths in a woman's reproductive system. Many women with fibroids
have no symptoms at all, while others have symptoms ranging from
heavy bleeding and pain to incontinence or infertility. These
information pages explain what fibroids are, how they can affect
your health and what your options are for treatment. For more
information on heavy bleeding or hysterectomy, visit our pages on
these topics.
What are fibroids? Fibroids are tumours that grow in the uterus (womb). They are
benign, which means they are not cancerous, and are made up of
muscle fibre. Fibroids can be as small as a pea and can grow as
large as a melon. It is estimated that 20-50% of women have, or
will have, fibroids at some time in their lives. They are rare in
women under the age of 20, most common in women in their 30s and
40s, and tend to shrink after the menopause.
Although the exact cause of
fibroids is unknown, they seem to be influenced by oestrogen. This
would explain why they appear during a woman's middle years (when
oestrogen levels are high) and stop growing after the menopause
(when oestrogen levels drop).
According to US studies, fibroids occur up to nine times more
often in black women than in white women, and tend to appear
earlier*. The reason for this is unclear. Also women who weigh
over 70kg may be more likely to have fibroids. This is thought to
be due to higher levels of oestrogen in heavier women.
In the past, the contraceptive pill was thought to increase the
risk of fibroids, but that was when the pill contained higher
levels of oestrogen than it does today. Some studies suggest that
the newer combined pill (oestrogen and progestogen) and the mini
pill (progestogen only) may actually help prevent or slow the
growth of fibroids.
Types of fibroids
Fibroids are categorised by where they grow in the uterus
Intramural — these grow in the wall of the womb and are the most
common type of fibroid.
Subserous—- these fibroids grow from the outer layer of the womb
wall and sometimes grow on stalks (called pedunculated fibroids).
Subserous fibroids can grow to be very large.
Submucous — submucous fibroids develop in the muscle underneath
the inner lining of the womb. They grow into the womb and can also
grow on stalks which, if long enough, can hang through the cervix.
Cervical — cervical fibroids grow in the wall of the cervix (neck
of the womb) and are difficult to remove without damaging the
surrounding area.
If you have fibroids, you may have one or many. You may also have
one type of fibroid or a number of different types.
Fibroids — prevention
As the cause of fibroids is still unknown, there are no clear
guidelines for preventing them. However, there are some things you
could do that may help reduce your risk:
* Keep your weight in check. This will minimise oestrogen levels
in your body.
* Eat green vegetables and fruit, and avoid red meat. An Italian
study found that women who eat little meat but a lot of green
vegetables and fruit seem to be less likely to develop fibroids
than women who eat a lot of red meat and few vegetables.
* Some studies suggest the combined pill may protect against
fibroids by keeping hormone levels from peaking and falling. The
pill comes with its own set of side effects, however, so talk to
your doctor about whether it’s right for you.
Fibroids — Symptoms
It is estimated that 75% of women with fibroids do not have
symptoms, therefore many women don't know they have fibroids.
Whether or not you have symptoms depends on the size of the
fibroids and where they are in your womb. This also affects the
types of symptoms you are likely to have. For example, a small
fibroid in the wall of your womb probably won't cause any
problems, whereas a large fibroid growing outward from your womb
might press against your bladder, causing bladder problems.
The most common symptom of fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding.
Other symptoms include abdominal pain or pressure, changes in
bladder and bowel patterns and, in some cases, infertility.
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
Heavy bleeding may involve flooding (a sudden gush of blood), long
periods or passing large clots of blood. Heavy bleeding is not
always due to fibroids, but when it is, it is usually associated
with fibroids that grow into the womb (submucous). Although it is
unclear exactly why fibroids cause bleeding, it may be that they
stretch the lining of the womb, creating more lining to be shed
during a period.
Heavy bleeding can be distressing and can make every day
activities difficult. You will need to use extra sanitary
protection and will probably need to change towels or tampons
frequently. Some women with heavy bleeding feel they need to stay
near a toilet during their periods. This can greatly restrict
activity and may be frustrating or tiring.
Anaemia (iron deficiency)
Some women with fibroids and heavy bleeding develop anaemia as a
result of blood loss. Anaemia can make you feel weak, dizzy and
tired. If blood tests show that you have anaemia, ask your doctor
about supplements or changes in your diet that might help. Foods
such as liver, leafy green vegetables, dried fruit and even red
wine can help boost your iron levels.
Pain and pressure
Some women with fibroids experience painful periods, dull aches in
their thighs, back pain or constant pressure in the abdominal area
that feels like bloating or fullness.
Pain during your period may be due to large clots of blood pushing
through your cervix. Cramps could also be caused by the womb
trying to force out a submucous fibroid that is growing on a stalk
in the cavity of the womb.
Large fibroids can make the womb big and bulky, which can lead to
lower back pain or pelvic discomfort. Some women with fibroids
feel a dull ache in their thighs or develop varicose veins in
their legs. This happens when fibroids become so large they press
on nerves and blood vessels that extend to the legs.
Occasionally, fibroids can cause sudden severe pain in the pelvic
area or lower back. This may be due to a fibroid on a stalk (pedunculated)
that has become twisted. This kinks the blood vessels in the stalk
and cuts off the blood supply to the fibroid. If you feel sudden
severe pain and also have a fever or feel sick, you should see
your doctor. The fibroid may need to be removed or your doctor may
recommend bed rest and painkillers until the pain stops on its
own.
Pain during sex
Fibroids that press on the cervix or hang through the cervix into
the vagina can make penetrative sex painful and can also cause
bleeding during sex.
Bladder and bowel symptoms
Large subserous fibroids (on the outer part of the womb) can press
on your bladder or bowel, leading to one or more of the following
symptoms:
* Bladder
o frequent need to urinate
o leaking or dribbling urine
o urgent need to urinate, often passing only a small amount
o difficulty or inability to pass urine – this is very serious and
you should tell your doctor as you may need urgent care. A tube,
called a catheter, will be put into your bladder to empty it
o cystitis caused by trapped urine that becomes infected
* Bowel
o constipation
o haemorrhoids (piles)
Fibroids and pregnancy
Most fibroids do not get in the way of a pregnancy. They may cause
discomfort, but they generally do not cause any other problems.
Some fibroids in certain areas, however, can make conception
difficult or lead to miscarriage. Fibroids may press against, or
block the entrance to, the fallopian tubes, thus preventing the
egg from reaching the uterus. Submucous fibroids that grow inwards
into the womb are thought to cause recurrent miscarriage.
A fibroid can also interfere with labour and birth if it blocks
the passage to the birth canal. If this is the case, your doctor
may recommend a Caesarean section. Fibroids may increase your risk
of bleeding heavily after birth, and can increase the time it
takes for your womb to return to its normal size.
Just as fibroids can affect pregnancy, pregnancy can affect
fibroids. It is thought that fibroids grow during pregnancy
because of higher levels of oestrogen, but there is little
evidence to support this. Another effect of pregnancy on fibroids
is something called 'red degeneration.' This is when a fibroid’s
blood supply is cut off, causing it to turn red and die. It can
also happen outside of pregnancy but it usually occurs in the
middle weeks of a pregnancy. Red degeneration can cause intense
abdominal pains and contractions of the womb, which could lead to
early labour or miscarriage. If you feel these symptoms, tell your
doctor. The pain and contractions usually stop on their own but
your doctor may give you drugs to ease the pain and stop the
contractions more quickly.
Fibroids are never removed during a pregnancy because of the risk
of haemorrhage (bleeding).
Fibroids grow in the wall of
the womb
Fibroids grow in the
womb of a woman
Large fibroid uterus.
The ovaries and tubes are seen on both sides
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