All About Uterine Fibroids: Here's What You Need to Know.

By Moona Arabkhazaeli, MD
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

What are fibroids? 

Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (i.e. non-cancerous) muscle growths within the uterus. They can either be located on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal), embedded within the muscle layer of the uterus (intramural), or within or adjacent to the uterine cavity, right under the endometrial lining (submucosal).

 

How do I know if I have fibroids? 

If you have any of the symptoms or risk factors discussed above, bring it up to your doctor! He or she will first assess for typical fibroid symptoms and will likely perform a pelvic exam. Ultimately fibroids are best diagnosed on imaging, either ultrasound or MRI. 

What treatment options are available to me? 

Fortunately there are many treatment options available. The best option for you depends on your symptoms, the size and location your fibroids, and your treatment goals. Future blogposts will address these options in detail!

Are fibroids common? 

Fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80% of reproductive-age women. There is little known on why they affect some people and not others. One established risk factor is race; the incidence is two - to threefold greater in Black females. There is also a familial predisposition, if your mother, sister, grandmother etc. had fibroids, you may be at increased risk. Other possible minor risk factors include obesity, early age at first period, significant consumption of red meat, and never having children. 

What do fibroids do? 

In the majority of patients, nothing. Often people don't even know that they have them. However, if fibroids are of a certain size or certain location, they can cause heavy periods, painful periods, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary frequency, or issues with fertility. 

 

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