Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are tumors that grow in a woman's womb (uterus). These growths are typically not cancerous (benign).

Fibroid tumors may not need to be removed if they are not causing pain, bleeding excessively, or growing rapidly.

Alternative Names

Leiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids; Uterine bleeding - fibroids; Vaginal bleeding - fibroids

Causes

Uterine fibroids are common. As many as one in five women may have fibroids during their childbearing years. Half of all women have fibroids by age 50.

Fibroids are rare in women under age 20. They are more common in African-Americans than White people.

No one knows exactly what causes fibroids. They are thought to be caused by:

Hormones in the body
Genes (may run in families)

Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. They can also grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus and may weigh several pounds or kilograms. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, most often there is more than one.

Fibroids can grow:

In the muscle wall of the uterus (myometrial)
Just under the surface of the uterine lining (submucosal)
Just under the outside lining of the uterus (subserosal)
On a long stalk on the outside the uterus or inside the uterus (pedunculated)

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Symptoms

Common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:

Bleeding between periods
Heavy bleeding during your period, sometimes with blood clots
Periods that may last longer than normal
Needing to urinate more often
Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
Feeling fullness or pressure in your lower belly
Pain during intercourse

Often, you can have fibroids and not have any symptoms. Your health care provider may find them during a physical exam or other test. Fibroids often shrink and cause no symptoms in women who have gone through menopause. A recent study also showed that some small fibroids shrink in premenopausal women.

Exams and Tests

Your provider will perform a pelvic exam. This may show that you have a change in the shape of your womb.

Fibroids are not always easy to diagnose. Being obese may make fibroids harder to detect. You may need these tests to look for fibroids:

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the uterus.
MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a picture.
Saline infusion sonogram (hysterosonography). Saline is injected into the uterus to make it easier to see the uterus using ultrasound.
Hysteroscopy uses a long, thin tube inserted through the vagina and into the uterus to examine the inside of the uterus.
Endometrial biopsy removes a small piece of the lining of the uterus to check for cancer if you have unusual bleeding.

Laparoscopy is performed when less-invasive surgery is desired. It is also called band-aid surgery because only small incisions need to be made to accommodate the small surgical instruments that are used to view the abdominal contents and perform the surgery.

Treatment

What type of treatment you have depends on:

Your age
Your general health
Your symptoms
Type of fibroids
If you are pregnant
If you want children in the future

Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:

Birth control pills to help control heavy periods
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) that release hormones to help reduce heavy bleeding and pain
Tranexamic acid to reduce the amount of blood flow
Iron supplements to prevent or treat anemia due to heavy periods
Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen for cramps or pain
Hormone therapy shots to help shrink fibroids (done only for a short time)
Watchful waiting. You may have pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while to check the fibroid's growth

Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:

Hysteroscopy. This procedure can remove fibroids growing inside the uterus.
Uterine artery embolization. This procedure stops the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die. This may be a good option if you want to have children in the future.
Myomectomy. This surgery removes the fibroids from the uterus. This also may be a good choice if you want to have children. It will not prevent fibroids from growing again.
Hysterectomy. This surgery removes the uterus completely. It may be an option if you do not want children, medicines do not work, and you cannot have any other procedures.

Support Groups

National Uterine Fibroid Foundation -- www.nuff.org

Outlook (Prognosis)

If you have fibroids without symptoms, you may not need treatment.

If you have fibroids, they may grow if you become pregnant. This is due to the increased blood flow and higher estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after your baby is born.

Possible Complications

Complications of fibroids include:

Severe pain or very heavy bleeding that needs emergency surgery.
Twisting of the fibroid. This can cause blocked blood vessels that feed the tumor. You may need surgery if this happens.
Anemia (not having enough red blood cells) from heavy bleeding.
Urinary tract infections: If the fibroid presses on the bladder, it can be hard to empty your bladder completely.
Infertility, in rare cases.

If you are pregnant, there's a small risk that fibroids may cause complications:

You may deliver your baby early because there is not enough room in your womb.
If the fibroid blocks the birth canal or puts the baby in a dangerous position, you may need to have a C-section.
You may have heavy bleeding right after giving birth.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your provider if you have:

Heavy bleeding, increased cramping, or bleeding between periods
Fullness or heaviness in your lower belly area

References

Dolan MS, Hill C, Valea FA. Benign gynecologic lesions: Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 18.

Ferri FF. Uterine fibroids. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2017. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2017:1322-1323.

Gupta JK, Sinha A, Lumsden MA, Hickey M. Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014;(12):CD005073. PMID: 25541260 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25541260.

Moravk MB, Bulun SE. Uterine fibroids. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Krester DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 131.

Panagiotopoulou N, Nethra S, Karavolos S, Ahmad G, Karabis A, Burls A. Uterine-sparing minimally invasive interventions in women with uterine fibroids: a systematic review and indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2014;93(9):858-867. PMID: 24909191 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24909191.

Rodriguez MI, Warden M, Darney PD. Intrauterine progestins, progesterone antagonists, and receptor modulators: a review of gynecologic applications. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010;202(5):420-428. PMID: 20031112 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20031112.