Uterine fibroids are tumors that develop on the uterine walls. In some women that can develop asymptomatically while in others, they can cause quite severe symptoms. The medical society is still uncertain about the exact cause of uterine fibroids but scientists link them with increased estrogen levels. Due to the fact that this condition can affect many women of childbearing age, we have gathered these seven facts about uterine fibroids.
1. Uterine fibroids are extremely common
Uterine fibroids are also called myomas and leiomyomas. This condition affects 80 percent of women by the age of 50, according to the National Institutes of Health. Many women develop them in their 40s and early 50s. However, many women have asymptomatic fibroids and don’t visit a gynecologist so the number of cases can be bigger.
2. Uterine fibroids are benign
Fibroids are benign tumors that don't turn into cancer. But they can cause the same symptoms as uterine sarcoma, a rare malignancy. The bad news is that scientists are still unable to develop a reliable method for identifying sarcoma. They usually find uterine sarcoma during surgery that is performed to remove fibroids.
3. Uterine fibroids may not cause any symptoms
As mentioned above, many women with uterine fibroids don’t experience any symptoms or have mild symptoms. Some women with fibroids may even become surprised when they’re discovered during a regular pelvic exam. However, in other women, fibroids can cause pelvic pain, pain during sex, lower back pain, pelvic pressure, and other symptoms.
4. Uterine fibroids can cause infertility
Indeed, many women with uterine fibroids can get pregnant and carry a baby. However, if fibroids grow near the fallopian tubes, they can block the passageway and interfere with egg fertilization.
The presence of uterine fibroids causes problems in 10% to 30% of pregnancy cases. The most common of them are miscarriage, early pregnancy hemorrhage, premature labor, and placental problems.
5. Uterine fibroids can make your periods heavy and painful
The most typical symptoms of fibroids are extremely heavy periods and perhaps blood clots. Severe cramping and pain can also be caused by uterine fibroids. But many women think that the aforementioned symptoms are normal for periods. If you noticed that your periods are extremely heavy and painful, it is better to contact your gynecologist and undergo a thorough diagnosis.
6. Uterine fibroids come in different forms
Fibroids can range in size from microscopic “seedlings” to large enough to change the shape and size of your uterus. Pedunculated fibroids develop on the serosa (outside wall of your uterus) and may grow on a narrow stem.
Uterine fibroids can also be categorized based on where they develop in your uterus. Intramural fibroids are those that develop within the uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity, and subserosal fibroids extend beyond the uterus.
7. Uterine fibroids may be left untreated
If you don’t experience any severe symptoms of uterine fibroids, they can be left untreated. Due to the fact that they don’t turn cancerous and don't cause any complications, treatment or surgery can be more harmful than watchful waiting. However, if you experience some symptoms of fibroids that interfere with your normal activities or cause discomfort, it is better to ask your gynecologist about fibroid removal.
The bottom line
Indeed, uterine fibroids can be left untreated if they don’t cause any symptoms. But you should understand that severe periods, pain during sex, and infertility can be caused by uterine fibroids. So if you experience some symptoms, it is better to undergo proper treatment to improve your well-being.
