Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are abnormal growths of muscle and tissue that form on the interior or exterior of the uterus. These typically benign tumors are very common; in fact, uterine fibroids are estimated to be present in up to 70% of women by the time they reach menopause.1
Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous solid tumors found in women. Risk of fibroid development typically increases with age from puberty to menopause. After menopause, most fibroids stop growing and may even shrink, and new fibroid growth is far less likely.
You may be at higher risk for uterine fibroids if you:
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, though research suggests their growth is impacted by reproductive hormone levels in the body.
Common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
Luckily, most uterine fibroids are asymptomatic, and only about 25% of uterine fibroids are symptomatic enough to require treatment.
In almost all cases, fibroid tumors are benign growths that do not develop into cancer. Cancer resulting from a fibroid growth is known as a leiomyosarcoma and occurs in less than 1% of all fibroid cases.7
However, some uterine fibroid symptoms are similar to the symptoms of uterine-related cancers like endometrial cancer. Benign fibroid symptoms include heavy bleeding, pressure, and pelvic pain, while uterine cancer would have symptoms of increasing pain due to the rapid growth of fibroids, severe anemia from extensive blood loss, and post-menopausal bleeding. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should see a physician for diagnostic testing to determine the cause.
The relationship between uterine fibroids and fertility depends largely on the size and location of the fibroids. Fibroids that bulge into or distort the center of the uterus (the uterine cavity) are more likely to interfere with conception or pregnancy.
Encouragingly, research has shown that uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) may improve fertility outcomes in some women who were previously unable to conceive due to fibroids, with successful pregnancies and live births reported after treatment.⁸ If preserving fertility is important to you, discussing all treatment options with both your OB-GYN and an interventional radiologist can help determine the best approach for your goals.
If your physician suspects you may have uterine fibroids, they’ll start with a complete medical history and a pelvic exam. They may take a look at the interior of your uterus using a hysteroscopy scope (a small lighted tube with a camera) or a transvaginal ultrasound. Other tests focusing on your abdominal area may include:
Because a high number of uterine fibroids are asymptomatic, patients receiving these tests for other reasons can be diagnosed with uterine fibroids as an incidental finding. In this case, the fibroids may not require immediate treatment and can be monitored over time for re-evaluation.
The right uterine fibroid treatment for you depends on the size, number, and locations of your fibroids, as well as their impact on your quality of life.
Waiting to treat symptomatic fibroids can have a range of negative consequences, including increased bleeding, iron deficiency, and worsening pain. Fibroids may interfere with IVF success or raise the risk of pregnancy complications.
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