Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue. They have firm, rubbery consistency and may be located on the surface of the uterus or inside the muscle or cavity of the uterus. Fibroids may be singular or multiple in numbers and vary in size from minuscule to very large.

Who is at risk to develop fibroids?

• Race/Ethnicity – most common in African American women
• Also prevalent in Southeast Asian women
• Family history/genetic – patients at risk have positive family history of fibroids in other family members
• Obesity is a known risk factor
• Exposure to Estrogen in early menarche and late menopause

 What are signs and symptoms of Fibroids?

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Pain with penetrative intercourse
• Increase in abdominal girth
• Urinary frequency or urgency
• Constipation
• Infertility or Miscarriage

 How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

• Gynecological Physical Exam
• Pelvic/Abdominal Ultrasound
• MRI
• Hysteroscopy

How are Fibroids treated?

• Expectant management – close observation
• Hormonal therapy to reduce the size of fibroids – GnRh agonists and antagonists