Conditions InDepth: Uterine Fibroids

(Fibroids; Myomas; Fibromyomas; Leiomyomas)

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD

 

Uterine fibroids are growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. This is the organ where the fetus develops. Women in their 40s and early 50s are more likely to develop fibroids.

Fibroids vary in size from very small, one inch or less (the size of a pea), to eight or more inches in diameter (the size of a grapefruit). These growths are not cancerous. Usually more than one fibroid is present.

Uterine Fibroid

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• What are the risk factors for fibroids? • What are the symptoms of fibroids? • How are fibroids diagnosed? • What are the treatments for fibroids? • Are there screening tests for fibroids? • How can I reduce my risk of fibroids? • What questions should I ask my doctor? • What is it like to live with fibroids? • Where can I get more information about fibroids?

REFERENCES:

Leiomyoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ . Updated May 22, 2012. Accessed August 16, 2012.

Uterine fibroids. The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nuff.org/health_riskfactors.htm . Accessed August 16, 2012.

Uterine fibroids fact sheet. Womens Health.gov website. Available at: http://www.womensh... . Updated May 13, 2008. Accessed August 16, 2012.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Andrea Chisholm
Last Updated: 09/11/2012