A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop
uterine fibroids
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing fibroids. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
Ethnic Background
Black women tend to have more and larger fibroids at an earlier age. Asian women may have a lower risk.
Obesity
Women who are overweight or obese are also at
a slightly higher
risk for fibroids.
Gene Mutation
There may also be a genetic link in the development of fibroids.
Pregnancy
Women who have given birth appear to be at
lower
risk for uterine fibroids.
Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board Andrea Chisholm, MD
Last Updated: 12/19/2018
