Uterine fibroid tumors are common during the childbearing years, affecting as many as 80 percent of women by age 50. Despite their prevalence, a fibroid tumor can often go unnoticed until painful, uncomfortable, and unpleasant symptoms arise, such as heavy periods, severe cramps, and low energy.
If you are experiencing fibroid tumor symptoms, you probably already know how challenging it can be to cope with this condition. For some, fibroid symptoms are completely debilitating –– impacting career, social life, personal relationships, and self-esteem.
The good news is that by learning more about uterine fibroids and potential treatment for fibroid tumors, you will be able to take control of your health bet...
Uterine fibroid tumors are common during the childbearing years, affecting as many as 80 percent of women by age 50. Despite their prevalence, a fibroid tumor can often go unnoticed until painful, uncomfortable, and unpleasant symptoms arise, such as heavy periods, severe cramps, and low energy.
If you are experiencing fibroid tumor symptoms, you probably already know how challenging it can be to cope with this condition. For some, fibroid symptoms are completely debilitating –– impacting career, social life, personal relationships, and self-esteem.
The good news is that by learning more about uterine fibroids and potential treatment for fibroid tumors, you will be able to take control of your health better. Whether you’ve been diagnosed already or are still searching for answers, our fibroid experts are here to guide you. Here’s everything you need to know about fibroid tumors in the uterus and what to do about them.
What is a Fibroid Tumor?
What are uterine fibroid tumors? Also known as leiomyomas, fibroids, or fibroid tumors –– fibroids are benign, noncancerous growths that can develop in or on the uterus. They form individually or in clusters, and typically range in size from a tiny pea to as large as a melon. Some of the largest ones can weigh more than twenty pounds.
Different types of fibroids exist based on their location.
Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular walls of the uterus
Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus
Submucosal fibroids grow in the lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium
Pedunculated fibroids are growths that attach to the wall by a stalk
Although fibroid tumors are not generally considered dangerous, uterine fibroids have the potential to harm surrounding organs, impact fertility, and cause a range of painful and undesirable symptoms.
Each body is different, and everyone experiences fibroids differently.
What Causes Fibroid Tumors?
Although doctors aren’t sure exactly what are fibroid tumor causes, factors that may influence their growth include:
Hormones
Genetics
Age
Studies indicate that fibroids tend to grow during times when the levels of hormones affecting the uterine lining –– such as estrogen and progesterone –– are high. For example, pregnancy is a common time for fibroid growth, whereas fibroid tumors tend to shrink after giving birth or beyond menopause.
Your age is an important risk factor. While you can develop fibroids at any age, if you are in your childbearing years, the odds of developing them are higher. On the other hand, women beyond age 50 are less likely to experience symptomatic fibroids.
Finally, there appears to be a genetic link. If you have a close female relative with fibroids, you are more likely to develop them. Also, women of African-American descent are disproportionately affected by fibroid tumors.
Fibroid Tumor Symptoms
The majority of people with uterine fibroids experience no noticeable symptoms. However, some cases of fibroids can be quite debilitating, and the condition can disrupt daily activities. Whether or not this occurs often depends on the fibroids’ size, number, and location. All of these factors can affect the severity of symptoms. Larger or multiple fibroids, for instance, are more likely to cause problems. Common symptoms of fibroid tumors include:
Pelvic pain or pressure
Heavy periods lasting 10 days or longer
Abnormal bleeding between periods
Pain during sexual intercourse
Lower back pain
Frequent need to urinate or trouble urinating
Heaviness or fullness of the abdomen
Anemia caused by heavy bleeding
Enlargement of the abdomen
You may notice only one of the above, several symptoms, or none at all. If you are experiencing any of these issues, reach out to your doctor or a fibroid specialist since it is important to seek a proper medical diagnosis. Similar symptoms may actually be signs of other, more serious reproductive tract conditions. Early detection is key for the most successful outcomes.
For additional help assessing your fibroid tumor symptoms, please feel free to use our online symptom checker. You may be relieved to learn that a lesser-known outpatient treatment –– involving a nonsurgical method –– is effective, widely available, and can alleviate your symptoms while retaining your fertility.
FIBROID SYMPTOM CHECKER
