Uterine Fibroids

The womb, or uterus, is a bundle of muscles. For unknown reasons, a part of this muscle sometimes forms a ball called a fibroid. These are called either uterine fibroids or fibroid tumors and are not cancerous. A fibroid can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids can be single or many. They can be on the surface, in the middle of the muscle, or hang into the cavity of the womb. Usually, they slowly grow larger. At menopause they tend to shrink in size. It is estimated one out of three women over 30 years of age has fibroids.

You may not know that you have fibroids because they often exist without any symptoms. Should there be symptoms, they may include:

• heavy periods

• pelvic pressure

• cramping and pain

• difficulty emptying your bladder and

• difficulty holding an early pregnancy

If you have fibroids and the symptoms are mild, there is no need for treatment. A yearly exam is usually all that is necessary. When the problem worsens, seek care and treatment.

There are several tests that may be done to measure the size, location, number and importance of fibroids:

• blood tests check for a low blood count from too much bleeding

• an ultrasound test measures the size and location of the fibroids

• x-rays identify blockage caused by the fibroids of the tubes leading from the kidneys to the bladder

• a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy are surgical procedures that allow a direct look inside the uterus or body

If treatment is necessary, medications and surgery may be used. Some medications can shrink the fibroids and stop periods in order to rebuild the woman's blood count. Then the fibroids can be removed more safely. A hysterectomy, or removal of the womb, may be needed or preferred depending on your stage of life.

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