Why do women get fibroids

Where can fibroids grow? Doctors put them into three groups based on where they grow: Submucosal sub-myoo-KOH-zuhl fibroids grow into the uterine cavity. Subserosal sub-suh-ROH-zuhl fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. What are symptoms of fibroids? Most fibroids do not cause any symptoms, but some women with fibroids can have: Heavy bleeding which can be heavy enough to cause anemia or painful periods Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area lower stomach area Enlargement of the lower abdomen Frequent urination Pain during sex Lower back pain Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a six-time greater risk of cesarean section Reproductive problems, such as infertility , which is very rare.

What causes fibroids? These factors could be: Hormonal affected by estrogen and progesterone levels Genetic runs in families Because no one knows for sure what causes fibroids, we also don't know what causes them to grow or shrink. Can fibroids turn into cancer? What if I become pregnant and have fibroids? The most common problems seen in women with fibroids are: Cesarean section.

The risk of needing a c-section is six times greater for women with fibroids. Baby is breech. The baby is not positioned well for vaginal delivery. Labor fails to progress. Placental abruption. The placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus before delivery.

When this happens, the fetus does not get enough oxygen. Preterm delivery. How do I know for sure that I have fibroids? These tests might include: Ultrasound — Uses sound waves to produce the picture. The ultrasound probe can be placed on the abdomen or it can be placed inside the vagina to make the picture.

A sonohysterogram involves injecting water into the uterus and making ultrasound pictures. There are two types of surgery to do this: Laparoscopy lap-ar-OSS-koh-pee — The doctor inserts a long, thin scope into a tiny incision made in or near the navel.

The scope has a bright light and a camera. This allows the doctor to view the uterus and other organs on a monitor during the procedure. Pictures also can be made. Hysteroscopy hiss-tur-OSS-koh-pee — The doctor passes a long, thin scope with a light through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. No incision is needed. The doctor can look inside the uterus for fibroids and other problems, such as polyps. A camera also can be used with the scope.

What questions should I ask my doctor if I have fibroids? How many fibroids do I have? What size is my fibroid s?

Where is my fibroid s located outer surface, inner surface, or in the wall of the uterus? Can I expect the fibroid s to grow larger? How rapidly have they grown if they were known about already? How will I know if the fibroid s is growing larger? What problems can the fibroid s cause? What tests or imaging studies are best for keeping track of the growth of my fibroids? What are my treatment options if my fibroid s becomes a problem? What are your views on treating fibroids with a hysterectomy versus other types of treatments?

How are fibroids treated? Some of these things include: Whether or not you are having symptoms from the fibroids If you might want to become pregnant in the future The size of the fibroids The location of the fibroids Your age and how close to menopause you might be If you have fibroids but do not have any symptoms, you may not need treatment. Medications If you have fibroids and have mild symptoms, your doctor may suggest taking medication. Surgery If you have fibroids with moderate or severe symptoms, surgery may be the best way to treat them.

Here are the options: Myomectomy meye-oh-MEK-tuh-mee — Surgery to remove fibroids without taking out the healthy tissue of the uterus. It is best for women who wish to have children after treatment for their fibroids or who wish to keep their uterus for other reasons. You can become pregnant after myomectomy. But if your fibroids were imbedded deeply in the uterus, you might need a cesarean section to deliver.

Myomectomy can be performed in many ways. It can be major surgery involving cutting into the abdomen or performed with laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. The type of surgery that can be done depends on the type, size, and location of the fibroids.

After myomectomy new fibroids can grow and cause trouble later. All of the possible risks of surgery are true for myomectomy. The risks depend on how extensive the surgery is. Hysterectomy hiss-tur-EK-tuh-mee — Surgery to remove the uterus. This surgery is the only sure way to cure uterine fibroids.

Fibroids are the most common reason that hysterectomy is performed. This surgery is used when a woman's fibroids are large, if she has heavy bleeding, is either near or past menopause, or does not want children. If the fibroids are large, a woman may need a hysterectomy that involves cutting into the abdomen to remove the uterus. If the fibroids are smaller, the doctor may be able to reach the uterus through the vagina, instead of making a cut in the abdomen. In some cases hysterectomy can be performed through the laparoscope.

Removal of the ovaries and the cervix at the time of hysterectomy is usually optional. Fibroids might grow back after surgery. If your condition worsens, or if no other treatments work, your physician may perform a hysterectomy. A newer and completely noninvasive surgical procedure is forced ultrasound surgery FUS. You lie down inside a special MRI machine that allows doctors to visualize the inside of your uterus.

High-energy, high-frequency sound waves are directed at the fibroids to ablate, or destroy, them. Myolysis procedures such as Acessa shrink fibroids using heat sources like an electric current or laser, while cryomyolysis freezes the fibroids. Endometrial ablation involves inserting a special instrument into your uterus to destroy the uterine lining using heat, electric current, hot water, or extreme cold. Another nonsurgical option is uterine artery embolization.

Your prognosis will depend on the size and location of your fibroids. Speak with your doctor if you expect to become pregnant and have fibroids. For women, sexual health significantly impacts overall health. Practicing safe sex, using contraception properly, and getting screened regularly for….

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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What are fibroids? What are the different types of fibroids? What causes fibroids? Who is at risk for fibroids? What are the symptoms of fibroids? Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage and can add weight.

Many women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But you might not know you have uterine fibroids because they often cause no symptoms.

Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound. Many women who have fibroids don't have any symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids. Fibroids are generally classified by their location. Seek prompt medical care if you have severe vaginal bleeding or sharp pelvic pain that comes on suddenly.

Doctors don't know the cause of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical experience point to these factors:. Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.

Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than typical uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production. Doctors believe that uterine fibroids develop from a stem cell in the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus myometrium.

A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary — they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to its usual size. There are few known risk factors for uterine fibroids, other than being a woman of reproductive age.

Factors that can have an impact on fibroid development include:. Although uterine fibroids usually aren't dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may lead to complications such as a drop in red blood cells anemia , which causes fatigue, from heavy blood loss. Rarely, a transfusion is needed due to blood loss.

Fibroids usually don't interfere with getting pregnant. However, it's possible that fibroids — especially submucosal fibroids — could cause infertility or pregnancy loss. Fibroids may also raise the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery. Although researchers continue to study the causes of fibroid tumors, little scientific evidence is available on how to prevent them.

Preventing uterine fibroids may not be possible, but only a small percentage of these tumors require treatment. But, by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating fruits and vegetables, you may be able to decrease your fibroid risk. Also, some research suggests that using hormonal contraceptives may be associated with a lower risk of fibroids. Uterine fibroids care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Fibroid locations Open pop-up dialog box Close. Fibroid locations There are three major types of uterine fibroids. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Can I get pregnant? Share on: Facebook Twitter.