uterine fibroid

Also known as leiomyoma of Corpus Uteri, uterine leiomyoma, plexiform leiomyoma, Uterus fibroma

uterine benign neoplasm derived from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus

Key facts

Other names: Uterine leiomyoma, uterine myoma, myoma, fibromyoma, fibroleiomyoma
Specialty: Gynecology , interventional radiology
Symptoms: Painful or heavy periods
Complications: Infertility
Usual onset: Middle and later reproductive years
Causes: Unknown
Risk factors: Family history, obesity , eating red meat
Diagnostic method: Pelvic examination , medical imaging
Differential diagnosis: Leiomyosarcoma , pregnancy , ovarian cyst , ovarian cancer
Treatment: Medications, surgery, uterine artery embolization
Medication: Ibuprofen , paracetamol (acetaminophen), iron supplements , gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist

Article

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, fibromyoma or fibroids, are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus, part of the female reproductive system. Most women with fibroids have no symptoms, while others may have painful or heavy menstrual bleeding. If large enough, they may push on the bladder, causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during penetrative sex or lower back pain. Someone can have one uterine fibroid or many. It is uncommon but possible that fibroids may make it difficult to become pregnant.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unclear. However, fibroids run in families and appear to be partly determined by hormone levels. Risk factors include obesity and eating red meat. Diagnosis can be performed by pelvic examination or medical imaging.