9 Facts About Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecological conditions in women of childbearing age. While the diagnosis may sound alarming, in most cases, they are benign and easily treatable. It is important to understand the details of this condition to recognize symptoms early and seek medical help. In this article, we have gathered nine facts about uterine fibroids.

1. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop from the muscular layer of the uterus, the myometrium. Unlike malignant tumors, fibroids don’t spread to other organs or tissues. However, their size and location can affect a woman's well-being and quality of life. Despite being benign, fibroids require close monitoring because, in some cases, they can grow rapidly, cause pelvic pain, or lead to complications. 

2. Fibroids are very common

According to statistics, a significant percentage of women over 30 are diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Many women are unaware of the condition because it often causes no symptoms. Fibroids are usually discovered incidentally during a routine gynecological examination or ultrasound. Therefore, regular visits to the gynecologist are extremely important, even if no other symptoms are present.

3. The causes of fibroids are not yet fully understood

The exact reasons for their development are still unclear. However, it is known that hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, play a significant role. It is assumed that fibroids develop due to a hormonal imbalance. Heredity, obesity, late or absent pregnancies, and chronic inflammatory processes can also increase your risk of uterine fibroids. If fibroids have already occurred in the family, the risk of developing them may be increased. 

4. There are different types of fibroids

There are different types of fibroids, depending on their location:

• Intramural fibroids develop in the muscular layer of the uterus

• Subserosal fibroids grow outward toward the abdominal cavity

• Submucosal fibroids lie beneath the uterine lining and protrude into the uterine cavity
  
  

The location of the fibroid significantly determines the symptoms and treatment options. 

5. Symptoms can vary

Fibroids often cause no discomfort, especially when they are small. However, as they grow, characteristic symptoms appear:

• Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding

• Spotting between periods

• Lower abdominal pain

• Beneath pressure in the pelvic area

• Frequent urination
  
  

Sometimes, fibroids cause anemia due to chronic blood loss. It is important not to ignore these symptoms and to consult a fibroid doctor ASAP. 

6. Fibroids can affect fertility

Depending on their size and location, they can make pregnancy difficult or cause complications during pregnancy. This is especially true for submucosal fibroids that distort the uterine cavity. However, many women with fibroids do become pregnant and give birth to healthy children. The likelihood of a successful pregnancy depends on the individual clinical situation and appropriate medical monitoring.

7. Surgery is not always necessary

The diagnosis of fibroids doesn’t necessarily require surgery. If fibroids are small and don’t cause any significant discomfort, the doctor may recommend watchful waiting and regular check-ups.

There are drug treatments that aim to reduce fibroid growth. Modern minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine artery embolization, are also used. The choice of treatment depends on the woman's age, her desire to have children, and the size and location of the fibroid.

8. Fibroids rarely develop into cancer

One of the most common concerns is the risk of malignant transformation. In fact, the likelihood of a fibroid becoming malignant is extremely low. Uterine sarcoma is a rare condition that usually develops independently of fibroids. However, changes in your health, rapid growth of fibroids, or the occurrence of new symptoms require consultation with a specialist.

9. Lifestyle plays a role

Although the development of fibroids cannot be completely prevented, some factors can be influenced. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet has a positive effect on hormone levels. It is also important to treat fibroids promptly and not delay seeing a doctor. Preventive examinations help detect fibroids at an early stage, when treatment is most effective.