Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths on or in your uterus. Not all fibroids cause symptoms,  but one in 3 women will get symptoms like heavy periods,  backache, frequent urination etc. Uterine fibroids are made of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue, and the size may vary from a pea to a melon.

They may be single or grow on clusters.  They can grow on the outer wall of the uterus or in the wall or into the cavity of the womb. These are very common and nearly 40 to 80 % women have fibroids.  This happens when you have small fibroids because you feel nothing unusual. 

The risk factors for utrine fibroids are:

1. Obesity

2. Family history of fibroids 

3. Not having children 

4. Having periods very early 

5. Late age at menopause 

These growths are dependent on estrogen and the fibroids shrink after menopause.

Fibroids can actually shrink over time.  But they increase in size when hormones increase as in pregnancy.  Women who get pregnant woth fibroids need to be monitored during pregnancy.  Fibroids are diagnosed by a pelvic exam which is done as part if a gynecological exam. Confirmation is done by USG, MRI, CT scan and hysteroscopy

Dr Rehana Kausar

Consultant Maternal and Child Health