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Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths found in the walls of the uterus (womb). They are a common condition affecting many women.

Fibroids are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and vary in size. It's possible to have more than one fibroid. There are different types of fibroids depending where they are growing in your womb.

We do not know exactly what causes fibroids. However, they have been linked to the hormone estrogen which is produced by the ovaries.

You're more at risk of fibroids if you:

• are in your reproductive years, as this is when estrogen levels are high – fibroids shrink after menopause because estrogen levels get lower.
• have a family history of fibroids.
• are overweight – this increases the amount of estrogen your ovaries produce.

Symptoms of fibroids

Fibroids often cause no symptoms, or just minor ones. If a fibroid grows over time, though, it can cause symptoms such as:

• painful or heavy periods
• pain during sex
• lower back pain
• needing to wee (pass urine) more often
• tummy pain
• a swollen tummy
• constipation.

Rarely, fibroids can cause problems with getting pregnant.

If you think you may have fibroids you should make an appointment to see your GP.

Diagnosing fibroids

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, and will examine your pelvis. They may refer you to a hospital specialist called a gynaecologist.

Other tests may include an ultrasound scan, or a hysteroscopy which is when a gynaecologist passes a small tube, which has a camera, through your vagina and cervix to allow the doctor to look inside your womb. Sometimes they will do a laparoscopy, where a similar tube and camera is inserted into your tummy (abdomen) through your belly button. You can read more about laparoscopy in this leaflet.

Treating fibroids

If your fibroids cause no symptoms then you do not need any treatment. If they're causing a problem, treatment will depend on the type of fibroid, size and how many fibroids you have. Treatment options may include medication or surgery. Your doctor will discuss the different options with you.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Health Direct Australia – Fibroids

  An Australian site that has information including conditions, symptoms, treatments. You can choose to listen to the information on this page rather than read it – it takes three minutes.

• NHS – Fibroids

  This UK site provides extensive information about the different types of fibroids, how fibroids are diagnosed, possible treatment options and potential complications.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created September 2021.

Sources

Page reference: 876980

Review key: HIFIB-876980