Uterine fibroids are a type of non-cancerous tumors that typically grow in the uterus during childbearing years. These growths may cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder.

In this article, we will explore the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for uterine fibroids.

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown. However, experts suggest that there may be a combination of factors that contribute to their development:.

Genetics: A family history of fibroids may increase a woman’s risk of developing them.
Hormones: Estrogen and progesterone are hormones that stimulate the growth of the lining of the uterus. Fibroids may develop when the balance of these hormones is disrupted.
Aging: Uterine fibroids become more common as women approach menopause.

Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids

There are various factors that may increase a woman’s risk of developing fibroids:.

Being of African American descent: African American women are at a higher risk of developing fibroids at a younger age and experiencing more severe symptoms.
Family history: Women who have a family member with fibroids are more likely to develop them.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase a woman’s risk of fibroids.
Early onset of menstruation: Women who start menstruating before the age of 10 are at a higher risk of developing fibroids.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Many women with uterine fibroids may not experience any symptoms. However, if you have fibroids, you may experience:.

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
Painful periods
Lower back pain
Pelvic pain or pressure
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Frequent urination
Constipation

Diagnosis of Uterine Fibroids

If you suspect that you have uterine fibroids, your doctor may recommend a pelvic exam to check for any abnormalities in your uterus. Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids

Treatment for uterine fibroids may depend on various factors, including the size and location of the fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms. Treatment options may include:.

Watchful waiting: If your fibroids are small and not causing any symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring them and waiting to see if they grow or cause any problems.
Medication: Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills or progesterone, may help to alleviate symptoms by reducing the size of the fibroids.
Non-invasive procedures: Procedures such as ultrasound fibroid ablation or MRI-guided focused ultrasound may be used to destroy the fibroids without invasive surgery.
Surgical procedures: If your fibroids are causing severe symptoms or are impacting your quality of life, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of the fibroids or a hysterectomy.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids are a common condition that can cause a range of symptoms. The exact cause of fibroids is still unknown, but various factors, such as genetics and hormones, may contribute to their development.

Treatment options for fibroids depend on the size, location, and severity of symptoms, and may include medication, non-invasive procedures, or surgical removal.