In this Article

• What are uterine growths?
• Uterine fibroids
• What are uterine fibroids?
• What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
• If uterine fibroids are benign, why are they the reason for so many hysterectomies?
• What are the complications of uterine fibroids?
• How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for uterine fibroids?
• Surgical removal of uterine fibroids
• Surgery for uterine fibroids
• Complications of uterine fibroid surgery
• Other medical treatment for uterine fibroids
• Adenomyosis
• What is adenomyosis?
• What are the symptoms of adenomyosis?
• How is adenomyosis diagnosed?
• How is adenomyosis treated?
• Uterine polyps
• What are uterine polyps?
• What are the symptoms of uterine polyps?
• How are uterine polyps diagnosed and treated?
• Uterine Growths Glossary
• Uterine Growths Index

If uterine fibroids are benign, why are they the reason for so many hysterectomies (surgeries performed to remove the uterus)?

The main answer is that uterine fibroids can cause bleeding. This bleeding can sometimes be significant and lead to anemia. Fibroids can also lead to complications as discussed in the next section. Fortunately, there are also many non-surgical means available to treat fibroids.

What are complications of uterine fibroids?

Fibroids themselves do not require treatment, but women with fibroids can develop complications as a result of fibroids, including bleeding and pelvic pain (as discussed above). It is because of symptoms that doctors may suggest treatment for a fibroid. Only 20 to 50% of women with fibroids have symptoms due to the condition, meaning bleeding or pelvic pressure.

In addition to bleeding and pelvic pressure, fibroids can cause recurrent miscarriage, infertility, premature labor, and labor complications. However, contrary to common myth, the current feeling is that the substantial majority of women with fibroids are able to have successful pregnancies unless the uterine cavity is unusually distorted.

How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?

Fibroids are diagnosed by performing a manual pelvic examination (bimanual examination) and confirmed by ultrasound. Ultrasound is harmless and does not involve any needles or injections. This test is similar to the one performed in pregnant women to view the developing fetus inside the uterus. Rarely, more complex imaging is used, but only in cases wherein the doctor cannot determine the exact nature of the mass found on the physical exam or ultrasound.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• leuprolide, Lupron - Information on the drug leuprolide (lupron) prescribed for the treatment of prostate cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, and central precocious puberty.
• Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
• Abdominal Pain - Learn about abdominal pain (pain in the stomach / abdomen) including causes, symptoms, how abdominal pain is diagnosed, and how abdominal pain is treated.

Read more Uterine Growths related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Gene Variant Raises Risk of Uterine Fibroids