Condition guide
Fibroids
Muscular, almost always benign growths in the wall of the uterus. Up to 8 in 10 women develop them at some point.
8 in 10
Women develop fibroids by age 50
3×
More common in Black women
99%+
Are non-cancerous
What it is
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue. They can be as small as a seed or as large as a melon, and may grow inside the uterine cavity (submucosal), within the muscle wall (intramural), or on the outer surface (subserosal).
Infographic
Where fibroids grow
Fibroids are classified by their location in the uterus.
Common symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation or bloating
- Lower back pain
- Difficulty conceiving
Causes & risk factors
- Hormonal: oestrogen and progesterone fuel growth
- Genetic predisposition
- Higher risk with early menarche
- Obesity and vitamin D deficiency
Diagnosis
- Pelvic examination
- Transvaginal or pelvic ultrasound
- MRI for size and mapping
- Hysteroscopy if inside cavity
Treatment & management
Watchful waiting
Small, symptom-free fibroids may simply be monitored.
Medication
Hormonal options (e.g. GnRH analogues, hormonal IUD) can shrink fibroids or control bleeding.
Uterine artery embolisation
A minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood supply to fibroids.
Myomectomy
Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus — preferred if fertility is desired.
Hysterectomy
Definitive treatment when family is complete and symptoms are severe.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding (soaking a pad an hour for several hours), severe pelvic pain, fainting, or a sudden swelling abdomen.
Frequently asked
Do fibroids turn into cancer?
Almost never. Cancerous fibroids (leiomyosarcoma) occur in less than 1 in 1,000 cases.
Can I get pregnant with fibroids?
Many women do. Location matters more than size — submucosal fibroids most affect fertility.
Will fibroids come back after surgery?
Recurrence is possible after myomectomy but not after hysterectomy.
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