Question 1

what causes uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Unknown: Fibroids are benign muscle tumors of the uterus. No one knows their cause. Like many tumors (ie: breast lumps) their cause is unknown.

Question 2

can uterine fibroids affect sex?

Accepted Answer

No: They are fibrous masses that take up space in your uterus, can cause excessive uterine bleeding, but do not affect sex.

Question 3

can uterine fibroid grow quickly?

Accepted Answer

Not likely: Uterine fibroids are benign growths of muscle from the uterine wall. Growth of fibroids is usually in response to hormones. Many women have uterine fibroids that are asymptomatic. Fast growth may signal a more serious process and you should see your physician.

Question 4

how do you treat uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Hysterectomy: Uterine fibroids are frequently treated with a hysterectomy.  Other treatments are Uterine Artery Embolization; Focused ultrasound; myomectomy; and in selected cases, Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids.   Best wishes!

Question 5

can uterine fibroids grow in size?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Fibroids grow all the time, in part due to female hormones. They stop growing from menopause or stopping your hormones with a Lupron (leuprolide) shot. Some fibroids grow slowly; fibroids in some women grow quickly.

Question 6

how much pain are uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Varies greatly: Fibroids are benign (non cancerous) tumors of the uterus that are associated with painful, heavy periods.  They can be treated with medications that are hormonal or non-hormonal, and they are also commonly treated surgically by removing the fibroid (s) or the entire uterus.

Question 7

how many women get uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

As many as 40%: At autopsy, as many as 40% of women have evidence of fibroids.  Fibroids are usually benign tumors of the uterus that are not symptomatic.  Sometimes fibroids can be painful, cause heavy bleeding, miscarriage, preterm labor, problems voiding or constipation.  Fast growing fibroids need to be monitored closely and may necessitate surgery.  Certain ethnicities have higher prevalence of fibroids.

Question 8

can a uterine fibroid be causing pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Fibroids can cause pain, especially as they grow. They can also cause bleeding and cramping.

Question 9

what are the tests for uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound &/or exam: Ultrasound can determine if there are fibroids, so can a pelvic exam in many cases. A better question is: why is this an issue? Some studies show that by a certain age most women have fibroids. So having a fibroid is common. Are they causing problems of bleeding, pain, size or pressure? Those questions are important when deciding if treatment is needed.

Question 10

how do i tell if i have uterine fibroids?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Many women have fibroids with no symptoms. Other women have pain or heavy bleeding. Your doctor can help evaluate with an exam and/or ultrasound.

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Doctor answers about:

Uterine fibroid

A member asked:

What causes uterine fibroids?

A member asked:

Can uterine fibroids affect sex?

A member asked:

Can uterine fibroid grow quickly?

A member asked:

How do you treat uterine fibroids?

A member asked:

Can uterine fibroids grow in size?

A member asked:

How much pain are uterine fibroids?

A member asked:

How many women get uterine fibroids?

A member asked:

Can a uterine fibroid be causing pain?

A member asked:

What are the tests for uterine fibroids?

A member asked:

How do i tell if i have uterine fibroids?

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