Female reproductive & breastBenign tumourICD-10 D25
Uterine fibroids
Also called: Leiomyomas, Myomas
Non-cancerous growths of the womb muscle, very common in women over 30. Many cause no symptoms; others cause heavy periods, pressure and pain.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Hormone-sensitive (oestrogen and progesterone) growth of smooth muscle cells
Risk factors
- Black ethnicity
- Age 30–50
- Obesity
- Family history
- Early periods
Symptoms
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Anaemia
- Pelvic pressure or swelling
- Frequent urination, constipation
- Pain during sex
- Fertility problems
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- Pelvic ultrasound
- MRI for surgical planning
- Blood count
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Tranexamic acid, NSAIDs
- Hormonal IUS or pill
- GnRH antagonist combinations (relugolix, linzagolix)
- Iron for anaemia
Operations and procedures
- Hysteroscopic removal of submucosal fibroids
- Myomectomy (preserves the uterus)
- Uterine artery embolisation
- Hysterectomy
Possible complications
- Anaemia
- Pregnancy complications
- Rarely degeneration or torsion
Prevention
- None proven
Outlook
Benign; they usually shrink after menopause.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for heavy periods, pelvic pressure or anaemia.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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